Questions about Catholicism

Recently I have been around several Catholic practices (a wedding, lent, Ash Wednesday, communion, etc.) and it has raised some questions that I even had to call up a Catholic friend to ask.

So, before I begin, let me include a disclaimer! This is in no way meant to criticize the Catholic religion, or say that it is wrong in any way! I just have some questions that I raised, that I really want answers to! I in no way think that I am better than any Catholic person, or that my religious beliefs are more right... this is not what this post is about!

The first question that I encountered was this: why can non-catholic Christians not partake in the communion ceremony? When I asked my Catholic friend, she explained to me that it was a sacrament, and it was very important to their religion. Another friend told me that "It's different for Catholics, because they actually believe that it is the body of Christ they are taking." Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't that what all Christians believe? I understand that their are specific guidelines for communion in the Catholic church, but it just seems so contrary to not allow someone to participate.

The second question arises from something I happened to hear on the radio about it being Ash Wednesday, what people were giving up for Lent, etc. Someone on the morning show mentioned that they were giving up something for Lent, and the Catholic on the show said (something to the extent of) "Hey, you can't do that, you're not even Catholic!" And she said that it was something she was just trying to participate. Again, why would it be unacceptable for a non-catholic to partake in sacrificing something and participating in Lent if they are following the same beliefs and rituals that they are? Maybe it is not something mandated by a Christian church, but if someone gives something up, to represent the sacrifice that Christ made, and every time that they were tempted to partake in whatever they gave up, they stopped and prayed to the Lord, I don't see the harm.

So, I guess my overall perception of these recent events was that I was being excluded from traditionally Christian things... My overall question is why would you not want people to partake in rituals and practices that are so important to your religion? What harm could that inflict by allowing people to participate? Maybe using these things to show other people what you believe would be a good way to minister to others?

These are just some questions that have been bothering me lately. Hopefully expressing some of these concerns will help shed a little light on the situation for me!