Do you have a reference on why one must be in a state of grace to receive Communion?

[Eddie_Joe]

One of my family members has been away from the Church for many years and has now got a Catholic girl friend with whom he attends Mass. I mentioned to him that while he has an obligation to attend Mass, he should not receive Communion until he goes to Confession. I was looking for a ref. in the Catechism of the Catholic Church but can’t find one.
Eddie Joe

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

Canon 916 states that a person who is conscious of grave sin is not to celebrate Mass (if a priest) or receive the Body of the Lord (if a lay person) without prior sacramental confession unless a grave reason is present and there is no opportunity of confessing; in this case the person is to be mindful of the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition, including the intention of confessing as soon as possible.

A grave reason would be, for example: the giving of scandal from not receiving Holy Communion at a wedding Mass, for a family celebration, etc. A perfect act of contrition is one that is made out of sorrow for offending God, rather than one made simply from the fear of eternal punishment.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.