Eating Together, Becoming One - by Thomas O'Loughlin (Paperback)

About the Book

"Explores various ways of thinking about what Catholics do in the liturgy that should lead us to see intercommunion between Christian denominations as enhancing our participation in the mystery of the Church and the mystery we celebrate"--

Book Synopsis

2020 Catholic Press Association first place award, ecumenism or interfaith relations

In November 2015, Pope Francis called on theologians to explore whether normal Catholic practice should be changed to allow Christians, belonging to other churches, to share fully at the table when they take part in a Eucharist celebrated by Catholics. Thomas O'Loughlin provides his contribution to that challenge in this volume. He argues that the various ways of thinking about what we are doing in the liturgy should lead us to see intercommunion as enhancing our participation in the mystery of the Church and the mystery we celebrate.

Learn more and watch Professor Tom O'Loughlin's interview with the Aqueduct Project, discussing Eating Together, Becoming One: https: //www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ySkMzHtkMU

Review Quotes

"Development in doctrine or ecclesial practice is a fact throughout the history of the Catholic Church. Often such changes have come about through taking a fresh perspective on a particular issue. In this carefully argued book, Thomas O'Loughlin presents a compelling case for change in Catholic practice regarding eucharistic hospitality. O'Loughlin writes as a historian, theologian, liturgist, and pastor; but it is above all his pastoral perspective that gives his call for change such cogency and urgency."

"Do not be deceived. This book is about a lot more than Eucharistic sharing among Christians. It is indeed about sharing communion, but O'Loughlin also provides excellent ecumenical and Eucharistic theology to back up his bold proposals for Catholic Eucharistic hospitality. We desperately need this kind of forward-looking thinking today. I recommend it highly to pastoral ministers, theologians and ministerial students--in fact to anyone concerned with the issue of Eucharistic sharing."

"In his usual eminently readable style, Thomas O'Loughlin presents forceful arguments on why Christians from different churches should share in communion with one another as they journey together that challenge all to serious reflection."

"In this engagingly written book, Thomas O'Loughlin conducts a compelling theological exploration of a persistent and unresolved question in pastoral life. A series of reflections on what it means for Christians to `eat together' at the eucharist draw with equal poise on canon law, profound readings of scripture, and the experience of parish life. Both systematic teaching and challenge, they lead readers of all Churches to reimagine local reality, and live it differently, in the light of the imperatives of the kingdom."

"I am grateful for the deep ecumenical reflection here and for the persuasive proposal and hopeful that it will be widely heard and discussed among Catholic Christians-an even more, that it will eventually lead to a new practice of openness at the table of the Lord."
Modern Believing
-- (9/11/2023 12:00:00 AM)

"This book will surely provoke discussion and greater reflection on this important subject and for that we are very much in O'Loughlin's debt."
Ecclesia Orans

"O'Loughlin does all he can to convince defenders of the old order that the Church must break down boundaries and build bridges, especially in the context of the Eucharist, both offering and accepting hospitality as we move together towards the banquet of the promised Kingdom."
Anaphora


"This beautifully-written book also has an alluring gastronomic appeal, particularly among those who missed the simple pleasure of sharing a meal with family and friends during the pandemic."
Reality

"This profound book speaks movingly and relevantly about Christian hospitality and welcome beyond the confines of the debate within the Roman Catholic Church for which it was written. It is well worth the read."
The Church of England Newspaper

"O'Loughlin offers a series of reflections in which he asks us to explore the theological, liturgical, and pastoral issues related to the question of intercommunion. He challenges us to look at the nature of what we are doing when we gather as a community for the eucharist."
Catholic Books Review

"Read this book; It could change your life. I know it has mine, for it made me pray."

"O'Loughlin's book is written in a popular style, light on academic baggage, but it's seriousness as a theological contribution should not be judged by that."
Scottish Episcopal Institute Journal

"This new book is a significant response to Pope Francis' request to theologians to ask questions. It is well worth reading."
Spirituality

"O'Loughlin adopts a systematic approach. He brings together historical appreciation, Biblical scholarship, anthropological perception, and liturgical insight in seeking an answer to the question: 'who is welcome at the Eucharistic table?' For anyone who seeks to walk an ecumenical path, anyone confronted by disunity among Christians, anyone who takes seriously the call for unity among God's people, this is an important book."
Liturgy

"There will be diverse positions on this; but they must address the sacramental theology put forward in this book. I can only say that I cannot recall any other book which has enriched my appreciation of the Eucharist as much. It is also vital for the mission of the church, to which our divisions are an obstacle."
The Furrow

"The author provides readers with a sound and generous invitation to understand that the Eucharist is both the summit and satisfaction of healthy human desire, and essential food for the human journey. It needs to be available to all who seek Christ."
Tui Motu InterIslands

"This book draws on different disciplines, including theology, history, and sociology, as well as pastoral practice, and in so doing presents a comprehensive examination of 21st century discussions surrounding this historically toxic question, which has divided Catholics and other Christian denominations for 500 years."
Renew

"An excellent and thoughtful book."
Pastoral Review

"O'Loughlin is both an excellent lecturer and a very engaging writer. He writes with authority as an historian, theologian, and liturgist, but above all else from a pastoral perspective. I found his exposition of 'the grammar of meals' a very useful reflection."
The Tablet

"O'Loughlin's book is a challenge to read, for it addresses an issue that so many experience as a source of pain, particularly within the context of marriage. This new book is a significant response to Pope Francis' request to theologians to ask questions. It is well worth reading."
Association of Catholic Priests

"The book presents a series of reflections exploring the theological, liturgical, and pastoral issues related to the question (of intercommunion). In his conclusion, O'Loughlin asks how we can in good conscience 'exclude any member of the (baptized) Spirit-formed family from full participation in the very activity for which the Spirit has transformed us?' (155). His book is recommended for academic and parish libraries and for all those with pastoral concerns about the appropriate answer to this question."
Catholic Library World