![[photo of pastor]](Fuller2.jpg)
St. Philip Neri's Pastor,
Father Timothy M. Fuller
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St. Philip Neri's Pastor, |
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The word “catholic” means, “universal,” “all embracing” or “of the whole.” Sunday after Sunday we say, “I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.” One of the differences between being a Protestant and a Catholic is that Catholics do not believe that each parish/congregation is independent of the Church throughout the whole. Christ did not found a congregation or a parish but a Church for the whole world. Our parish is a small part of that Church. We are tied to Christ’s one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church throughout the world by our bond with the Archbishop and the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. The needs of our brothers and sisters throughout the Archdiocese and the global Church are part of our responsibility as Catholics.
Please seriously pray about your stewardship giving to the Archdiocese as well as other special collections. Please take the obligations of supporting the Church seriously. |
Because the Catholic Church views Holy Communion (or the “Eucharist” as it is more commonly known) as the actual Body and Blood of Christ and not as a mere memorial, it is treated with greater gravity than it is in many Christian communities. Because of this, the Church may only distribute the Eucharistic Body and Blood of the Lord to faithful Catholic believers. The Eucharist for us is not a symbol of Christ’s Body and Blood, but we believe that bread and wine are truly changed into His Body and Blood. This follows the ancient Christian understanding of St. John’s Gospel, Chapter 6. For the Church, reception of the Eucharist also implies agreement of faith and belief. The Eucharist is a sign of unity. Since most other Christian groups do not agree with the Catholic Church on many doctrinal issues, especially the teaching on the Eucharist, an invitation to Holy Communion cannot be extended to non-Catholic Christians. This is not meant to offend or ostracize other Christians; it is a simple but sad fact that Christians are not united in faith as the Lord intended. Our Lord Himself prayed for unity among His followers (Jn. 17:20-21). We cannot pretend that unity of faith among Christians does not matter or act as if unity is achieved by receiving Holy Communion when in fact unity does not exist. We are called to pray for that day when Christian unity becomes a reality by God’s power and our cooperation. Please know that Catholics will not and should not come forward for Holy Communion if they have not made regular Confession or feel they have not prepared themselves properly to receive the Holy Gifts of the Eucharist. These things are expected of members of the Catholic Church.
Any Christian is welcome to come forward at the time of Holy Communion with hands crossed over the chest to receive a blessing from the priest or deacon or a prayer from one of the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. |
