Communion and the Handicap

[hilde_the_dog]

So let me get this straight since I might be way off (and I usually am), but from the gist of the replies the Latin Catholic Church allows those who have severe mental conditions to receive the Eucharist? And it seems ithe rationale for this is that they do not have the capacity to sin? Does this not conflict with the Church’s teaching that one must understand that Christ is present sacramentally in the Eucharist via transubstantiation? Or are they given the benefit of the doubt that they believe?

Please don’t beat me up to bad. I do not wish to be mean or insensitive.

 

[jmcrae]

So let me get this straight since I might be way off (and I usually am), but from the gist of the replies the Latin Catholic Church allows those who have severe mental conditions to receive the Eucharist?

Yes.

And it seems ithe rationale for this is that they do not have the capacity to sin?

Yes. Because they are baptized Catholics who are in the state of grace, they are qualified to receive the Eucharist.

Does this not conflict with the Church’s teaching that one must understand that Christ is present sacramentally in the Eucharist via transubstantiation?

The Church in Her wisdom does not require the impossible of anyone. She requires that we do our best, which means that those of us with the ability to understand also have the requirement to understand. But for those for whom this is impossible, the requirement does not exist.

 

[hilde_the_dog]

Thank you JMCrae. I always wondered about this since I joined the RCC.

 

[puzzleannie]

very well stated by JMC
those with a ministry of bringing communion to the sick and elderly, including those with mental incapacity, can attest to the many ways these people can and do communicate their love for Jesus and desire to receive him in the Eucharist. Bear in mind that for those who cannot learn in conventional ways and means of catechesis, the Holy Spirit can and does supply all deficiencies of understanding.