Posted: 1/31/2005 9:06:00 PM EDT
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I have researched in vain the common practice in the RCC of giving communion to the congregation in only one kind - that is, the Host only, with the congregation not partaking of the wine. I know (and agree) that the entire Eucharist is contained in each specie (i.e., that there is nothing defective or incomplete in communicating in only one kind). However, I have been able to find nothing to explain the history or purpose of the practice. I know of no other Christian denoimination which customarily gives communion in only one kind. For incipient wiseasses, I know that Google is my friend; it's just not particularly helpful on this point. So, can anybody shed light on this practice? |
I don't know if I am answering the question but as far as when I was growing up, all we were given was the wafer or "body of Christ". Now this is RC Church I speak of. I have seen other christian churches give both the wafer (body of Christ) and the wine (blood of Christ). Hope I got it right. 
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It is NOT a common practice to only give one form of Eucharist in the Catholic Church. Maybe that is why you can find nothing of the subject. It may be practiced in a certain parish this way, but this is not Doctrine to offer only the Host. Members can elect to only receive one form at the alter, but both are offered in every Mass. Might I ask why you think this? And why ask this question here of all places? |
I think it because I know it to be common. I have been to a lot of RCC Masses (parochial schools for about 6 years), and have seen many of them on TV, and I have never seen wine offered to the congregation (unless it's "offered" in some invisible technical sense - like "if you ask ahead of time"). I mean never. As I thought I said, I have seen plenty on the subject, but it consists entirely of defenses of the practice of offering communion in only one kind. The fact that the practice is defended tends to confirm my observation, to-wit: the practice exists. I'm not sure what you mean by "here of all places," but this is a place where people of generally like mind can discuss whatever they wish. You have a better place? ETA: here's a typically impenetrable defense of a practice you seem to think rare: www.newadvent.org/cathen/04175a.htm |