Do you have to drink wine for communion?

While the Catholic Church generally adheres to the rule that all wine for sacramental use must be pure grape wine and alcoholic it is accepted that there are some circumstances, where it may be necessary to use a wine that is only minimally fermented, called mustum.

Can I use water for Holy Communion?

And since “it mattereth not” what we drink for the sacrament, Church leaders have asked us to use water, which is inexpensive and universally available. No matter what is used for the sacrament, we should focus our thoughts on the Savior and our commitment to follow Him.

What does the juice represent in communion?

The wine (or grape juice) represents His blood, which was shed to establish a new covenant. It brought the forgiveness of sins and sets us apart in holiness. These two pieces became the elements of communion because they are the same elements that Jesus picked up from the Passover table.

What can be used for communion?

Many churches in America use communion wafers, actual small, pale wafers made especially for that purpose. Some Protestants use normal unleavened bread, others use wafers. Most Orthodox churches use leavened bread, but not the Armenian Orthodox Church.

Should we offer grape juice instead of alcoholic wine in communion?

Offering grape juice instead of alcoholic wine in Communion began in the mid-late 19th century, according to Christianity Today. Those who advocate for grape juice at communion may assert one of the following arguments. 1. Offering Wine Is Insensitive to Those Struggling with Alcoholism. It can help those who struggle with alcoholism.

Is alcohol-free communion mandatory?

Alcohol-free Communion was to be available in every church. The second change, however, made it effectively mandatory, “Let none but the pure, unfermented juice of the grape be used in administering the Lord’s Supper, whenever practicable.”

What are the disadvantages of offering wine during communion?

1. Offering Wine Is Insensitive to Those Struggling with Alcoholism. It can help those who struggle with alcoholism. Those who may be tempted by alcohol may avoid half of communion, and not engage fully with the sacrament in order to avoid tempting oneself. As seen in Scripture, wine can lead to sin ( Genesis 9 ).

Should we use wine or grape juice in the Lord’s Supper?

As for using wine or grape juice in the Lord’s Supper, there is no hard and fast biblical rule that states either one is preferred or acceptable. For those who use wine, certainly, if someone won’t drink from the cup because of its alcoholic content, then that is a valid concern.