If the Church is to be truly catholic (universal), it must be ecumenical. I distinguish it from "Catholicism"' (denominational close-mindedness) and authentic catholicity. I look forward to the moment when all Christians meet at the Eucharistic table of Jesus. In my pastoral practice, I respect the rules of the Catholic Church. These rules allow the Eucharist to be served to non-Catholics "in exceptional cases" when there is a "serious pastoral reason" to do so. I have asked my bishop for permission to judge when there is a "serious pastoral reason." Experienced old priests can balance the paragraphs of ecclesiastical law with "pastoral reasons." Studying textbooks on morals and canon law is helpful, but we must not forget the most important principle: the salvation of souls is the supreme law.
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