[Mrs. Don-o]

You are exactly right that we all worship the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit--- "one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism" --- and by that Baptism are all members of one Body which is the Church.

But here's the thing, at least as far as Catholics are concerned. We are convinced, and would argue, that at the words of Consecration, the elements of the Eucharist --- bread and wine --- actually become the Body and Blood of Christ in a more-than-symbolic way. The Eucharist is not only consumed, but adored, and this is possible only because it is the whole, bodily, post-resurrection, "at the right hand of the Father," Christ.

He exists in a way which is bodily, and yet beyond time and space. This exceeds any human categorization or comprehension.

So we actually adore the Holy Eucharist.

I don't think any other Christian body of believers sees it that way, with the exception of the Orthodox and maybe other small Churches of the East. (Assyrian Church of the East, and so forth.)

So by receiving Communion, you're proclaiming this; and if you don't believe it, if you think this is in error, you ought not to receive.

This would be out of respect for the Catholics, in that you don't want to appropriate as a symbol what they believe is God; and out of respect for yourself, that you wouldn't want to participate in what you hold to be an error.

There's more, but that's it, basically.

Does that make sense?

[Not A Snowbird]

Yes, it does, and thank you! I do appreciate the explanation.