The Liturgy Course: Why Closed Communion?
August 29, 2025
As a wag has said, it's easier to believe that bread really becomes the Body of Christ than it is to believe that the host is really bread.
Bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ during the Eucharistic Prayer at Mass.
Catholics hold strongly the belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
"Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof," we say. Then we go to Communion anyways.
Many Catholics go to Confession as part of their preparation for Christmas. A lot of people who shop, bake, mail, and party throughout December know there is a deeper reason for all this activity.
The Catholic Church encourages all members to confess sins, but many senior citizens find themselves in a bind.
After we confess our sins, it is customary for the priest to recommend an Act of Penance or some "satisfaction" for the offenses.
The Catholic Church treasures the Sacrament of Penance. Many parishes offer a communal celebration of penance, especially during Advent or Lent.
Whenever Catholics celebrate Baptism at Mass, all the faithful renew their Baptismal promises.
After you were baptized, your name was inscribed in the Baptism register of the Catholic parish where the event took place.
