WHY does the Catholic Church make things so damn difficult?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP, where are you? The Washington Archdiocese isn't geographical. Besides, there is no such thing as Opeu Dei church. Are you talking about St. Catherine's? Many churches have Opis Dei, some more active than others, but the an entire parish isn't Opis Dei. Even St. Catherine's, probably the most well known Opus Dei around has 3500 parishioners- lot, in fact the majority aren't OD. Regardless, just go to the parish you would like to attend and speak to them.

Parishes are geographical. I am the PP, both DH and I grew up RC, and have been there done that ....Parish's are supposed to be community churches. I tried Mass at St C's. Was warned about the place by a member of the RC clergy ... and yes I am sorry to not have the traditional RC parish which was part of our culture. If I was a conservative Jewish family would I go Hasidic? NO.

Not in the Archdiocese of Washington -- you may attend any church you wish. One may fit better. We live on Capitol Hill but prefer the traditional mass of St. Matthews downtown. If St. C's doesn't work for someone they are free to go to another church. I promise the Swiss Guards won't arrest them.

Archdiocese of Arlington has a parish locator and when you go to parish websites there are boundary statements. Duh-the Swiss guard isn't going to arrest you but there has been an outflow from certain parish[s].

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/183540.page

It's like public schools and out-of-boundary or pupil placement. Remember the Catholic Church has a parallel school system and knows boundaries.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP, where are you? The Washington Archdiocese isn't geographical. Besides, there is no such thing as Opeu Dei church. Are you talking about St. Catherine's? Many churches have Opis Dei, some more active than others, but the an entire parish isn't Opis Dei. Even St. Catherine's, probably the most well known Opus Dei around has 3500 parishioners- lot, in fact the majority aren't OD. Regardless, just go to the parish you would like to attend and speak to them.

Parishes are geographical. I am the PP, both DH and I grew up RC, and have been there done that ....Parish's are supposed to be community churches. I tried Mass at St C's. Was warned about the place by a member of the RC clergy ... and yes I am sorry to not have the traditional RC parish which was part of our culture. If I was a conservative Jewish family would I go Hasidic? NO.

Not in the Archdiocese of Washington -- you may attend any church you wish. One may fit better. We live on Capitol Hill but prefer the traditional mass of St. Matthews downtown. If St. C's doesn't work for someone they are free to go to another church. I promise the Swiss Guards won't arrest them.

Archdiocese of Arlington has a parish locator and when you go to parish websites there are boundary statements. Duh-the Swiss guard isn't going to arrest you but there has been an outflow from certain parish[s].

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/183540.page

It's like public schools and out-of-boundary or pupil placement. Remember the Catholic Church has a parallel school system and knows boundaries.

Most Diocese have boundaries for parishes, including the diocese of Arlington. The Diocese of Washington does not.

[Anonymous]

I'm the original baptized Lutheran who didn't know I suddenly stopped being Christian when I stepped into a Catholic church.

I remember my grandmother going nuts when I was about 6, because I pointed to a Lutheran church as passed it in the car, and I said "That's our church." It was not. It was Missouri Synod. And my grandmother made VERY clear that our family was NOT Missouri Synod.

Organized religion really is a crock. Do yourself a favor, OP, and let your kid decide for himself whether he wants any part of it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I make sense.

Those who just keep the peace w/o ignoring any of the problems are enablers.

If you don't question the church, you're basically excusing all the sexual predators hidden by those high up. I am probably more religious than many of you, as my culture cannot be separated from Catholicism. In fact, we "corner" the Catholic market!

However, when I encounter such "devout" Catholics - like you, PP - who question those of us who want the church to change for the better, I do indeed think I'm surrounded by religious zealots.

So b/c I want to help change the church for the better - b/c we should all move forward/evolve, right, PP? - I should leave instead?

Soon you'll be one of a 100 Catholics left b/c of your blind faith.

Anonymous wrote:I am really, really puzzled as to why you want to be Catholic, or why you want your children to have sacraments in the Catholic church.

It doesn't make an iota of sense based on your post.

Is it because of family? You are a grown up; find a religion that you actually believe in.

Ritual? Why not Anglican (if you are liberal) or Lutheran (if you are moderate). You can still get the ceremony of the Mass, but in adherance to your belief structure.

If you don't believe and in fact mock the main tenets of this faith, and have such distain for those who practice it, then why be Catholic?

You do not make any sense.

Anonymous wrote:I think it's unreasonable to think that godparents HAVE to be bible-thumping Catholics! Quite frankly, I don't have that many "good" Catholics in my life. My childrens' godparents aren't at mass every Sunday, and some don't even belong to a church. Our church wasn't that picky. I want people in my childrens' lives who love them as much as we do and who WILL treat them as their own should anything happen to us. I don't give a rat's ass if they're not in church every Sunday either.

Furthermore, transubstantiation is ridiculous. Basically, it's cannibalism if you truly believe the host and wine turn into body and blood. When my daughter had her Communion, she thought the whole transformation was bizarre. And I'm glad she had that reaction. So I told her that there are other religions that don't believe in that process, believing it to be symbolic instead.

OP, keep questioning, and ignore people who can't see beyond these "rules." Maybe one day, if enough people start to complain, the Catholic church will indeed change. As it stands now, the whole pedophilia scandal (with creeps still coming out of the woodwork) isn't exactly making the church attractive to many.

Anonymous wrote:Cradle Catholic here and I've never heard of godparents having to prove that they've given money to their parish. They have to be registered parishoners and have a form filled out by the priest at their parish. Not terribly unreasonable, again, considering they are standing up saying they are Catholics in good standing and are supporting you in raising your child as a Catholic.

With regard to the Lutheran poster, unless you were attending a very liberal church at which the priests looked the other way the Catholic church has never been open to non-Catholics receiving communion. Join us in prayer, yes, but only those who have been baptized and received the Sacrament of the Eucharist are to receive holy communion. It's not an insult, it's part of the faith.

OP, if indeed your priest is heaping tons of requirements on you, I can see where you would be frustrated. We had challenges with the parish where we received our pre-Cana marriage counseling. However, with all due respect, you haven't articulated what the requirements are that you are deeming so outrageous.

Going back to your original post...transubstantiation really has nothing to do with sexual predators. I don't think transubstantiation is ridiculous however I do believe that sexual predators should be punished and that the church should deal with that reality. The Eucharist is the heart of the Catholic faith so if you don't believe in it you don't really believe in the Catholic faith. Really that what Catholic is -- a faith not a culture.

So you'll separate the Hasidic Jew from his Jewish "culture?" It's one and the same for many.

As an Italian Catholic, it's one and the same.

So don't tell me that faith is not a culture.

However, as I mentioned earlier, there's a lot that needs to be reformed. And those who blindly follow doctrine only make it worse for the church, as it's losing many followers.

And why are YOU comparing transubstantiation with sexual predators? I never said they were the same or related. I am claiming that this blind faith will ultimately blind you to what's really going on in the church. Do you seriously think that the church is free of predators? As we move forward, we STILL hear horror stories of pedophiles who have been protected by the church.

Sadly, I am beginning to realize that so many Catholics have NO critical thinking skills - choosing instead to believe some of the tales in the bible are true.

I never said there are no more sexual predators in the church. They are actually every where, but so you know where I'm coming from my cousin was one who was molested by a priest and then the pastor stood up in Church and attacked my aunt and uncle for speaking out about it. So please get off your high horse thinking you know better than others about this scandal. What I do realize is that the Church has made numerous mistakes in the handling of this issue but that it does not definie the Church in its entirety. And yes the Church is a faith not a culture in terms of what you think like American. You can be Italian and been raised Cahtolic but turn your back on the faith which you indicate you have by your statements saying you don't believe what the church teaches.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP, where are you? The Washington Archdiocese isn't geographical. Besides, there is no such thing as Opeu Dei church. Are you talking about St. Catherine's? Many churches have Opis Dei, some more active than others, but the an entire parish isn't Opis Dei. Even St. Catherine's, probably the most well known Opus Dei around has 3500 parishioners- lot, in fact the majority aren't OD. Regardless, just go to the parish you would like to attend and speak to them.

Parishes are geographical. I am the PP, both DH and I grew up RC, and have been there done that ....Parish's are supposed to be community churches. I tried Mass at St C's. Was warned about the place by a member of the RC clergy ... and yes I am sorry to not have the traditional RC parish which was part of our culture. If I was a conservative Jewish family would I go Hasidic? NO.

Not in the Archdiocese of Washington -- you may attend any church you wish. One may fit better. We live on Capitol Hill but prefer the traditional mass of St. Matthews downtown. If St. C's doesn't work for someone they are free to go to another church. I promise the Swiss Guards won't arrest them.

Archdiocese of Arlington has a parish locator and when you go to parish websites there are boundary statements. Duh-the Swiss guard isn't going to arrest you but there has been an outflow from certain parish[s].

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/183540.page

It's like public schools and out-of-boundary or pupil placement. Remember the Catholic Church has a parallel school system and knows boundaries.

Most Diocese have boundaries for parishes, including the diocese of Arlington. The Diocese of Washington does not.

I don't get this. The Archdiocese of Washington has a list of parishes it oversees, which includes those in DC and Maryland. Are you saying that the parishes in DC are open? as in no boundaries?

b/c that's not the case in MD

I've know several people closer to St. Bernadette's who are w/in St. John the Baptist parameters. St. B's did not allow them to join.

Maybe I misunderstood what you meant?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People, it's not called tithing in the Catholic church.

Even though that's what the Bible calls it?

Catholics don't have much tradition of reading the Bible.

Have you been to a Catholic mass? Evidently not if you say me don't have a tradition of reading the Bible. Maybe you should come so you can see how stupid your statment sounds.

[Anonymous]

Your cousin was molested and you're still a follower? You don't question doctrine?

wow

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I make sense.

Those who just keep the peace w/o ignoring any of the problems are enablers.

If you don't question the church, you're basically excusing all the sexual predators hidden by those high up. I am probably more religious than many of you, as my culture cannot be separated from Catholicism. In fact, we "corner" the Catholic market!

However, when I encounter such "devout" Catholics - like you, PP - who question those of us who want the church to change for the better, I do indeed think I'm surrounded by religious zealots.

So b/c I want to help change the church for the better - b/c we should all move forward/evolve, right, PP? - I should leave instead?

Soon you'll be one of a 100 Catholics left b/c of your blind faith.

Anonymous wrote:I am really, really puzzled as to why you want to be Catholic, or why you want your children to have sacraments in the Catholic church.

It doesn't make an iota of sense based on your post.

Is it because of family? You are a grown up; find a religion that you actually believe in.

Ritual? Why not Anglican (if you are liberal) or Lutheran (if you are moderate). You can still get the ceremony of the Mass, but in adherance to your belief structure.

If you don't believe and in fact mock the main tenets of this faith, and have such distain for those who practice it, then why be Catholic?

You do not make any sense.

Anonymous wrote:I think it's unreasonable to think that godparents HAVE to be bible-thumping Catholics! Quite frankly, I don't have that many "good" Catholics in my life. My childrens' godparents aren't at mass every Sunday, and some don't even belong to a church. Our church wasn't that picky. I want people in my childrens' lives who love them as much as we do and who WILL treat them as their own should anything happen to us. I don't give a rat's ass if they're not in church every Sunday either.

Furthermore, transubstantiation is ridiculous. Basically, it's cannibalism if you truly believe the host and wine turn into body and blood. When my daughter had her Communion, she thought the whole transformation was bizarre. And I'm glad she had that reaction. So I told her that there are other religions that don't believe in that process, believing it to be symbolic instead.

OP, keep questioning, and ignore people who can't see beyond these "rules." Maybe one day, if enough people start to complain, the Catholic church will indeed change. As it stands now, the whole pedophilia scandal (with creeps still coming out of the woodwork) isn't exactly making the church attractive to many.

Anonymous wrote:Cradle Catholic here and I've never heard of godparents having to prove that they've given money to their parish. They have to be registered parishoners and have a form filled out by the priest at their parish. Not terribly unreasonable, again, considering they are standing up saying they are Catholics in good standing and are supporting you in raising your child as a Catholic.

With regard to the Lutheran poster, unless you were attending a very liberal church at which the priests looked the other way the Catholic church has never been open to non-Catholics receiving communion. Join us in prayer, yes, but only those who have been baptized and received the Sacrament of the Eucharist are to receive holy communion. It's not an insult, it's part of the faith.

OP, if indeed your priest is heaping tons of requirements on you, I can see where you would be frustrated. We had challenges with the parish where we received our pre-Cana marriage counseling. However, with all due respect, you haven't articulated what the requirements are that you are deeming so outrageous.

Going back to your original post...transubstantiation really has nothing to do with sexual predators. I don't think transubstantiation is ridiculous however I do believe that sexual predators should be punished and that the church should deal with that reality. The Eucharist is the heart of the Catholic faith so if you don't believe in it you don't really believe in the Catholic faith. Really that what Catholic is -- a faith not a culture.

So you'll separate the Hasidic Jew from his Jewish "culture?" It's one and the same for many.

As an Italian Catholic, it's one and the same.

So don't tell me that faith is not a culture.

However, as I mentioned earlier, there's a lot that needs to be reformed. And those who blindly follow doctrine only make it worse for the church, as it's losing many followers.

And why are YOU comparing transubstantiation with sexual predators? I never said they were the same or related. I am claiming that this blind faith will ultimately blind you to what's really going on in the church. Do you seriously think that the church is free of predators? As we move forward, we STILL hear horror stories of pedophiles who have been protected by the church.

Sadly, I am beginning to realize that so many Catholics have NO critical thinking skills - choosing instead to believe some of the tales in the bible are true.

I never said there are no more sexual predators in the church. They are actually every where, but so you know where I'm coming from my cousin was one who was molested by a priest and then the pastor stood up in Church and attacked my aunt and uncle for speaking out about it. So please get off your high horse thinking you know better than others about this scandal. What I do realize is that the Church has made numerous mistakes in the handling of this issue but that it does not definie the Church in its entirety. And yes the Church is a faith not a culture in terms of what you think like American. You can be Italian and been raised Cahtolic but turn your back on the faith which you indicate you have by your statements saying you don't believe what the church teaches.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your cousin was molested and you're still a follower? You don't question doctrine?

wow

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I make sense.

Those who just keep the peace w/o ignoring any of the problems are enablers.

If you don't question the church, you're basically excusing all the sexual predators hidden by those high up. I am probably more religious than many of you, as my culture cannot be separated from Catholicism. In fact, we "corner" the Catholic market!

However, when I encounter such "devout" Catholics - like you, PP - who question those of us who want the church to change for the better, I do indeed think I'm surrounded by religious zealots.

So b/c I want to help change the church for the better - b/c we should all move forward/evolve, right, PP? - I should leave instead?

Soon you'll be one of a 100 Catholics left b/c of your blind faith.

Anonymous wrote:I am really, really puzzled as to why you want to be Catholic, or why you want your children to have sacraments in the Catholic church.

It doesn't make an iota of sense based on your post.

Is it because of family? You are a grown up; find a religion that you actually believe in.

Ritual? Why not Anglican (if you are liberal) or Lutheran (if you are moderate). You can still get the ceremony of the Mass, but in adherance to your belief structure.

If you don't believe and in fact mock the main tenets of this faith, and have such distain for those who practice it, then why be Catholic?

You do not make any sense.

Anonymous wrote:I think it's unreasonable to think that godparents HAVE to be bible-thumping Catholics! Quite frankly, I don't have that many "good" Catholics in my life. My childrens' godparents aren't at mass every Sunday, and some don't even belong to a church. Our church wasn't that picky. I want people in my childrens' lives who love them as much as we do and who WILL treat them as their own should anything happen to us. I don't give a rat's ass if they're not in church every Sunday either.

Furthermore, transubstantiation is ridiculous. Basically, it's cannibalism if you truly believe the host and wine turn into body and blood. When my daughter had her Communion, she thought the whole transformation was bizarre. And I'm glad she had that reaction. So I told her that there are other religions that don't believe in that process, believing it to be symbolic instead.

OP, keep questioning, and ignore people who can't see beyond these "rules." Maybe one day, if enough people start to complain, the Catholic church will indeed change. As it stands now, the whole pedophilia scandal (with creeps still coming out of the woodwork) isn't exactly making the church attractive to many.

Anonymous wrote:Cradle Catholic here and I've never heard of godparents having to prove that they've given money to their parish. They have to be registered parishoners and have a form filled out by the priest at their parish. Not terribly unreasonable, again, considering they are standing up saying they are Catholics in good standing and are supporting you in raising your child as a Catholic.

With regard to the Lutheran poster, unless you were attending a very liberal church at which the priests looked the other way the Catholic church has never been open to non-Catholics receiving communion. Join us in prayer, yes, but only those who have been baptized and received the Sacrament of the Eucharist are to receive holy communion. It's not an insult, it's part of the faith.

OP, if indeed your priest is heaping tons of requirements on you, I can see where you would be frustrated. We had challenges with the parish where we received our pre-Cana marriage counseling. However, with all due respect, you haven't articulated what the requirements are that you are deeming so outrageous.

Going back to your original post...transubstantiation really has nothing to do with sexual predators. I don't think transubstantiation is ridiculous however I do believe that sexual predators should be punished and that the church should deal with that reality. The Eucharist is the heart of the Catholic faith so if you don't believe in it you don't really believe in the Catholic faith. Really that what Catholic is -- a faith not a culture.

So you'll separate the Hasidic Jew from his Jewish "culture?" It's one and the same for many.

As an Italian Catholic, it's one and the same.

So don't tell me that faith is not a culture.

However, as I mentioned earlier, there's a lot that needs to be reformed. And those who blindly follow doctrine only make it worse for the church, as it's losing many followers.

And why are YOU comparing transubstantiation with sexual predators? I never said they were the same or related. I am claiming that this blind faith will ultimately blind you to what's really going on in the church. Do you seriously think that the church is free of predators? As we move forward, we STILL hear horror stories of pedophiles who have been protected by the church.

Sadly, I am beginning to realize that so many Catholics have NO critical thinking skills - choosing instead to believe some of the tales in the bible are true.

I never said there are no more sexual predators in the church. They are actually every where, but so you know where I'm coming from my cousin was one who was molested by a priest and then the pastor stood up in Church and attacked my aunt and uncle for speaking out about it. So please get off your high horse thinking you know better than others about this scandal. What I do realize is that the Church has made numerous mistakes in the handling of this issue but that it does not definie the Church in its entirety. And yes the Church is a faith not a culture in terms of what you think like American. You can be Italian and been raised Cahtolic but turn your back on the faith which you indicate you have by your statements saying you don't believe what the church teaches.

I never said I don't question doctrine. I do believe in the Eucharist. As for my cousin, have you seen the thread about leaving children with men? The priests who molested are the ones who did wrong and the coverup was wrong, it doesn't change the doctrine of the Church or mean tha every priest is a pedophile . So yes I still believe because the faith is the one started by Jesus but we do have to be on guard from wrong doing from human beings.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm the original baptized Lutheran who didn't know I suddenly stopped being Christian when I stepped into a Catholic church.

I remember my grandmother going nuts when I was about 6, because I pointed to a Lutheran church as passed it in the car, and I said "That's our church." It was not. It was Missouri Synod. And my grandmother made VERY clear that our family was NOT Missouri Synod.

Organized religion really is a crock. Do yourself a favor, OP, and let your kid decide for himself whether he wants any part of it.

Nobody is saying that you're not a Christian. But you're not Catholic, and Catholics (and Eastern Orthodox) in a state of grace are the only people permitted to receive communion in a Catholic church. (This is according to the Catholics. The Orthodox disagree, although I think they make exceptions for emergencies.)

[Anonymous]

Have you been to a Catholic mass? Evidently not if you say me don't have a tradition of reading the Bible. Maybe you should come so you can see how stupid your statment sounds.

I'm not the poster you are responding to, but the Catholic faith does not teach, read, or study the Bible in the in-depth manner that many other Christian religions do. Yes, there are frequently passages from the New Testament that are readings at mass, but it isn't the same thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Have you been to a Catholic mass? Evidently not if you say me don't have a tradition of reading the Bible. Maybe you should come so you can see how stupid your statment sounds.

I'm not the poster you are responding to, but the Catholic faith does not teach, read, or study the Bible in the in-depth manner that many other Christian religions do. Yes, there are frequently passages from the New Testament that are readings at mass, but it isn't the same thing.

I'm Catholic and I agree with this. I have many Christian friends who are in bible study groups and spend many many hours reading the bible and the literal interpretations provided via their pastors or study groups. This is not typical of Catholics in this country.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Have you been to a Catholic mass? Evidently not if you say me don't have a tradition of reading the Bible. Maybe you should come so you can see how stupid your statment sounds.

I'm not the poster you are responding to, but the Catholic faith does not teach, read, or study the Bible in the in-depth manner that many other Christian religions do. Yes, there are frequently passages from the New Testament that are readings at mass, but it isn't the same thing.

Are you Catholic? There are readings from both the Old and New Testament. These readings are done in a three year cyccle so throughout those three years, you hear 90% of the Bible -- again and again. And if you listen closely almost all the priest says comes from the Bible. This is a misconception. Many Catholics don't even realize and whie they may not be able to spout rote memorazations of verses from the Bible, they do know the Bible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP, where are you? The Washington Archdiocese isn't geographical. Besides, there is no such thing as Opeu Dei church. Are you talking about St. Catherine's? Many churches have Opis Dei, some more active than others, but the an entire parish isn't Opis Dei. Even St. Catherine's, probably the most well known Opus Dei around has 3500 parishioners- lot, in fact the majority aren't OD. Regardless, just go to the parish you would like to attend and speak to them.

Parishes are geographical. I am the PP, both DH and I grew up RC, and have been there done that ....Parish's are supposed to be community churches. I tried Mass at St C's. Was warned about the place by a member of the RC clergy ... and yes I am sorry to not have the traditional RC parish which was part of our culture. If I was a conservative Jewish family would I go Hasidic? NO.

Not in the Archdiocese of Washington -- you may attend any church you wish. One may fit better. We live on Capitol Hill but prefer the traditional mass of St. Matthews downtown. If St. C's doesn't work for someone they are free to go to another church. I promise the Swiss Guards won't arrest them.

Archdiocese of Arlington has a parish locator and when you go to parish websites there are boundary statements. Duh-the Swiss guard isn't going to arrest you but there has been an outflow from certain parish[s].

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/183540.page

It's like public schools and out-of-boundary or pupil placement. Remember the Catholic Church has a parallel school system and knows boundaries.

Most Diocese have boundaries for parishes, including the diocese of Arlington. The Diocese of Washington does not.

I don't get this. The Archdiocese of Washington has a list of parishes it oversees, which includes those in DC and Maryland. Are you saying that the parishes in DC are open? as in no boundaries?

b/c that's not the case in MD

I've know several people closer to St. Bernadette's who are w/in St. John the Baptist parameters. St. B's did not allow them to join.

Maybe I misunderstood what you meant?

The Archdioces does not have boundaries for parishes. If two parishes decide to make their own boundaries that is up to them (probably has more to do with schools than with actualy parish). But yes, in DC you can attend any church you would like.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm the original baptized Lutheran who didn't know I suddenly stopped being Christian when I stepped into a Catholic church.

I remember my grandmother going nuts when I was about 6, because I pointed to a Lutheran church as passed it in the car, and I said "That's our church." It was not. It was Missouri Synod. And my grandmother made VERY clear that our family was NOT Missouri Synod.

Organized religion really is a crock. Do yourself a favor, OP, and let your kid decide for himself whether he wants any part of it.

Nobody is saying that you're not a Christian. But you're not Catholic, and Catholics (and Eastern Orthodox) in a state of grace are the only people permitted to receive communion in a Catholic church. (This is according to the Catholics. The Orthodox disagree, although I think they make exceptions for emergencies.)

Exactly. You're a Christian - any Catholic would recognize that. But not all Christians are meant to partake in the Eucharist at a Catholic church.

[Anonymous]

http://www.tnr.com/article/politics/101420/santorums-church-opus-dei

so when people drive past the boundaries and petition to join they are usually looking for Opus dei. Robert Hanssen.