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.
My grandfather was raised by an impoverished single mother after the untimely death of his father. The one thing his mother had in life was the Church.
When my grandfather married my grandmother (a Lutheran) without a dispensation, his name was read out from the altar of St. Rose's Church as he was declared publically to be excommunicated, and he was asked to leave the building in front of his mother.
This made quite an impression on him.
THAT'S excommunication-no such thing in those days as "person X has really excommunicated themselves, and should be a good boy and not receive the sacraments".
By the way (interesting followup)-my grandfather attended the UCC for his entire life after marriage, every Sunday. Never said a word, never murmured a complaint.
The day he died, he called for a priest, made a confession, and received the sacraments-and died.
THAT'S a Church that leaves an impression.