Protestants at Mass

[Gist, Megan]

hello all fellow camino people-

tony, i agree with you ...and since i am seeking a PH.D in ministry, i would
invite ANYONE to my table as St. James would have done himself (and i am
protestant, as well).  it's what's in the heart that counts....

-meg

-----Original Message-----
From: Tony McGinty [mailto:AMcg65aAOL.COM]
Sent: Monday, January 06, 2003 8:29 AM
To: GOCAMINOaPETE.URI.EDU
Subject: Re: Protestants at Mass


As an Episcopalian (and former Catholic) who did the Camino last year, my
experience was that I was free to take the host at mass everywhere. Maybe it
would not have been offered if anyone had asked if I was in "full communion"
with the Catholic Church beforehand, but no one ever did, and I felt
comfortable  taking the host as a Christian invited to the Lord's Table. At
places other than the large pilgrimage sites, my experience was that mass
was very sparsely attended and all were welcome. I don't think you need to
worry about how to take the cup of wine. I never saw anyone in the
congregation offered wine at any of the services I went to in Spain. I only
saw the priest at the alter take the chalice.

At many churches in Spain the rosary is prayed regularly, and it can be very
beautiful as the congregation (mostly women) often prays communally, without
celebrant, or seemingly a leader. Try to attend if you get the chance.

Tony McGinty