COMMUNICATIO IN SACRIS
COMMUNICATIO IN SACRIS

Summary/Abstract: The article discusses communicatio in sacris, that is, a joint celebration of Christian mysteries by members of Churches that are not in communion. The first part gives a short historical overview of the issue. Throughout the history, different Christian communities accused one another of heresy and betraying the Gospel. However, with the Second Vatican Council, the Catholic Church explicitly recognizes the validity of the liturgy of the Eastern Churches, and expresses its appreciation for the spiritual heritage of those churches. Similarly, it also recognizes the validity of baptism in communities that grew out of the Reformation. When it comes to communicatio in spiritualibus, i.e. the non-sacramental worship of other Christian communities, there is a great possibility for participation of Catholic believers and ministers. However, communicatio in sacris, i.e. a joint celebration of Christian mysteries, especially the Eucharist, has very clear rules. Intercelebration, i.e. a joint celebration of the sacraments (especially the Eucharist) of a Catholic priest and a priest from a Church that is not in communion is not allowed. However, in special circumstances Catholics are allowed to receive the sacraments of the Eucharist, the Reconciliation and the Anointing of the Sick, when they are unable to get to their own church minister.

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