Divorced/boyfriend/communion

[ForeverBlessed31]

I heard from two different priests that they cannot refuse communion to anyone. During confession I admitted to being divorced and living with my boyfriend and my question was can I receive communion? They both on separate occasions said it is up to me?? And depends on my conscience?? I’m sooo confused!!! Can I or not?

 

[SuperLuigi]

Thanks for posting.

First, you need to choose ONE priest to ask these questions to.

Second, you need to follow the advice the priest gives you. We cannot ordinarily countermand spiritual direction on here.

Third, a person cannot receive Communion while in a state of mortal sin. You need to talk with the ONE priest to find out when this is in your case.

Fourth, I would suggest looking into an annulment.

As far as refusing someone Communion, only a priest can do that and it’s pretty rare.

 

[ForeverBlessed31]

Thank you for your response. I posted the question because being a catholic after 30+years I had never heard that I can decide to take communion depending on my conscience and the fathers knowing the situation. I spoke to 2 priest to make sure I heard correctly. I was wondering if anyone else had heard the same.

I am seeking annulments.

 

[ForeverBlessed31]

Thank you… working on moving out and having spiritual peace!

 

[casslean]

Unless I’m mistaken, just living with your boyfriend doesn’t place you in a situation of mortal sin.

You can live as brother and sister, if there are practical obstacles to moving out. It might not be easy, but it is possible.

If you’ve confessed your past sins, and resolved not to commit future sins, then there is no reason you cannot receive Communion, even if you are still living together. Perhaps that’s what the priests meant by saying only you knew your conscience. Only you knew if you had a firm resolve not to sin again.

 

[TheLegend]

I can decide to take communion depending on my conscience and the fathers knowing the situation

I think in your situation your conscience is telling you that you can not receive, otherwise you, perhaps, would not be seeking an answer.

 

[ForeverBlessed31]

Thank you for your response. I plan not to, Until I am in a better spiritual place.

 

[ForeverBlessed31]

Thank you for your response. That makes sense.

 

[Kei]

The priest can determine one in such a situation as not fit to receive the Sacraments.
Being as taking the Eucharist in mortal sin is sacrilege, it is very important.

Work with the priests. Does your conscience say you should take? Does it say you should not?

 

[1ke]

I heard from two different priests that they cannot refuse communion to anyone.

Well, canonically speaking that is not true. But I’m sure most priests do not want to have a confrontation in the communion line.

During confession I admitted to being divorced and living with my boyfriend and my question was can I receive communion?

You already know the answer to that. You have been having sexual intercourse with a man you were not married to. That is grave matter. You’ve confessed it, do you have a firm amendment of purpose not to continue? Are you abstaining from sex? Are you taking steps to end the cohabitation or to receive a degree of nullity and marry?

Those are questions you have to answer.

Then you will know whether you are in a state of grace to receive communion.

They both on separate occasions said it is up to me??

Don’t present yourself for communion if you are not in a state of grace.

And depends on my conscience?? I’m sooo confused!!! Can I or not?

That depends on what’s going on with you and the boyfriend. You know you should not receive communion if you are not in a state of grace.

 

[ForeverBlessed31]

Currently working on an annulment and moving out. Nothing is worth being away from my God.