The robe and the net” “

It should not be forgotten that “the Eucharist is the ultimate goal of the ecumenical process aimed at seeking unity in faith. Since the end of ecumenism is unity, the celebration of the Eucharist clearly cannot be the means to bring about unification. Until unity of the faith is achieved, that unity cannot be anticipated. Only in light of a unity which presupposes and is confirmed by the Eucharist can the true meaning of ‘intercommunion’ be understood”. That is the “heart” of the message that emerges from the paragraphs dedicated to ecumenism (nos. 85-87) of the Instrumentum Laboris “Eucharist: source and culmination of the mission of the Church” of the Synod of Bishops. The document – which will form the basis for the work at the 11th ordinary general Assembly of the Synod of Bishops – was presented in the Vatican on Thursday 7 July. It appeals for the avoidance of “two opposite extremes: complete exclusion based on prejudice and relativism. The proper response in ecumenism requires maintaining a sound approach, while preserving the truth about the Sacrament and our Catholic identity”. EUCHARIST AND UNITY. “In the eucharistic prayer, the Church supplicates the Almighty to grant her also the gift of unity”. “Unfortunately, throughout history, Christianity has experienced grievous divisions in various Churches and ecclesial communities. In response to this sin, which is the source of scandal for the world, we need to pray and work to recompose the one seamless robe of Jesus and ensure that the net of the fishers of men be maintained intact”. “Ecumenism is certainly a gift of the Holy Spirit and an inevitable path for the Church”. WITH THE ORIENTAL CHURCHES. “This urgent and inescapable task particularly concerns the Eastern Oriental Churches, which are not yet in full communion with us. Since the Catholic Church acknowledges the validity of their Sacrament of the Eucharist, it is permissible, under certain conditions, for Catholics to receive Holy Communion in these Churches. Likewise, members of these Churches can also be welcomed at the Table of the Lord in the Catholic Church, when they are unable to approach a validly ordained priest in their own Church”. IN ECUMENICAL MEETINGS. “Ecumenical meetings are a privileged occasion for better understanding the Church’s doctrine on the Eucharist and Christian unity. While painfully accepting the divisions which forestall communal participation at the Table of the Lord, the Church does not cease to encourage people to pray for the return of the days when all believers enjoyed full unity in Christ. Some Lineamenta responses, however, mention that at such meetings Catholics sometimes lack clarity in presenting Eucharistic doctrine. In some cases, these meetings deliberately do not include the Eucharist among the various celebrations, while others include it and invite all, without distinction, to receive Holy Communion. Some also lament problems created by some Protestant communities that seek conversions among immigrants, especially Spanish-speaking immigrants, inviting them to attend their religious services which are oftentimes called ‘Mass'”. INTERCOMMUNION: PRECISE NORMS EXIST. “The division between Christians is a cause of great suffering. Working to re-establish communion with our separated brothers, who do not have the same understanding of faith in the presence of Christ in the Eucharist, is indispensable. In this regard, there exist precise canonical norms and a clear teaching of the Magisterium of the Church, which stimulates us to continue in the search for unity, though always making explicit the reasons that prevent full communion and regulate communion in sacris“. ERRORS TO BE AVOIDED. “Some Lineamenta responses also allude to cases of an ill-interpreted egalitarianism which has led to certain errors. Many presume to receive communion in sacris without a proper faith in the Sacrament and full Communion with the Church. This attitude is surprising, since it makes no sense not to belong to a Church community and, at the same time, to want to receive the Eucharist, which is a sign of belonging to that community, or not to accept the Pastors and doctrine of the Church and, at the same time, to want to take part in the sacraments celebrated by them. This way of thinking might come from a lack of clarity in the difference between the unity of the Church and the unity of the human race: the first is the sign and instrument of the second, which has yet to be accomplished”. SOME POSSIBILITIES. “…when non-Catholics are present at a celebration of the Eucharist in a Catholic church, the celebrant, in some cases, invites them to approach the altar, not to receive Holy Communion, but to be given a blessing. The same is done in the distribution of the antidoron in the Byzantine rite. On these occasions the Catholic teaching on Holy Communion is observed and presented without compromises. Ecumenical meetings in various countries celebrate a Liturgy of the Word to avoid any misunderstanding about the Sacrament of the Eucharist. When non-Catholics or non-Christians participate in Holy Mass, a booklet with essential explanations of the celebration would be very useful, so that they can follow what takes place”.