Blessing conundrum

[Teen_Catholic]

Alright, I’m never quite sure if this which forum to post my topics in, so this time I had to bite the bullet and go ahead.

Some background information before I start…

I’m an RCIA student who will be confirmed at the Easter Vigil. I started going to church a couple of years ago. My parents, who are both agnostics, were understandably concerned about this turn of events but decided to support them anyways. Neither of them wanting to go, my mom eventually volunteered (and I thank for for it) to attend church with me. My mom, although a wonderful women, hasn’t attended confession since she left high school. So here’s my problem…

Currently my mother does not receive the Eucharist. The only reason she doesn’t is because I (being an RCIA candidate) am not aloud to receive holy communion, and thus stay back in the pew. She has said as soon as I got up the communion line, there isn’t any way stopping her.

Anyways long story short, I refuse to go up for any reason, for fear that she may commit a mortal sin by not receiving communion in a state of grace. Since I’ll soon be able to partake in Holy Communion, my question is should I stay continue not to receive except when obligated to, or would it be wrong to not receive Our Lord based upon this assumption?

 

[Pug]

Teen_Catholic,

My opinion is that you ought to go up to receive the Lord. I know, you are probably in a lot of conflict over this, perhaps you are worried about your mother, or many things. You need the graces you will receive, and you need to pray fervently for your mom.

I have a lot of thoughts about this situation, though. Many Catholics end up in a situation where they watch their relatives go to communion, and those same relatives have said that they haven’t been to confession in years. So in that respect you aren’t alone. But this phrase from your post:

She has said as soon as I got up the communion line, there isn’t any way stopping her.

Maybe you could relate more of how that conversation went. I can interpret this quote several ways, and I don’t know which it is. For example, you could mean that she is very eager to receive the Lord again. When I deal with my fellow Catholics, I assume they are in a state of grace, or at least I assume they aren’t out of it, but if they are doing something odd, I will offer a reminder or an encouragement to certain behavior. You could invite her to come to your first confession, just to be in the pew while you go in, for example. Who knows what fruit that could bring?

Pray for her. When you do receive communion, beg Jesus for graces for her. She could become a great evangelizer, you never know!

 

[gallo]

I would echo what Pug posted. You will NEED the Graces of the Eucharist (I say this as a convert myself).

If your mother will be intent on receiving Holy Communion, maybe you should speak to her about the state one should be in to receive (eg, professing and believing the teachings of the Church and not separated from Her by disbelief or refusal to live by the teachings). If she is as you say, an agnostic, she is not accepting these things so is not in communion with the rest of the Church. This is not to be judgemental or anything, but just a simple fact. Besides, if a person wants nothing to do with what the Church believes and teaches, why would they want to commune with It anyway? Just some thoughts.

See if she will go to confession with you to just be there or actually to confess herself.

Keep persevering. You’re almost there! I will keep you in my prayers as you pass through the scrutinies of Lent.

Peace

 

[dafalax]

It almost sounds as if your mother is trying to manipulate you out of receiving. You are not responsible for the mortal sins your mom commits. Your only responsibility is to ensure that you are in a state of grace when you receive, that you fulfill your Sunday/Holy Day obligations, and otherwise don’t fall into mortal sin.
I am so happy that you are joining the Church. Your mom may be a bit put out that you found something in her old faith that she didn’t. If she’s taking you regularly, the door is open for her to return. Pray much for your mum and let God do the rest. He loves her and may be using you to help draw her back to Him.

 

[Teen_Catholic]

Thanks for all your responses, especially consider how incoherent my post really was.

The general consensus seems to be (and I agree, the spiritual fruits that Holy Communion bring are rather needed) to receive communion as often as possible.

It’s a shame about my mother though. Than again, I suppose it would be presumptuous of me to judge the state of her soul. All things considering though…

But on the very bright side I have noticed a subtle shifting of her opinions lately in favor of the Church, which is a very positive sign. Maybe, just maybe it’s baby steps towards a full blown conversion. At the very least, perhaps it would give her pause before receiving out of a state of grace.

 

[StCsDavid]

Thanks for all your responses, especially consider how incoherent my post really was.

The general consensus seems to be (and I agree, the spiritual fruits that Holy Communion bring are rather needed) to receive communion as often as possible.

It’s a shame about my mother though. Than again, I suppose it would be presumptuous of me to judge the state of her soul. All things considering though…

But on the very bright side I have noticed a subtle shifting of her opinions lately in favor of the Church, which is a very positive sign. Maybe, just maybe it’s baby steps towards a full blown conversion. At the very least, perhaps it would give her pause before receiving out of a state of grace.

You are blessed in your insight into the importance of Eucharist. The faith you live may be what ultimately assists in your mom’s conversion. I’m a team member on our RCIA program at our parish. After the Easter Vigil, I give each of our new Catholics a big hug and say “Welcome home.” I extend that greeting to you, too.