Catholic Answers Live #12441 Do Catholics Worship Bread, Communion and Adoration Explained - Colin Donovan
Nov 3, 2025
Colin Donovan, Vice President for Theology at EWTN, unpacks the complexities of Catholic beliefs about Communion and Adoration. He clarifies that Catholics do not worship bread but Christ present in the Eucharist. The conversation includes the historical shift allowing laypeople to receive from the chalice and variations in the penitential rite. Colin also addresses the need for moral duty in guiding others regarding Communion, offers practical steps for returning to the Church, and shares insights on enhancing Eucharistic adoration.
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Why Catholics Don’t Worship Bread
- Colin Donovan explains Catholics deny the Eucharist remains bread after consecration and instead affirm Christ's real presence by his words and power.
- He traces this belief to early witnesses like Pope Clement, Ignatius, and Justin, showing continuity across centuries.
Why Both Species Can Be Given
- Donovan outlines that each Eucharistic species contains the whole Christ, so receiving one species communicates Christ fully.
- He explains Vatican II re-permitted communion under both species to restore a fuller sacramental sign, while leaving pastoral prudence to priests.
Why ‘I Confess’ Sometimes Is Omitted
- The penitential rite has three permitted forms in the Missal, one being the 'I confess' (Confiteor) and others using Kyrie/penitential litany.
- The celebrant chooses the form, so omission of the Confiteor reflects legitimate liturgical options.
