Can a non Catholic receive communion?

[Nelka]

If someone has been baptised in a protestant church and has such a low mental capacity that they cannot sin or understand anything about God, can this person receive communion in a Catholic church?

I hear people say on here that when someone is baptised they are baptised into the Catholic faith due to the baptism so surely this person is a Catholic without knowing it?

 

[1ke]

If someone has been baptised in a protestant church and has such a low mental capacity that they cannot sin or understand anything about God, can this person receive communion in a Catholic church?

In general, no.

More specifically, that would be a discussion that the person responsible for the mentally handicapped person and their pastor would have to have.

In general, for a Latin Catholic to be admitted to communion requires that the person can distinguish the Eucharist from ordinary food. I do not know what the Eastern canons say.

And there are canons that specify the circumstances under which a non Catholic can receive communion.

I hear people say on here that when someone is baptised they are baptised into the Catholic faith due to the baptism

If someone says that when referring to a person baptized in another Church or ecclesial community they are mistaken.

so surely this person is a Catholic without knowing it?

No, this is not true.

 

[JerryZ]

The Catholic Church recognizes the Baptism given at a protestant church as valid and will not re baptize anyone.
That however does not make that individual “Catholic” merely a “member of body of Christ”.

 

[ontheway1]

Communion is a Sacrament, not a meal. It is not and should not be received automatically by anyone who happens to be in church. Catholic or otherwise, the person has to be predisposed to receive and be free of mortal sin.