Who's claiming anything about "straight edge"? Are you saying you are are a Catholic who wants to take on this lifestyle, or that the Church claims to be this? I don't think this is a particularly Catholic thing. Yes, no drugs and no promiscuous/premarital sex - the sex part is Biblical, and the drugs are an extension of the thought that the body is a temple - hence you don't abuse it with drugs. Wine is slightly different, and communion wine is really different. Wine has medicinal properties, and only becomes a problem when abused/misused. There is no problem with this in moderation - even Jesus drank. But some people can't moderate, or they want to be free from all even remotely bad influences. And so abstinence is a better choice. Communion wine, though - Remember that the communion drink is really the blood of Jesus. And you aren't supposed to be gulping it down like a fish - assuming that you are in a parish that even distributes it to the laity. So I would say that taking a sip of communion wine isn't really breaking a resolve to remain alcohol-free. However, there two more things to say about this if you really are resolved to remain absolutely alcohol-free. One does not have to partake of the cup in order to have a complete communion. You could just skip the cup entirely. Also, the Bible does not say that wine must be used. It says "the fruit of the vine". You could talk to your priest about using 100% grape juice instead of wine. I don't know if there are church regulations mandating wine, but you might want to look into it.

Well, I'm Straight Edge and I don't see what the problem would be. It's just a sip and it's the Blood of the Christ so it's very different from regular wine. I'd say go for it. I take the Body and the Blood at Mass and I haven't turned into some alcoholic. Haha. Just make up your own mind about this and don't let anybody tell you what you are or are not if you feel it in your heart.

In the ancient Greek New testament the word used for the wine that Jesus gives his Disciples is Grape Juice. In the Bible there is Old Wine ie what you guys are talking about booze with alcohol. But The Bible also distinquishes and uses the the term New Wine which is grape juice no alcohol.The True Jesus drinks New Wine not Old Wine.

I agree with XXXSaraXXX, taking a little sip of the blood of Christ will prolly not turn you into an alcoholic (or cause you to fall off the wagon) However, if it's worrisome, you don't have to take both species, just the body is fine.

This is an interesting point actually. I am a therapist at a rehab where on a regular basis, clients attend church. We have stated that they may not take the wine, even though we are informed it is non-alcoholic. I believe that even the non-alcoholic wines and beers has a minute amount in it? The thing with addiction is that a taste of wine may trigger relapse patterns and thus be unsafe for those who are abstinent. To be safet therefore, we say no, althpough the body of Christ is fine.

Drink all you want. I couldn't care less! Besides, your donation to the church is more than covering for that cheap shot they're giving you

I myself do not drink wine during Communion. This is because I have had problems with alcohol in the past (which my pastor knows about) and I have to avoid anything that could trigger a relapse. If you have had problems with alcohol in the past I would strongly suggest you avoid it. No one will think anything of it. There are people who have allegeries to it or simply don't drink it and our church is perfectly fine with that. However, if you do not have an issue with alcohol it is all what you are comfortable with. I wouldn't consider it "cheating" in that case.

Get over yourself and drink the wine.

I'm straight edge and I personally would not drink wine, no matter what... but I am also not religious.. so I guess I'm quite bias.