Communion in mortal sin

[bjford]

I have been confused about this issue, and have been given contradictory responses from people. Some more traditionalists Catholics (including a sedevecantist) says that there are absolutely no exceptions, and that if you do you’re damned for eternity (sounds like Jansenism). However, another diocisan priest told me that if you are with your family, you are automatically expected to recieve communion. Knowing that your family would ask why you didn’t recieve communion, it would embarass you. Therefore, recieving communion in that state is not sinful (sounds like liberalism), and that instead you should make an act of contrition and recieve communions, and not have to mention the sin at confession.

What’s the truth?

 

[Crusader]

bjford:

I have been confused about this issue, and have been given contradictory responses from people. Some more traditionalists Catholics (including a sedevecantist) says that there are absolutely no exceptions, and that if you do you’re damned for eternity (sounds like Jansenism). However, another diocisan priest told me that if you are with your family, you are automatically expected to recieve communion. Knowing that your family would ask why you didn’t recieve communion, it would embarass you. Therefore, recieving communion in that state is not sinful (sounds like liberalism), and that instead you should make an act of contrition and recieve communions, and not have to mention the sin at confession.

What’s the truth?

You are not to receive Holy Communion if your soul is in mortal sin. That priest was sadly mistaken, and his advice is extremely harmful.

On the other hand receiving Holy Communion while in a state of mortal sin is in itself another mortal sin, which can be absolved through the sacrament of penance.

We are not automatically “damned for eternity” should we commit this mortal sin.

 

[cmcruz]

As Crusader said, both parties were sadly mistaken–one should not recieve Communion if one is aware of mortal sin, but if one does, one is not “eternally damned.” Here is a statement from the Catechism that deals with this issue:

1415 Anyone who desires to receive Christ in Eucharistic communion must be in the state of grace. Anyone aware of having sinned mortally must not receive communion without having received absolution in the sacrament of penance.

I hope that helps. God Bless.

 

[Timidity]

bjford:

…Knowing that your family would ask why you didn’t recieve communion…

Really? Do people really do that? I can not imagine anything more rude.

I didn’t have the most Catholic upbringing in the world, but I was taught that you never make such an inquiry to anyone.

 

[RobedWithLight]

I believe it was the apostle St. Paul who said that “One who receives the body and blood of Christ unworthily, is guilty of the body and blood of Christ”.

It is quite clear. Unconfessed and unrepented mortal sin makes you unworthy of receiving holy communion.

Gerry

 

[Jacob]

All of the above is true, but their are exceptions. Such as the case if there is a real danger of you dying and you know that you will receive absolution directly after mass, then it is permissable. There are a few other exceptions also, ask your parish priest.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

Jacob:

All of the above is true, but their are exceptions. Such as the case if there is a real danger of you dying and you know that you will receive absolution directly after mass, then it is permissable. There are a few other exceptions also, ask your parish priest.

You can also receive Communion directly after mass after Confessing, or after Confessing any time you are in real danger of dying.

 

[Toni]

I was always taught this was a sacrilege and yes could be removed by confession but it was a very grave sin.

My mother would go so far as to say if you think you have sinned then don’t go to communion it only hurts Christ more.

In listening to the Mass on EWTN a little while ago the priest gave a great sermon on receiving communion if you have not prepared your heart to receive, that Christ will come but comes reluctantly. I thought that was interesting for all to realize. He repeated it twice and I am sure that my words are not exact but the last part is correct.

 

[mercygate]

bjford:

your family would ask why you didn’t recieve communion, it would embarass you.

Since you are already in a state of mortal sin, you could lie to them and say you had a bite to eat before Mass . . . (OK, I’m joking)

What’s so terrible about being embarrassed? It shows you care. It shows you know what’s going on. For Pete’s sake! Put this in perspective: this isn’t coffee & croissants at Starbucks!