Eucharist and scrupulosity

[wkj_123]

I have a question regarding what’s required of Catholics as far as receiving the Eucharist. It’s my understanding that a Catholic is required to receive the Eucharist once a year? If someone suffers from scrupulosity and is thus always fearful of Mortal sin would they still be required to partake at least once a year? Thanks for the info.

 

[Kurisu35712]

I have a question regarding what’s required of Catholics as far as receiving the Eucharist. It’s my understanding that a Catholic is required to receive the Eucharist once a year? If someone suffers from scrupulosity and is thus always fearful of Mortal sin would they still be required to partake at least once a year? Thanks for the info.

Yes, because at that point they are to obey the direction of their confessor, who should ideally also be their spiritual director.

catholicpamphlets.net/pamphlets/Are%20You%20Scrupulous.pdf

Their conscience is malformed and as a result, they are not to depend on their own decisions as to whether they are worthy to receive communion, but to depend on the decision of their confessor. Scrupulosity is a problem that needs to be solved, not an excuse to not fulfill one’s obligations. Ultimately the matter is to be discussed between the person and their spiritual director.

 

[Kurisu35712]

Furthermore, a scrupulous person in fear of being in a state of mortal sin is not the same as a scrupulous person being in a state of mortal sin. Though that is to be determined by their confessor.

 

[dmftx]

There is a caveat that can be use (not “should” be used) in confession. Once you have confessed your sins, and sincerely feel that you have confessed all your sins but worry that there may be a forgotten mortal sin, then you can add “and any other sins I may have committed and forgotten”.

This is not an option for someone who remembers but doesn’t want to humbly confess. However, many of us worry about the “forgotten” sin.

I would urge you to confess regilarily and celebrate union with Chriat through the Eucharist as often as possible. God knows your heart - fear not!

 

[ahs]

Yes, one of the precepts of the Church is to receive Holy Communion “at least during the Easter season. This precept guarantees as a minimum the reception of the Lord’s Body and Blood in connection with the Pascal Feasts, the origin and center of the Christian liturgy.” (Handbook of Prayers, p.16, 2007 ed.)

The “once per year” precept is in regards to confession of sins. “You shall confess your sins at least once a year.” (ibid.)

If you suffer from scrupulosity, visit with your confessor about this to make sure you do receive at least during the Easter season. The precepts are obligatory.

 

[ahs]

There is a caveat that can be use (not “should” be used) in confession. Once you have confessed your sins, and sincerely feel that you have confessed all your sins but worry that there may be a forgotten mortal sin, then you can add "and any other sins I may have committed and forgotten".

Amen!! All of my confessions ends with, “…for these and all the sins of my past life, I am truly sorry”.

 

[porthos11]

I have a question regarding what’s required of Catholics as far as receiving the Eucharist. It’s my understanding that a Catholic is required to receive the Eucharist once a year? If someone suffers from scrupulosity and is thus always fearful of Mortal sin would they still be required to partake at least once a year? Thanks for the info.

A person suffering scrupulosity, in addition to following unconditionally his confessor, MUST proceed as if there is no sin. In other words, if he’s constantly fearful he is in mortal sin, he is just that: fearful. He MUST receive. It is one way of combating the scrupulosity.

The reason I say this is because if the scrupulous is actually in mortal sin, he knows it, and will not be fearful of it. Strangely enough, the scrupulous, in in true mortal sin, have rather good clarity of that fact and know what to deal with it. They are not scrupulous in that area. One clear indicator of scruples is that fear and anxiety, and more likely than not, there is in fact no sin there.

I’ve said before, when some of our known scrupulous CAF posters come here with their next “is this a sin” question, the answer is almost automatically, NO. Because they actually will know if they are in sin and would not ask.

 

[ProVobis]

I have a question regarding what’s required of Catholics as far as receiving the Eucharist. It’s my understanding that a Catholic is required to receive the Eucharist once a year? If someone suffers from scrupulosity and is thus always fearful of Mortal sin would they still be required to partake at least once a year? Thanks for the info.

Your best bet then would be to find confession right before Mass or communion. Do the best you can.

 

[Bookcat]

(setting aside the question posed I will note rather what to do in terms of if one struggles with scruples)

A person struggles with scruples - what ought they do?

A person with scrupulosity --ought to have a* “regular confessor” *who can direct them --and even give them some general principles to follow -to apply (principles for them due to their particular scruples -they are usually not for those with a normal conscience). Thus with their direction they can dismiss scruples. Scruples are to be dismissed not argued with.

Scruples are like a barking dog or a hissing goose -one does not stop to argue with a barking dog or a hissing goose does one?

Such ‘obedience’ (except in what is manifest sin - such as if he told them it was ok to murder someone or something certain like that) is key. Such is the age old practice.

As to counseling - that could be helpful depending on the case -but one would want to look for a counselor who can assist one in following the Churches Teachings - not go contrary to them (I have heard CA staff mention catholictherapists.com/)

Here was a recent post from Jimmy Akin of CA that I saw in the Register and saved for those who struggle with such.

ncregister.com/blog/jimmy-akin/6-tools-for-the-scrupulous