I've seen similar comments linking denial of Eucharist and excommunication, but I did not understand them to the same thing at all. One should not receive communion if in a state of mortal sin (missing mass being one example). I don't believe someone who misses mass, though, and thus shouldn't receive communion, has been excommunicated! I dislike the confusion implied in these comments. Lots of people can be in a state where they should not receive communion, but are not subject to excommunication. I firmly believe John Kerry should be excommunicated, also obviously that he should not receive communion. They aren't the same thing, however.