Do I tell my Protestant friend she should not receive communion when she goes to mass?

[patioa]

Recently, my girlfriend son was married in the church along with a nuptial mass. The priest explained about communion for Catholics only and others were invited for blessing. Another girlfriend and her husband who attend a Lutheran church went up and received communion. Should I explain to her about our differences and let her know that she’s not supposed to do that? How do I do it?
Prayerfully concerned

 

[Karlo_Broussard]

First, I think it is a good thing in itself to inform someone about the Catholic teaching on receiving communion. However, each circumstance is different.

If the person is someone that you will never see again, then it might not be wise to go up to them and say, “Hey you shouldn’t do that and here are the reasons why…” But, if the person is someone that you interact with often and have a relationship with, then I would strongly consider looking for an opportunity to charitably share with that person the Catholic teaching on the matter.

You might say something like, “Hey, I noticed you went up for communion the other day. Did you become Catholic?” They will probably respond “No.” This sets up the conversation for you to begin explaining how receiving Holy Communion is a sign of belief in the Real Presence and unity of faith—namely acceptance of everything the Catholic Church teaches.

If you take this line of explanation, hopefully your friend can see that receiving Holy Communion while not accepting everything the Catholic Church teaches is bearing false witness.

Here is a great article on the matter by the staff at Catholic Answers
catholic.com/tracts/who-can-receive-communion