Communion with mortal sin

[PeteZaHut]

I know there has been a lot of debate whether or not to go up for a blessing if in the state of mortal sin during communion. I know that some think that shouldn’t be done, but would it be sinful, or as sinful as actually receiving communion?

Remaining in the pew tends to create awkward situations with my family.

 

[PhilotheaZ]

It is not a sin to go up for a blessing, although it is unnecessary, as we will all be given a blessing at the end of Mass anyway.

It is most definitely a sin — a mortal sin, in fact — to receive Communion when we are already in the state of mortal sin.

So if those are your only two options, going up for a blessing is definitely preferable.

A lay extraordinary minister cannot give a blessing, so go in the priest’s or deacon’s line if it is practical. Otherwise you’re just “going for a walk.”

Of course, the best solution is to avoid mortal sin (easier said than done, but if we truly love God we should prefer to die rather than commit a single mortal sin). And if in our weakness we do fall, we should go to Confession as soon as possible.

Could you get in the habit of regular (weekly, every other week, etc.) Confession whether you “need” it or not, and if your family asks why tell them that you receive a lot of grace from the sacrament and it helps you stay close to God? (They don’t have to know whether you committed a mortal sin or not; that’s a private matter between you and God and your priest-confessor.)

It’s unfortunate that it causes issues with your family. Part of the problem is that our culture has lost the sense of sin, and everyone goes to Communion whether they are in a state of grace or not (which is tragic). If everyone who was not in the state of grace stayed in their pews, your remaining behind would not draw much attention.

 

[Aramis]

Cardinal Arinze is quite firm and clear in Redemptionis Sacramentum (bolding mine), issued in 2004 and approved by Pp. John Paul II:

[83.] It is certainly best that all who are participating in the celebration of Holy Mass with the necessary dispositions should receive Communion. Nevertheless, it sometimes happens that Christ’s faithful approach the altar as a group indiscriminately. It pertains to the Pastors prudently and firmly to correct such an abuse.

[84.] Furthermore when Holy Mass is celebrated for a large crowd - for example, in large cities - care should be taken lest out of ignorance non-Catholics or even non-Christians come forward for Holy Communion, without taking into account the Church’s Magisterium in matters pertaining to doctrine and discipline.** It is the duty of Pastors at an opportune moment to inform those present of the authenticity and the discipline that are strictly to be observed.**
vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccdds/documents/rc_con_ccdds_doc_20040423_redemptionis-sacramentum_en.html

 

[puzzleannie]

I know there has been a lot of debate whether or not to go up for a blessing if in the state of mortal sin during communion. I know that some think that shouldn’t be done, but would it be sinful, or as sinful as actually receiving communion?

Remaining in the pew tends to create awkward situations with my family.

your family needs to mind its own business and you can gently remind them of that fact

 

[palmas85]

I know there has been a lot of debate whether or not to go up for a blessing if in the state of mortal sin during communion. I know that some think that shouldn’t be done, but would it be sinful, or as sinful as actually receiving communion?

Remaining in the pew tends to create awkward situations with my family.

Why? Receiving Holy Communion is a personal choice and if you know that you are in a state of Mortal Sin why not just stay there? You don’t have to explain anything to anyone. Besides that, if your family is so observant what do you think they will assume if you just go for a blessing rather than Communion?

 

[kage_ar]

your family needs to mind its own business and you can gently remind them of that fact

Agreed.

 

[Pro_Domina]

Yes, because it is a sin of scandal, so the church commands to recieve, as the person did not enter the line knowledgable at the time, yet leaving the line could cause problems.

Another thing is staying behind. No one has to know why you did not go. I mean it is usually a syntom of the obvious, but it is not enough, so it is not properly a scandal.

A priest is an exeption permitted, in a situation where he is schedueled to celebrate and he cannot find a replacement, he cannot just not celebrate. He is allowed to do an act of contrition conditioned on that he will procur confession ASAP.

 

[itsjustdave1988]

your family needs to mind its own business and you can gently remind them of that fact

I stay kneeling, and my kids (when they were younger) would ask, “Why aren’t you going up?” My response, “I didn’t get to confession like I should have.”

I use it as a teaching moment.

 

[kage_ar]

Yes, because it is a sin of scandal, so the church commands to recieve, as the person did not enter the line knowledgable at the time, yet leaving the line could cause problems.

Cite the official documents to back this up.

 

[Light_Seeker]

The moderator/admin apparently split this thread into a new one which can be found here based on Pro Domina’s post & replies