Can someone still receive the Eucharist after committing a sin in addiction (which is usually mortal).

[mrgunston]

According to the Catholic Church, masturbation is a mortal sin and therefore, if I was to masturbate, I would be required to refrain from receiving the Eucharist until I have received reconciliation.

The Church also states that addiction can reduce the culpability of sin because when someone is truly addicted to something, he/she is not truthfully consenting to the act.
Therefore, If I am addicted to masturbation and I wholeheartedly wan’t to stop however, due to intensive addictive compulsions, I give in to the act, I can presume that the sin is probably not moral. Does this mean that I am still required to refrain from receiving the Eucharist if I could not make it to confession prior to Mass?

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear friend,

Every addict is tempted to rationalize away his responsibility in the face of the next fall. Do NOT buy into ANYTHING that will make it easier for you to succumb to the addiction. We don’t know how culpable you are. But you need to do everything in you power–EVERYTHING, including not receiving the Body of Christ until you receive absolution–to be faithful to your commitment to Jesus Christ, who gave His all for you.

You need to just NOT go there in terms of the fantasies, or memories or whatever it is that causes you to fall. You need to replace the bad habits with new good ones one step at a time. Stay focused on the Lord and all that He endured for your welfare.The more you focus on Him, the more He will matter to you. Eventually, you will be surprised at the freedom He will give you and you WILL be faithful. You are in our prayers.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.