Are Catholics entitled to the sacraments?

[Jennifer123]

Another forum was discussing a certain pop singer’s plan to marry within the Church despite not being Catholic (which really wasn’t the issue for most of the posters anyway).

I took exception to another poster’s assertion that as Catholics, we have a right and are entitled to a Catholic ceremony, regardless of whether we’ve ever attended Mass or participated in any other sacraments in our lives apart from Baptism.

I “argued” that we aren’t entitled to any of the sacraments, that they are privledges and we can not do anything to earn or deserve them on our own apart from abiding in His grace, and that the Church reserves the right to sanctify that commitment.

This person asserts that per a Canon lawyer, we are entitled to the sacraments and have a right to have a Catholic ceremony.

That got me thinking - am I wrong in thinking that we humans do not necessarily deserve the sacraments or are entitled to them?

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

The Canon Lawyer is correct the Catholic has a right to the Sacraments. However Canon Law also says that they are to be properly disposed, and properly instructed before being admitted to the Sacraments. This is determined by the Bishop and the Pastor.

Specifically for Marriage Canon Law specifies that a Catholic who is not Confirmed, should receive this Sacrament when possible before the Sacrament of Marriage.

 

[Catholic2003]

Generally, Catholics have a right to the sacraments:

Canon 213 Christ’s faithful have the right to be assisted by their Pastors from the spiritual riches of the Church, especially by the word of God and the sacraments.

This right is subject to being properly disposed to receive the sacrament:

Canon 843 §1 Sacred ministers may not deny the sacraments to those who opportunely ask for them, are properly disposed and are not prohibited by law from receiving them.

 

[Christy_Beth]

I think that, here in america, we focus too much on *entitlement. *We forget that with each “priviledge” there is a corresponding “responsibility.” Being saved isn’t a “right.” It isn’t something that we can demand. And I think that this applies to the sacraments as well. We have to hold up our end of the deal. If we’re non-practicing catholics, who are we to “demand” a “sacrament”?

 

[Joe_Kelley]

Jennifer123:

That got me thinking - am I wrong in thinking that we humans do not necessarily deserve the sacraments or are entitled to them?

As an aside, I would say none of us deserve them. On the other hand, as noted, we are entitled to them if properly prepared and disposed.

 

[Jennifer123]

Joe Kelley:

As an aside, I would say none of us deserve them. On the other hand, as noted, we are entitled to them if properly prepared and disposed.

I guess for me the phrase “properly prepared” - it doesn’t seem one can be properly prepared if they haven’t partaken in any of the other sacraments? But I do stand corrected on the rights issue.
My concern is still the entitlement mentality though, and feel that it leads to the politicization of namely the Eucharist. I just think the gospel message was one of being in debt to Our Lord for His sacrifice, and we don’t merit salvation apart from His gift of grace, and that abiding in Him through the sacraments is how we stay in grace?

 

[Joe_Kelley]

Jennifer123:

I guess for me the phrase “properly prepared” - it doesn’t seem one can be properly prepared if they haven’t partaken in any of the other sacraments?

I think you are right. To receive any sacrament there should be evidence that one understands the sacrament and is living, or at least shows the intent to live, a proper Christian life in accord with Church teachings.

Thus one must receive Baptism before receiving any other Sacrament. One must receive Reconciliation before First Eucharist or Confirmation - unless these are administered immediately after Baptism - in which case one must receive Confirmation before First Eucharist.

While one may receive Matrimony without having received Eucharist or Confirmation, one should be at least preparing for these as evidence of the intent to live a proper Christian life.

I’ll leave the requirements for Ordination up to the Bishop; that’s what he gets paid for.

 

[michelleleebb]

I have been baptized, received communion, confession and I am 25 yrs. old with two children that are baptized and my Husband ( or I should say husband to be — because we are married by a court… But are getting married in a Catholic Church in February) Are we not to receive the body of Christ at mass until we are married by church and I can not be confirmed until done so?
Joe Kelley:

I think you are right. To receive any sacrament there should be evidence that one understands the sacrament and is living, or at least shows the intent to live, a proper Christian life in accord with Church teachings.

Thus one must receive Baptism before receiving any other Sacrament. One must receive Reconciliation before First Eucharist or Confirmation - unless these are administered immediately after Baptism - in which case one must receive Confirmation before First Eucharist.

While one may receive Matrimony without having received Eucharist or Confirmation, one should be at least preparing for these as evidence of the intent to live a proper Christian life.

I’ll leave the requirements for Ordination up to the Bishop; that’s what he gets paid for.

 

[katherine2]

I just think the gospel message was one of being in debt to Our Lord

Yes. I think the point of canon law is that our debt is to Our Lord, not to the minister of the sacrament.

Some of the obvious historical (at least I hope these things are not still going on) would be a pastor not allowing a marriage to a mixed race couple, or one where a wealthy contributor to the parish and the father of the bride disapproved of the groom, or denying communion to someone for not contributing to the parish or not enrolling their children in CCD or not following a liturgical norm during Mass.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

michelleleebb:

I have been baptized, received communion, confession and I am 25 yrs. old with two children that are baptized and my Husband ( or I should say husband to be — because we are married by a court… But are getting married in a Catholic Church in February) Are we not to receive the body of Christ at mass until we are married by church and I can not be confirmed until done so?

I hope the folowing does not come across as uncaring. I work with many in your situation and understand the pain. However, I am not good at sugar coating my answers.

1. It is necessary that you be in the state of grace - have received absolution for all mortal sins - when receiving any sacrament except Baptism or Reconciliation.
2. A condition for receiving absolution is that you firmly resolve not to commit these sins again.
3. Living as husband and wife in a union not recognized by the Church puts you in the state of sin. Until that union is corrected [as you plan to do in February] you cannot be assumed to be resolved not to sin again.

With my prayers as we wait for February.

 

[caroljm36]

michelleleebb:

I have been baptized, received communion, confession and I am 25 yrs. old with two children that are baptized and my Husband ( or I should say husband to be — because we are married by a court… But are getting married in a Catholic Church in February) Are we not to receive the body of Christ at mass until we are married by church and I can not be confirmed until done so?

My husband and I sat out communion for several years while he got his annulment and then we prepped for marriage in the Church.

So hang in there! You’ll appreciate it more when it’s legit.

 

[rcballi46]

Joe Kelley:

I hope the folowing does not come across as uncaring. I work with many in your situation and understand the pain. However, I am not good at sugar coating my answers.

1. It is necessary that you be in the state of grace - have received absolution for all mortal sins - when receiving any sacrament except Baptism or Reconciliation.
2. A condition for receiving absolution is that you firmly resolve not to commit these sins again.
3. Living as husband and wife in a union not recognized by the Church puts you in the state of sin. Until that union is corrected [as you plan to do in February] you cannot be assumed to be resolved not to sin again.

With my prayers as we wait for February.

With respect, you forgot to mention in paragraph 1, a third Sacrament one can receive while not being in a state of grace:
The Sacrament of the Sick!

Additionally, I would advise this person to consult her pastor with regards to her ‘living’ arrangement prior to the Church blessing her marriage - before I would feel competent enough to call it (her current arrangement) ‘sinful’ (she and you may be under a false assumption).

God bless

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

rcballi46:

With respect, you forgot to mention in paragraph 1, a third Sacrament one can receive while not being in a state of grace:
The Sacrament of the Sick!

Additionally, I would advise this person to consult her pastor with regards to her ‘living’ arrangement prior to the Church blessing her marriage - before I would feel competent enough to call it (her current arrangement) ‘sinful’ (she and you may be under a false assumption).

God bless

This is only correct if the person is not conscious. Otherwise the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is always preceded by Sacramental Reconciliation.

 

[Scullinius]

Joe Kelley:

Thus one must receive Baptism before receiving any other Sacrament. One must receive Reconciliation before First Eucharist or Confirmation - unless these are administered immediately after Baptism - in which case one must receive Confirmation before First Eucharist.

Actually, it’s not necessary to receive Confirmation before First Eucharist:

Canon 912. Any baptized person not prohibited by law can and must be admitted to holy communion.

Canon 914. It is primarily the duty of parents and those who take the place of parents, as well as the duty of pastors, to take care that children who have reached the use of reason are prepared properly and, after they have made sacramental confession, are refreshed with this divine food as soon as possible. It is for the pastor to exercise vigilance so that children who have not attained the use of reason or whom he judges are not sufficiently disposed do not approach holy communion.

Canon 916. A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to celebrate Mass or receive the body of the Lord without previous sacramental confession unless there is a grave reason and there is no opportunity to confess; in this case the person is to remember the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition which includes the resolution of confessing as soon as possible.

vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P39.HTM

With regard to the timing of Confirmation:

Canon 890. The faithful are obliged to receive this sacrament at the proper time. Parents and pastors of souls, especially pastors of parishes, are to take care that the faithful are properly instructed to receive the sacrament and come to it at the appropriate time.

vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P33.HTM

Scullinius

 

[Catholic2003]

Scullinius:

Actually, it’s not necessary to receive Confirmation before First Eucharist:

I think that Joe Kelley might have been referring to this canon:

Canon 866 Unless there is a grave reason to the contrary, immediately after receiving baptism an adult is to be confirmed, to participate in the celebration of the Eucharist and to receive holy communion.

By canon 852 §1, this applies to all those who are baptized after (roughly) the age of seven.