Directory for Ecumenism - Comment (5th February 2012)

Sharing in Sacramental Life and Spiritual Goods

Stephano Nangaa, IMC

We have been discussing the questions that arise from the Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms of Ecumenism. We have reached its part IV that deals mainly with the communion in life and spiritual activity among the Baptized (nos 92-160). This fourth part of the Directory is sub-divided into three sub-topics: (A) The Sacrament of Baptism (92- 100), (B) Sharing Spiritual activities and resources (102-142), and (C) Mixed Marriage (143-160). Some of our colleagues have presented and shared part (A) and something in part (B). Our Task here is to present the reflections that the Directory expresses as it answers important questions from its number 128 to its number 160. Some ideas come from the discussions that we had last Monday with our colleagues. 

(A) Sharing Sacramental life with Christians of other Churches and ecclesial Communities (129-136)

The two basic principles (essential truths) that should be kept in mind in sharing sacramental life with Christians of other Churches and ecclesial communities are the following: One is that sacraments—most especially the Eucharist—are sources of the unity of the Christian community and of spiritual life. The other is that by baptism members of other Churches and ecclesial Communities are brought into a real, even if imperfect communion, with the Catholic Church and that "baptism, which constitutes the sacramental bond of unity existing among all who through it are reborn... is wholly directed toward the acquiring of fullness of life in Christ" (cf.no129)

The conditions under which a Catholic minister may administer the sacraments of the Eucharist, of penance and of the anointing of the sick to a baptized person of another Church or ecclesial community are that (1) the person be unable to have recourse for the sacrament desired to a minister of his or her own Church or ecclesial Community, (2) ask for the sacrament of his or her own initiative,(3) manifest Catholic faith in this sacrament and be properly disposed (cf.131)

 A Catholic may ask for these sacraments from a minister of another Church (1) only from a minister in whose Church these sacraments are valid or (2) from one who is known to be validly ordained according to the Catholic teaching on ordination.

A Catholic may not ask for these sacraments from a minister of an ecclesial community because they don’t have these Sacraments. He should not even attempt to do so according to our group’s view. Secondly their ministers are not of the apostolic succession therefore their sacraments even if they had could not be valid.

Communities to whose ministers a Catholic may approach for the above three sacraments (under certain conditions): Oriental Orthodox Churches, Armenian, Coptic, Ethiopian Church, Assyrian Church of the East, etc.

And those to whom he may not approach: Old Catholic Churches, Lutheran Church, Congregationalist Churches, Baptist Churches, and Society of Friends, etc.

(B)  Sharing other resources for spiritual life and activity with Christians of other Churches and ecclesial communities (137-142)

The Catholic Church in allowing the use of a Church building or cemetery to another Christian community judicious consideration should be given to the reservation of the Blessed Sacrament, so that this question is resolved on the basis of a sound sacramental theology with the respect that is due, while also taking account of the sensitivities of those who will use the building, e.g., by constructing a separate room or chapel (cf.139).

In the use of shared buildings for worship, the authorities of the communities concerned should first reach agreement as to how their various disciplines will be observed, particularly in regard to the sacraments. Furthermore, a written agreement should be made which will clearly and adequately take care of all questions which may arise concerning financial matters and the obligations arising from church and civil law (140).

In giving opportunities for pastoral care for non-Catholic Christians in Catholic Institutions (Schools, hospitals, etc.) every effort should be made to respect the faith and conscience of students or teachers who belong to other Churches or ecclesial Communities. The authorities of these schools and institutions should take care that clergy of other Communities have every facility for giving spiritual and sacramental ministration to their own faithful who attend such schools or institutions. Our take on this is that the Catholic Churches is doing well on this. However the other side is not open to that and some Catholic Schools oblige people to comply with the Catholic rules.

In hospitals, homes for the aged and similar institutions conducted by Catholics, the authorities should promptly advise priests and ministers of other Communities of the presence of their faithful and afford them every facility to visit these persons and give them spiritual and sacramental ministrations under dignified and reverent conditions, including the use of the chapel (142).

(C). Mixed marriage (143-160)

We had a wonderful experience by one of us who lived with a married couple who came from two different Christian Churches. The husband is a Catholic. The wife is a Seventh Day member. They have stayed together for 32 years and they have eight kids. All the children follow the mother for their worship. The family is a happy one and they live in harmony. We noticed that the father is alone and we thought that may be that was their marital agreement