Eucharistic discipline
Encyclopedia
Eucharistic discipline is the term applied to the regulations and practices associated with an individual preparing for the reception of the Eucharist
. Different traditions require varying degrees of preparation, which may include a period of fasting
, prayer
, repentance
, and confession
.
should first make a sacramental confession
: otherwise that person commits a sacrilege
. A sacrilege is the irreverent treatment of sacred things. Deliberate and irreverent treatment of the Eucharist is the worst of all sacrileges, as this quote from the Council of Trent shows:
"As of all the sacred mysteries ...none can compare with the ...Eucharist, so likewise for no crime is there heavier punishment to be feared from God than for the unholy or irreligious use by the faithful of that which...contains the very Author and Source of holiness." (De Euch., v.i).
The above applies to both Latin and Eastern Catholics. In addition, they abstain from food and drink (except water and medicine) for at least one hour before receiving, and believe truly in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. The discipline for Eastern Catholics generally requires a longer period of fasting and some Latin Catholics observe the earlier (pre-1955) discipline of fasting from the previous midnight.
The official regulations of the Latin Church are found in Book IV, Part I, Title III, Chapter I, Article 2 (Participation in the Holy Eucharist) of the Code of Canon Law
:
Eastern Catholic Churches have rules that do not necessarily correspond to those of the Latin Church. The rules of the Eastern Catholic Churches of Byzantine
tradition correspond to those of the Eastern Orthodox Church
, as detailed in the next section.
or sunset
the night before, and the abstinence from marital relations extends through the preceding day (for which reason married priests may not celebrate the Holy Liturgy daily) and in some places (notably in Russia), a married priest sleeps in a separate bed from his wife the night before celebrating the Liturgy. Fasting in monastic practice can be even more strict, requiring a strict fast for the previous day as well. During this fasting period, many faithful will keep a period of quiet reflection; for example, by limiting or turning off their television
and by reading devotional
literature
.
Fasting regulations are often relaxed for pregnant women, the ill, the elderly, and young children. Whether menstruating
women should be permitted to receive the Eucharist is a matter of some controversy http://www.stnina.org/journal/art/3.2.2. Traditional churches do not allow menstruating women to enter the nave
of the church or receive any of the Sacred Mysteries
(Sacraments) except in extremis
; while some other churches permit both. Men also who are bleeding, for instance from a recently extracted tooth, should not receive Holy Communion unless they are in danger of death.
Orthodox Christians typically receive the Mystery of Confession
before receiving the Eucharist. Those receiving the Eucharist infrequently will usually go to confession before each time, while those receiving on a regular basis will go to confession more frequently—typically, once a month. However, for those who are either mentally incapable of recognising or recalling their sin
s, or who are mentally or physically incapable of communicating their sins to a priest
, this requirement is dispensed with, just as it is for very young children.
In some parts of the Russian church
, the day before receiving Holy Communion, there is a custom that each person who intends to communicate, in addition to reading the Morning and Evening Prayers and attending Vespers
the night before, reads three devotional canons
and an akathist
. The canons will usually be to the Lord
, the Theotokos
and the Guardian Angel
. There is a tradition, among those who have the liturgical resources, to chant the following canons according to the day of the week:
For Pascha
(Easter) and Bright Week
, the requirement for three canons and an akathist is usually relaxed.
In all Orthodox churches, special pre- and post-Communion prayers are recited by the faithful before and after the Eucharist. In current practice, at least a portion of the pre-Communion prayers are usually recited during the Divine Liturgy
. These prayers express humility
and the communicants' sense of unworthiness for the gift they are about to receive. The post-Communion prayers
are often read aloud by a single member of the congregation (often a reader) after the end of the Liturgy and during the Veneration of the Cross. These prayers of thanksgiving
express the communicants' joy at having received Christ "for the healing of soul and body."
However, some Anglicans and Episcopalians, especially Anglo-Catholics and those of the High Church
party, observe the practice of fasting for one hour before receiving Communion, while others abstain from any food or drink from midnight until the time of communing.
Anglicans also believe in the real, objective presence of Jesus Christ in the holy sacrament.
, the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ is believed to be really present
in the sacrament
of the Euchatist (see Sacramental Union
). Those who believe this, trusting that their sins are forgiven when they receive it, are worthy communicants. They are given the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation through this Means of Grace
.
Lutherans are taught to prepare to receive this sacrament through prayerful reflection upon their sinful nature, their need for a Savior, the promise that their sins are forgiven for the sake of Jesus' death on the Cross, and that the Eucharist gives this forgiveness to them. "Fasting and bodily preparation are indeed a fine outward training," Martin Luther
said, "but he is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words, "given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins."
Most Lutherans (such as LCMS, WELS
, ELS
, and many in the ELCA
) practice closed communion and require catechetical
instruction for all people before receiving the Eucharist. Failing to do so is condemned by most Lutherans as the sin of unionism. Lutherans restrict communicants to members of their own Synod and those churches and Synods with whom they share “alter and pulpit fellowship”, which may mean excluding even other Lutherans from Eucharistic reception.
Recently, more liberal ELCA Lutheran churches, however, have begun practicing open communion
(meaning the Eucharist is offered to adults without receiving the catechetical instruction, as long as they are a baptized believer in Christ).
The timing of First Communion
also varies. Historically, First Communion was delayed until after an individual had completed catechism
classes and been confirm
ed, but gradually the timing of First Communion shifted so that it was administered before Confirmation rather than after, sometimes even as a public beginning to the Confirmation process. In many Lutheran churches, the average age of first communion is somewhere between the ages of seven and ten, though a considerable number of Lutheran churches offer First Communion even earlier. In North America, the time for administering First Communion is usually determined by the parents in consultation with the local pastor, but some Synods may have guidelines which prevent communion before a specific minimum age.
Unbaptized persons who respond to the invitation are urged to be instructed in and receive baptism as soon as possible, as Methodism recognises that in normal circumstances, baptism should be a prerequisite to a person's partaking in the Eucharist.
However, the Westminster Larger Catechism has rather extensive instructions on how those who "receive the sacrament of the Lord's supper are, before they come, to prepare themselves unto . . . ." Specifically, they are to prepare "by examining themselves of their being in Christ, of their sins and wants; of the truth and measure of their knowledge, faith, repentance; love to God and the brethren, charity to all men, forgiving those that have done them wrong; of their desires after Christ, and of their new obedience; and by renewing the exercise of these graces, by serious meditation, and fervent prayer."
Westminster Larger Catechism, Q. 171.
Therefore, the Presbyterian Church in America's Directory for the Worship of God advises that a week's notice be given to the congregation prior to the administration of the Lord's supper:
"It is proper that public notice should be given to the congregation, at least the Sabbath before the administration of this ordinance, and that, either then, or on some day of the week, the people be instructed in its nature, and a due preparation for it, that all may come in a suitable manner to this holy feast."
PCA Book of Church Order, Directory for the Worship of God, ch. 58, para. 3.; see also Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Book of Order, Directory for Worship, W-3.3609 (requiring one week's notice if the sacrament is not observed weekly); Orthodox Presbyterian Church Book of Church Order, Directory for the Public Worship of God, ch. IV, para. 1. (requiring "adequate preparation").
The Westminster Larger Catechism also provides extensive instructions on "what is required of them that receive the sacrament of the Lord's supper" during and after its administration. http://www.ccel.org/ccel/anonymous/westminster2.html
Eucharist
The Eucharist , also called Holy Communion, the Sacrament of the Altar, the Blessed Sacrament, the Lord's Supper, and other names, is a Christian sacrament or ordinance...
. Different traditions require varying degrees of preparation, which may include a period of fasting
Fasting
Fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. An absolute fast is normally defined as abstinence from all food and liquid for a defined period, usually a single day , or several days. Other fasts may be only partially restrictive,...
, prayer
Prayer
Prayer is a form of religious practice that seeks to activate a volitional rapport to a deity through deliberate practice. Prayer may be either individual or communal and take place in public or in private. It may involve the use of words or song. When language is used, prayer may take the form of...
, repentance
Repentance
Repentance is a change of thought to correct a wrong and gain forgiveness from a person who is wronged. In religious contexts it usually refers to confession to God, ceasing sin against God, and resolving to live according to religious law...
, and confession
Confession
This article is for the religious practice of confessing one's sins.Confession is the acknowledgment of sin or wrongs...
.
Roman Catholic practice
Sufficient spiritual preparation must be made by each Roman Catholic prior to receiving Holy Communion. A Catholic in a state of mortal sinMortal sin
Mortal sins are in the theology of some, but not all Christian denominations wrongful acts that condemn a person to Hell after death. These sins are considered "mortal" because they constitute a rupture in a person's link to God's saving grace: the person's soul becomes "dead", not merely weakened...
should first make a sacramental confession
Confession
This article is for the religious practice of confessing one's sins.Confession is the acknowledgment of sin or wrongs...
: otherwise that person commits a sacrilege
Sacrilege
Sacrilege is the violation or injurious treatment of a sacred object. In a less proper sense, any transgression against the virtue of religion would be a sacrilege. It can come in the form of irreverence to sacred persons, places, and things...
. A sacrilege is the irreverent treatment of sacred things. Deliberate and irreverent treatment of the Eucharist is the worst of all sacrileges, as this quote from the Council of Trent shows:
"As of all the sacred mysteries ...none can compare with the ...Eucharist, so likewise for no crime is there heavier punishment to be feared from God than for the unholy or irreligious use by the faithful of that which...contains the very Author and Source of holiness." (De Euch., v.i).
The above applies to both Latin and Eastern Catholics. In addition, they abstain from food and drink (except water and medicine) for at least one hour before receiving, and believe truly in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. The discipline for Eastern Catholics generally requires a longer period of fasting and some Latin Catholics observe the earlier (pre-1955) discipline of fasting from the previous midnight.
The official regulations of the Latin Church are found in Book IV, Part I, Title III, Chapter I, Article 2 (Participation in the Holy Eucharist) of the Code of Canon Law
Canon law (Catholic Church)
The canon law of the Catholic Church, is a fully developed legal system, with all the necessary elements: courts, lawyers, judges, a fully articulated legal code and principles of legal interpretation. It lacks the necessary binding force present in most modern day legal systems. The academic...
:
- Can. 916: A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to celebrate Mass or receive the body of the Lord without previous sacramental confession unless there is a grave reason and there is no opportunity to confess; in this case the person is to remember the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition which includes the resolution of confessing as soon as possible.
- Can. 919: §1. A person who is to receive the Most Holy Eucharist is to abstain for at least one hour before holy communion from any food and drink, except for only water and medicine.
-
- §2. A priest who celebrates the Most Holy Eucharist two or three times on the same day can take something before the second or third celebration even if there is less than one hour between them.
-
- §3. The elderly, the infirm, and those who care for them can receive the Most Holy Eucharist even if they have eaten something within the preceding hour. http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P39.HTM
Eastern Catholic Churches have rules that do not necessarily correspond to those of the Latin Church. The rules of the Eastern Catholic Churches of Byzantine
Byzantine Rite
The Byzantine Rite, sometimes called the Rite of Constantinople or Constantinopolitan Rite is the liturgical rite used currently by all the Eastern Orthodox Churches, by the Greek Catholic Churches , and by the Protestant Ukrainian Lutheran Church...
tradition correspond to those of the Eastern Orthodox Church
Eastern Orthodox Church
The Orthodox Church, officially called the Orthodox Catholic Church and commonly referred to as the Eastern Orthodox Church, is the second largest Christian denomination in the world, with an estimated 300 million adherents mainly in the countries of Belarus, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Georgia, Greece,...
, as detailed in the next section.
Eastern Orthodox practice
Orthodox Christians are required to fast from all food and drink and abstain from marital relations in preparation for receiving the Eucharist, the fast commencing no later than when the communicant retires to sleep the preceding evening and no later than midnight or, depending on local tradition, or even from VespersVespers
Vespers is the evening prayer service in the Western Catholic, Eastern Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran liturgies of the canonical hours...
or sunset
Sunset
Sunset or sundown is the daily disappearance of the Sun below the horizon in the west as a result of Earth's rotation.The time of sunset is defined in astronomy as the moment the trailing edge of the Sun's disk disappears below the horizon in the west...
the night before, and the abstinence from marital relations extends through the preceding day (for which reason married priests may not celebrate the Holy Liturgy daily) and in some places (notably in Russia), a married priest sleeps in a separate bed from his wife the night before celebrating the Liturgy. Fasting in monastic practice can be even more strict, requiring a strict fast for the previous day as well. During this fasting period, many faithful will keep a period of quiet reflection; for example, by limiting or turning off their television
Television
Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
and by reading devotional
Piety
In spiritual terminology, piety is a virtue that can mean religious devotion, spirituality, or a combination of both. A common element in most conceptions of piety is humility.- Etymology :...
literature
Literature
Literature is the art of written works, and is not bound to published sources...
.
Fasting regulations are often relaxed for pregnant women, the ill, the elderly, and young children. Whether menstruating
Menstruation
Menstruation is the shedding of the uterine lining . It occurs on a regular basis in sexually reproductive-age females of certain mammal species. This article focuses on human menstruation.-Overview:...
women should be permitted to receive the Eucharist is a matter of some controversy http://www.stnina.org/journal/art/3.2.2. Traditional churches do not allow menstruating women to enter the nave
Nave
In Romanesque and Gothic Christian abbey, cathedral basilica and church architecture, the nave is the central approach to the high altar, the main body of the church. "Nave" was probably suggested by the keel shape of its vaulting...
of the church or receive any of the Sacred Mysteries
Sacred Mysteries
The term sacred mysteries generally denotes the area of supernatural phenomena associated with a divinity or a religious ideology.-Pre-Christian religious mysteries:...
(Sacraments) except in extremis
In extremis
In extremis or extremis may refer to:* In extremis, a Latin phrase meaning "in the farthest reaches" or "at the point of death"* In Extremis , an album by Thinking Plague* In extremis , a 2000 film by Ettienne Faure...
; while some other churches permit both. Men also who are bleeding, for instance from a recently extracted tooth, should not receive Holy Communion unless they are in danger of death.
Orthodox Christians typically receive the Mystery of Confession
Confession
This article is for the religious practice of confessing one's sins.Confession is the acknowledgment of sin or wrongs...
before receiving the Eucharist. Those receiving the Eucharist infrequently will usually go to confession before each time, while those receiving on a regular basis will go to confession more frequently—typically, once a month. However, for those who are either mentally incapable of recognising or recalling their sin
Sin
In religion, sin is the violation or deviation of an eternal divine law or standard. The term sin may also refer to the state of having committed such a violation. Christians believe the moral code of conduct is decreed by God In religion, sin (also called peccancy) is the violation or deviation...
s, or who are mentally or physically incapable of communicating their sins to a priest
Priest
A priest is a person authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion, especially as a mediatory agent between humans and deities. They also have the authority or power to administer religious rites; in particular, rites of sacrifice to, and propitiation of, a deity or deities...
, this requirement is dispensed with, just as it is for very young children.
In some parts of the Russian church
Russian Orthodox Church
The Russian Orthodox Church or, alternatively, the Moscow Patriarchate The ROC is often said to be the largest of the Eastern Orthodox churches in the world; including all the autocephalous churches under its umbrella, its adherents number over 150 million worldwide—about half of the 300 million...
, the day before receiving Holy Communion, there is a custom that each person who intends to communicate, in addition to reading the Morning and Evening Prayers and attending Vespers
Vespers
Vespers is the evening prayer service in the Western Catholic, Eastern Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran liturgies of the canonical hours...
the night before, reads three devotional canons
Canon (hymnography)
A canon is a structured hymn used in a number of Eastern Orthodox services. It consists of nine odes, sometimes called canticles or songs depending on the translation, based on the Biblical canticles. Most of these are found in the Old Testament, but the final ode is taken from the Magnificat and...
and an akathist
Akathist
The Akathist Hymn is a hymn of Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic tradition dedicated to a saint, holy event, or one of the persons of the Holy Trinity...
. The canons will usually be to the Lord
Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth , commonly referred to as Jesus Christ or simply as Jesus or Christ, is the central figure of Christianity...
, the Theotokos
Theotokos
Theotokos is the Greek title of Mary, the mother of Jesus used especially in the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic Churches. Its literal English translations include God-bearer and the one who gives birth to God. Less literal translations include Mother of God...
and the Guardian Angel
Guardian angel
A guardian angel is an angel assigned to protect and guide a particular person or group. Belief in guardian angels can be traced throughout all antiquity...
. There is a tradition, among those who have the liturgical resources, to chant the following canons according to the day of the week:
- For a Liturgy falling on a Monday: Canon to the Lord, the Theotokos, the ArchangelArchangelAn archangel is an angel of high rank. Archangels are found in a number of religious traditions, including Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Michael and Gabriel are recognized as archangels in Judaism and by most Christians. Michael is the only archangel specifically named in the Protestant Bible...
s, and if he so desire, the Guardian Angel - On a Tuesday: Canon to Lord, the Theotokos, the ForerunnerJohn the BaptistJohn the Baptist was an itinerant preacher and a major religious figure mentioned in the Canonical gospels. He is described in the Gospel of Luke as a relative of Jesus, who led a movement of baptism at the Jordan River...
, and the Guardian Angel - On a Wednesday: Canon to the Lord, the Theotokos, and the Guardian Angel
- On a Thursday: Canon to the Lord, the Theotokos, the Guardian Angel, the Apostles and, if he so desire, Saint NicholasSaint NicholasSaint Nicholas , also called Nikolaos of Myra, was a historic 4th-century saint and Greek Bishop of Myra . Because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he is also known as Nikolaos the Wonderworker...
- On a Friday: Canon to the CrossCrossA cross is a geometrical figure consisting of two lines or bars perpendicular to each other, dividing one or two of the lines in half. The lines usually run vertically and horizontally; if they run obliquely, the design is technically termed a saltire, although the arms of a saltire need not meet...
, the Theotokos, and the Guardian Angel - On a Saturday: Canon to the Lord, the Theotokos, the Guardian Angel, and All SaintsAll SaintsAll Saints' Day , often shortened to All Saints, is a solemnity celebrated on 1 November by parts of Western Christianity, and on the first Sunday after Pentecost in Eastern Christianity, in honour of all the saints, known and unknown...
- On a Sunday: Canon to the Lord, the Theotokos, and the Guardian Angel
For Pascha
Easter
Easter is the central feast in the Christian liturgical year. According to the Canonical gospels, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. His resurrection is celebrated on Easter Day or Easter Sunday...
(Easter) and Bright Week
Bright Week
Bright Week or Renewal Week is the name used by the Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches of the Byzantine Rite for the period of seven days beginning on Pascha and continuing up to the following Sunday, which is known as Thomas Sunday...
, the requirement for three canons and an akathist is usually relaxed.
In all Orthodox churches, special pre- and post-Communion prayers are recited by the faithful before and after the Eucharist. In current practice, at least a portion of the pre-Communion prayers are usually recited during the Divine Liturgy
Divine Liturgy
Divine Liturgy is the common term for the Eucharistic service of the Byzantine tradition of Christian liturgy. As such, it is used in the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches. Armenian Christians, both of the Armenian Apostolic Church and of the Armenian Catholic Church, use the same term...
. These prayers express humility
Humility
Humility is the quality of being modest, and respectful. Humility, in various interpretations, is widely seen as a virtue in many religious and philosophical traditions, being connected with notions of transcendent unity with the universe or the divine, and of egolessness.-Term:The term "humility"...
and the communicants' sense of unworthiness for the gift they are about to receive. The post-Communion prayers
Thanksgiving after Communion
Thanksgiving after Communion is a spiritual practice among Christians who believe in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist they receive during Holy Communion, maintaining themselves in prayer for some time to thank God for what they believe to be the great gift of receiving God Himself...
are often read aloud by a single member of the congregation (often a reader) after the end of the Liturgy and during the Veneration of the Cross. These prayers of thanksgiving
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day is a holiday celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada. Thanksgiving is celebrated each year on the second Monday of October in Canada and on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. In Canada, Thanksgiving falls on the same day as Columbus Day in the...
express the communicants' joy at having received Christ "for the healing of soul and body."
Anglican/Episcopalian practice
From the American Book of Common Prayer 1979
The Holy Eucharist is the sacrament commanded by Christ for the continual remembrance of his life, death, and resurrection, until his coming again. Because the Eucharist, the Church's sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, is the way by which the sacrifice of Christ is made present, and in which he unites us to his one offering of himself. The Holy Eucharist is called the Lord's Supper, and Holy Communion; it is also known as the Divine Liturgy, the Mass, and the Great Offering.
The outward and visible sign in the Eucharist is bread and wine, given and received according to Christ's command. The inward and spiritual grace in the Holy Communion is the Body and Blood of Christ given to his people, and received by faith. The benefits we receive are the forgiveness of our sins, the strengthening of our union with Christ and one another, and the foretaste of the heavenly banquet which is our nourishment in eternal life.
Prior to receiving the Eucharist, it is required that we should examine our lives, repent of our sins, and be in love and charity with all people.
However, some Anglicans and Episcopalians, especially Anglo-Catholics and those of the High Church
High church
The term "High Church" refers to beliefs and practices of ecclesiology, liturgy and theology, generally with an emphasis on formality, and resistance to "modernization." Although used in connection with various Christian traditions, the term has traditionally been principally associated with the...
party, observe the practice of fasting for one hour before receiving Communion, while others abstain from any food or drink from midnight until the time of communing.
Anglicans also believe in the real, objective presence of Jesus Christ in the holy sacrament.
Lutheran practice
In the Lutheran traditionTradition
A tradition is a ritual, belief or object passed down within a society, still maintained in the present, with origins in the past. Common examples include holidays or impractical but socially meaningful clothes , but the idea has also been applied to social norms such as greetings...
, the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ is believed to be really present
Real Presence
Real Presence is a term used in various Christian traditions to express belief that in the Eucharist, Jesus Christ is really present in what was previously just bread and wine, and not merely present in symbol, a figure of speech , or by his power .Not all Christian traditions accept this dogma...
in the sacrament
Lutheran sacraments
The Lutheran Sacraments are "sacred acts of divine institution". Lutherans believe that, whenever they are properly administered by the use of the physical component commanded by God along with the divine words of institution, God is, in a way specific to each sacrament, present with the Word and...
of the Euchatist (see Sacramental Union
Sacramental Union
Sacramental union is the Lutheran theological doctrine of the Real Presence of the body and blood of Christ in the Christian Eucharist....
). Those who believe this, trusting that their sins are forgiven when they receive it, are worthy communicants. They are given the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation through this Means of Grace
Means of Grace
The Means of Grace in Christian theology are those things through which God gives grace. Just what this grace entails is interpreted in various ways: generally speaking, some see it as God blessing humankind so as to sustain and empower the Christian life; others see it as forgiveness, life, and...
.
Lutherans are taught to prepare to receive this sacrament through prayerful reflection upon their sinful nature, their need for a Savior, the promise that their sins are forgiven for the sake of Jesus' death on the Cross, and that the Eucharist gives this forgiveness to them. "Fasting and bodily preparation are indeed a fine outward training," Martin Luther
Martin Luther
Martin Luther was a German priest, professor of theology and iconic figure of the Protestant Reformation. He strongly disputed the claim that freedom from God's punishment for sin could be purchased with money. He confronted indulgence salesman Johann Tetzel with his Ninety-Five Theses in 1517...
said, "but he is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words, "given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins."
Most Lutherans (such as LCMS, WELS
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod is a North American Confessional Lutheran denomination of Christianity. Characterized as theologically conservative, it was founded in 1850 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As of 2008, it had a baptized membership of over 389,364 in more than 1,290 congregations,...
, ELS
Evangelical Lutheran Synod
The Evangelical Lutheran Synod or ELS is a US-based Protestant Christian denomination based in Mankato, Minnesota, USA. It describes itself as a conservative, Confessional Lutheran body.-Membership:...
, and many in the ELCA
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is a mainline Protestant denomination headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The ELCA officially came into existence on January 1, 1988, by the merging of three churches. As of December 31, 2009, it had 4,543,037 baptized members, with 2,527,941 of them...
) practice closed communion and require catechetical
Luther's Small Catechism
Luther's Small Catechism was written by Martin Luther and published in 1529 for the training of children. Luther's Small Catechism reviews The Ten Commandments, The Apostles' Creed, The Lord's Prayer, The Sacrament of Holy Baptism, The Office of the Keys & Confession, and The Sacrament of the...
instruction for all people before receiving the Eucharist. Failing to do so is condemned by most Lutherans as the sin of unionism. Lutherans restrict communicants to members of their own Synod and those churches and Synods with whom they share “alter and pulpit fellowship”, which may mean excluding even other Lutherans from Eucharistic reception.
Recently, more liberal ELCA Lutheran churches, however, have begun practicing open communion
Open communion
Open communion is the practice of Christian churches that allow individuals other than members of that church to receive Holy Communion...
(meaning the Eucharist is offered to adults without receiving the catechetical instruction, as long as they are a baptized believer in Christ).
The timing of First Communion
First Communion
The First Communion, or First Holy Communion, is a Catholic Church ceremony. It is the colloquial name for a person's first reception of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. Catholics believe this event to be very important, as the Eucharist is one of the central focuses of the Catholic Church...
also varies. Historically, First Communion was delayed until after an individual had completed catechism
Luther's Small Catechism
Luther's Small Catechism was written by Martin Luther and published in 1529 for the training of children. Luther's Small Catechism reviews The Ten Commandments, The Apostles' Creed, The Lord's Prayer, The Sacrament of Holy Baptism, The Office of the Keys & Confession, and The Sacrament of the...
classes and been confirm
Confirmation (Lutheran Church)
Confirmation in the Lutheran Church is a public profession of faith prepared for by long and careful instruction. In English, it is called "affirmation of baptism", and is a mature and public profession of the faith which "marks the completion of the congregation's program of confirmation...
ed, but gradually the timing of First Communion shifted so that it was administered before Confirmation rather than after, sometimes even as a public beginning to the Confirmation process. In many Lutheran churches, the average age of first communion is somewhere between the ages of seven and ten, though a considerable number of Lutheran churches offer First Communion even earlier. In North America, the time for administering First Communion is usually determined by the parents in consultation with the local pastor, but some Synods may have guidelines which prevent communion before a specific minimum age.
Methodist practice
In Methodism, the table is made available to all people, and none are turned away. This practice is referred to as keeping an "Open table". The general invitation is typically made in the ritual, "Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another." All are free to communicate at the appropriate time.Unbaptized persons who respond to the invitation are urged to be instructed in and receive baptism as soon as possible, as Methodism recognises that in normal circumstances, baptism should be a prerequisite to a person's partaking in the Eucharist.
Presbyterian practice
Among Presbyterians, there is neither requirement, nor prohibition, of any of the traditional understandings of what it means to "make ready": it is left to local custom. In modern times, there is no uniform practice of earlier patterns of fasting, public or private prayer, or the preparatory service (Vespers).However, the Westminster Larger Catechism has rather extensive instructions on how those who "receive the sacrament of the Lord's supper are, before they come, to prepare themselves unto . . . ." Specifically, they are to prepare "by examining themselves of their being in Christ, of their sins and wants; of the truth and measure of their knowledge, faith, repentance; love to God and the brethren, charity to all men, forgiving those that have done them wrong; of their desires after Christ, and of their new obedience; and by renewing the exercise of these graces, by serious meditation, and fervent prayer."
Westminster Larger Catechism, Q. 171.
Therefore, the Presbyterian Church in America's Directory for the Worship of God advises that a week's notice be given to the congregation prior to the administration of the Lord's supper:
"It is proper that public notice should be given to the congregation, at least the Sabbath before the administration of this ordinance, and that, either then, or on some day of the week, the people be instructed in its nature, and a due preparation for it, that all may come in a suitable manner to this holy feast."
PCA Book of Church Order, Directory for the Worship of God, ch. 58, para. 3.; see also Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Book of Order, Directory for Worship, W-3.3609 (requiring one week's notice if the sacrament is not observed weekly); Orthodox Presbyterian Church Book of Church Order, Directory for the Public Worship of God, ch. IV, para. 1. (requiring "adequate preparation").
The Westminster Larger Catechism also provides extensive instructions on "what is required of them that receive the sacrament of the Lord's supper" during and after its administration. http://www.ccel.org/ccel/anonymous/westminster2.html
Orthodox
- Preparation for Holy Communion — article by Thomas HopkoThomas HopkoThomas Hopko is an Orthodox Christian priest and theologian. He was the Dean of Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary from September 1992 until July 1, 2002 and taught dogmatic theology there from 1968 until 2002. Now retired, he carries the honorary title of Dean Emeritus.- Life and...
, former Dean of St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary. - Preparation to Holy Communion — excerpt from Beginning Orthodoxy by Bishop Alexander (Mileant) of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.
- Communion from the website of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose is the third-largest city in California, the tenth-largest in the U.S., and the county seat of Santa Clara County which is located at the southern end of San Francisco Bay...
; includes the text of pre- and post-Communion prayers.