Mass. Many other denominations welcome all who profess faith in Christ to the communion table, but Catholics have always restricted who shares the meal. For those who practice hospitality at home by setting an extra place at the table for visitors, the Catholic custom gives offense. However, Catholic communion is just that, a sign of Catholic unity. The Eucharist symbolizes our union with God but also our union with one another. Many groups use a symbol to identify their members.
Students wear school jackets.
Scouts earn medals. These customs give groups signs of association. When a new member joins the group, the symbol frequently becomes part of the rite of initiation, a sign of transition, and a source of pride. Those baptized in other communions who make a profession of faith with us may be received into the full communion of the Catholic Church. Their communion becomes the high point of their transition into membership.