Attachment theory, the Eucharist, Priesthood and Self-Awareness

Attachment theory has identified particular patterns of adult relating that appear to be anti-thetical to the relational ideal of a eucharistic church in which people become ‘one body’ under Christ. While people may be drawn spiritually into unity by the eucharist, they may, as a result of childhood experiences, feel under pressure to remain psychologically and physically separate. Such a tension between coming together and remaining separate is normal in the eucharist, and one responsiblity of the priest is to provide a holding environment in which the tension can happen and be contained. In order to provide this the priest should be self-aware, knowing the security or insecurity of his own relational patterns.