All Catholics have the same readings which are set for that date. Also they take part in a penetential rite, where they say sorry for their sins before asking God for forgiveness. This is an important part of the service because Catholics believe that to be able to receive God’s Grace during Holy Communion first they need to be cleansed from their sins. Someone might need to go to confession because they could have consciously gone against the will of God and committed a sin and need forgiveness. Absolution proclaims the forgiveness of sins. Anglicans do not have these.
Both denominations have similar services even though some beliefs vary. In both Churches the service starts with the Liturgy of the Eucharist, which begins with the presentation of the bread and wine. An invitation is said to the congregation to join together for the sacrifice that’s about to be offered. The Eucharist prayer is said as the bread and wine are consecrated.
Also as remembrance of the greatness and majesty of God, they say, ”Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again”.
The Priest breaks the bread in front of the communicants. The Prayer of Humble Access is said to remind them that they join for communion not because they’re worthy to, but because God himself invited them. As the Priest gives them the bread to each person, he says, “The Body of Christ” and as he hands them the chalice with the wine, he says, “The Blood of Christ”, each time the receiver says, “Amen”. Communion Rite follows, which consists of the Lord’s Prayer and a period of reflective silence. Then the priest sends the people out and says, “Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord” to which the communicants reply, “Thanks be to God”.
The main difference is that the Anglicans believe that Christ is present in the blessed bread and wine but do not believe it actually becomes the body and blood. The belief in the spiritual change is the important part because if Jesus is spiritually present in the blessed bread and wine they believe Jesus will then become part of them when they eat and drink it. Catholics believe in Transubstantiation, where the bread and wine change into the body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ, even though the external manifestations (smell, taste and physical properties) of the bread and wine remain. Another difference is that for communion to take place there need be at least three people present for the Anglican Church and Catholics have no restriction. Ill people unable to attend communion have the sacred Host, which is the consecrated bread, taken to them.
A similarity between both Church denominations is that their congregation drink from the same chalice. It displays unity within the Churches. In the Roman Catholic Church Mass is very important. This is why it takes place daily and usually twice on Sunday’s. In the Anglican Church this depends on the Parish, services can be done daily, weekly or monthly. In Lady St. Mary, Wareham, communion is celebrated at least once a week.
Also Catholic don’t allow Women Priests to lead Communion. This is mainly because the priest has to take on the role of Jesus and they believe a woman cannot take on a man’s role. This is the same in some Anglican Churches but not all; it depends on the parish whether women are allowed to lead a Holy Communion service. In 1993 the General Synod allowed women priests into the Church of England. This is because Jesus taught equality between men and women. If Jesus had chosen women for his disciples they wouldn’t have been listened to or taken seriously just because of the times he lived in and the part of society.
Both Churches share the belief that to take communion the person has to have been baptised, as a sign of membership to the Church and need to be confirmed to show they agree to live by the promises said at their baptism.
Although in the two services there are many slight differences there is one main similarity. Both services are of thanksgiving and to commemorate the sacrifice Jesus made for them.
