Fortunately this is not the position of the Bible. Allow me to take a minute to quickly discuss the subject of the Eucharist and the subject of Priests from what the Bible actually says.

Eucharist is a Latin word that simply means "thank you." This is the word that Catholics use for Communion, and although the word is not found in the Bible anywhere, it is a good and appropriate word for Communion. The Bible however nowhere says that during communion does the bread and wine actually become Jesus' body and blood, these are merely traditions that have sprung up over the centuries of Catholic faith. What Jesus did say at the last supper however was that whever we eat and drink (that is to have a meal) we should "do it in remembrance of me." This is significant and good news for Catholics because it means that they are free to partake in communion with other believers in a home. There is no need for a formally qualified Priest to bless the bread and wine because they are not special in any divine way, but rather just symbols that remind us of what Jesus has done for us.

In this day and age there is a vast shortage of Priests in many rural and regional parishes around Australia. Whilst this is disconcerting for the many Catholic believers, it does not have to restrict Catholics from participating in house churches, because the Bible says that every believer is a priest. The Book of 1 Peter tells us this.

If you are Catholic, you can rest assured in the knowledge that you ARE able to participate in house churches and in communion with non Catholics becasue the Bible is very clear that it is fine to do that. Certainly it is wonderful when an official Preist does visit, but during the many times this is not possible, you can participate in home churches will full enthusiasm and vigour just like any other believer.