It took me a long time to appreciate how important receiving Communion on the tongue was for Catholics. I always figured it was something that only the overly pious people did and that rumors of people snatching the Eucharist were only objects of overblown rumors.

But people who discreetly steal hosts for nefarious purposes are not just characters in fiction.

From Creative Minority Report:

Webster Cook is a student at the University of Central Florida. He is also a top notch jerk.

Last week Cook attended a campus mass. At that mass, he attempted skulk back to his pew with a consecrated host. The extraordinary minister saw what he was doing and blocked his path until he put into his mouth. However, when he got back to his pew he removed the host. A lady from the Church saw what he done and attempted to get the host back from him by trying to pry his hand open. Cook now claims he is a victim.

As always, go read the whole thing.

Two notes:

(1) This could have been easily prevented if the Blessed Sacrament was given properly on the tongue. Such a practice would make abuses like this pretty hard to accomplish.

(2) It's further evidence how a seperation of Church and State benefits not only the State, but also the Church. It sounds like Mr. Cook was planning on making a political point, not a religious one when he says:

"The church feels that I'm the problem here," Cook said. "The problem is actually that this is a publicly-funded religious institution. Through student government here, we fund them through an activity and service, so they're receiving student money."

Some people insist that religion should stay out of government. I'm inclined to agree as long as the reverse it also true.

UPDATE:
I STRONGLY URGE you to send an email to the UCF President and Director of OSRR in protest. This is the email I just sent to:

jhitt@mail.ucf.edu (president) and pmackown@mail.ucf.edu (OSRR).

Dear Dr. Hitt,

I am writing you to express my sincere dismay with a student at the University of Central Florida. I'm sure you've already received a fair amount of email on the subject of Webster Cook. Futher, I'm sure that you understand that this is a serious offence that must be addressed by the University in light of the "Golden Rule" of conduct at UCF. Specifically: Rules of Conduct 2.F.3.a Disruptive Conduct; "An act that impairs, interferes with, or obstructs the orderly conduct, processes, and functions of the University or any part thereof." Furthermore, his actions are a direct slap to the UFC creed tenets of Integrity, Community and Excellence--a creed that, no doubt, the University of Central Florida takes quite seriously.

Mr. Cook is no doubt a bright young man. He serves on Student Government and even started a student run newspaper. But his little stunt is a serious offence against his fellow students and other members of the UCF community and must be addressed by the university in an expeditious manner. It is nothing short of religious harassment, and no public academic institution should stand for such conduct.

Please find this email CC'd to Ms. Patricia MacKown, Director of the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, as per the instructions of the Office of Student Conduct rules section 2; "Alleged violations of the UCF Rules of Conduct shall be reported in writing to the Director of the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (OSRR) or designee. The written complaint of violation of the UCF Rules of Conduct shall be made no later than six months following discovery of the alleged violation."

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

UPDATE 2:
I hear that Dr. Hill is on vacation. Nonetheless, he is responding to his emails quite quickly. His blackberry must be getting a workout! Here is his extremely prompt reply:

Thank you for your note Mr. Walberg. I have been told that Mr. Cook returned the consecrated Eucharist yesterday. The university takes this matter very seriously, and it is in the hands of our student judicial system. John C. Hitt President, UCF

I hope that news is true.

If so, it's time to start praying for Webster Cook's repentance and forgiveness.