Hi, Albion, well, you did say “usually” re the Communion. And that’s a 100% no-no. Never, ever!!!!
I have RC friends who get upset that their non-RC friends can’t take Communion at their church. They don’t seem to comprehension that the understanding of and belief in the nature of the Eucharist is a primary dividing line btn the RCC and all other Christian churches, and that it’s fundamental to what the RCC is. When I go to a family wedding/funeral in a RC church, I do not take communion out of respect for that faith. I know, tho, that others don’t respect that RC caveat.
I think you need to visit your VA relatives. Soon. Or just come for a visit.
Yeah, I put that in because as a non-Catholic who has frequently attended Catholic services, I know how it can feel a little affronting (to those who do not understand the Mystery) when the prohibition is expressed very strictly, to a non-RC Christian. A Jewish visitor like the one asking about it might feel a sense of exclusion, as well, from not understanding the theology behind it. I knew the rules would be explained at the service, so why stir things up here? -- was my train of thought.
fwiw, I once was offered communion at an RC Christmas Eve mass, when the officiant offered it to any baptized Christian. I guess it was a seasonal goodwill gesture. Yep, shocked me, too. I think it may have been at ithe Basilica Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. I seem to remember they printed an explanation in the program.
Freepmail for you about the rest.