(catholic) question about mass

[swift]

Wife teaches rite of Christian initiation for adults. She says that you say 'amen' after 'body of Christ' and 'amen' after 'blood of Christ'. The wine is not considered a necessary part of communion and many forego it.

[TrailerparkTrash]

I'm not of the Catholic tradition yet the historical record is clear. If there were no Roman and Eastern churches early on, there would be no Christianity. The term "Catholic" meaning "universal", almost all Christian traditions share about 80% or more of the univkersal, or catholic with a small "c" Christian beliefs. If we focus on shared beliefs instead of the differences, then we gain understanding. Though a traditional Presbyterian, I find I have more in common with Catholic believers than I do with folks telling me I'm in serious error if I don't use the King James Bible; or that I don't have the Holy Spirit if I don't speak in tongues. I don't want to start a debate, I'm just advocating for respect. In agreement unity, in disagreement liberty, and in all things charity.

Since you brought it up, just a quick clarification here.... "Christians" and "Christianity" existed long before the Orthodox or Roman Catholic denominations ever existed. "Christianity" was already recognized in Antioch as documented by Luke, with the preaching of Barnabas and Saul (Paul):

Acts 11:25-26 (NIV-1984)
Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26-and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

Roman Catholicism didn't even officially exist until the great Schism which occurred in 1054 A.D. The Holy Spirit will be found by people who seek Him (Jeremiah 29:13), regardless of any denomination out there.

[madland]

If you're a Catholic 2-timer..meaning you usually go to mass 2x per year..Easter and Christmas..you most likely haven't gone to confession either. In which case if you decide to go to Communion..you simply cross your arms across your chest and receive a blessing from the priest. You still say "amen" and bless yourself after.
I've never been one to drink the wine. My biggest reason is I'm a bit of a germaphobe when it comes to drinking out of a cup that a bunch of strangers just finished using before me. Regardless of the fact that one of the Deacons may have wiped the rim off..and just can't bring myself to do it. YMMV.
My .02

[TrailerparkTrash]

I've never been one to drink the wine. My biggest reason is I'm a bit of a germaphobe when it comes to drinking out of a cup that a bunch of strangers just finished using before me. Regardless of the fact that one of the Deacons may have wiped the rim off..and just can't bring myself to do it.

I don't blame you. I grew up in a Lutheran Church as a kid. During communion the Pastor walked around the altar while the parishioners came up in groups and knelt down. The pastor had a tray with holes in it that held like 50 tiny little communal "shot glasses" in them with the wine.

Everybody got a clean glass. They had numerous trays with alter boys and an assistant pastor passing them out like an assembly line. At least everyone got their own clean glass. The used glass went into a bin on our walk off of the alter and back into the pews.

[MotoriousRacing]

Wife teaches rite of Christian initiation for adults. She says that you say 'amen' after 'body of Christ' and 'amen' after 'blood of Christ'. The wine is not considered a necessary part of communion and many forego it.

This, but also do the sign of the cross after each 'amen'. I went through the RCIA and was baptized last year.

I believe the wine became optional due to the potential threat of germs and because of the AA crowd. At my parish, the Eucharistic ministers wipe the chalice with a clean cloth, then move to a new place on the cloth each time they wipe.

[TrailerparkTrash]

At my parish, the Eucharistic ministers wipe the chalice with a clean cloth, then move to a new place on the cloth each time they wipe.

That's still gross.