Eucharist help needed

[Rkuertz]

Oh boy. So I am catholic and was happy that my girlfriend, her daughter and my parents went to mass with me this morning. I was not expecting them to get up and take communion and they did. Epic fail. The usher almost chased each one down as they didn’t know what to do with the host. I must say I was mortified and still in shock tonight. They have gone in the past and never did this before. Now they are all mad at me because I told them it was wrong. My girlfriends daughter doesn’t even really believe in god but we try and take her to church. My other half saw a beautiful moment where her daughter wanted to participate. And apparently my parents had the same movement as well. Now I’m the guy who ruined Easter because I told them the rules politely and now I’m the bad guy. Please someone advise on how to bring peace. Now my other half says religion is to tough and I’m keeping her away from Christ right when she was feeling closer. HELP! They all said it was a beautiful moment and I was surrounded by those who love and and they wanted to experience communion. And mom said I’m too tall so they couldn’t we what I did. Happy Easter from Florida!

 

[Cruciferi]

I was not expecting them to get up and take communion and they did. Epic fail.

Did you inform them, before Mass, about the rules regarding receiving Communion?

Now they are all mad at me because I told them it was wrong

Perhaps I’m wrong but I don’t think that they knew it was improper. So, it would be incredibly embarrassing for them.

 

[Rkuertz]

I did inform them and they were quite aware. They said they got caught up in the music and the moment. I got visibly upset when they started joking about getting in trouble when we got back to the car. Felt like a slap across the face to me. I told them how it made me feel and didn’t like laughing about it.

 

[Rkuertz]

Thanks you! Great video!

 

[Rkuertz]

That is true it won’t happen again. I just now need to fix it all as they are still mad I ruined Easter with my legalistic view of the rules. And I ruined a beautiful moment of a first communion. I told her politely that first communion is a huge day and it’s a special day so much that Hallmark even makes cards for it .

 

[Gtsuns]

That Father Mike video is a great explanation and makes a compassionate case, but it does in essence only provide justification for OP to say, “see I was right.” (Not that he’s that kinda guy.)
Not sure that’s going to do much for OP’s Girlfriend’s family.
OP, for the sake of peace, I think you would be a-okay to say “don’t shoot the messenger, but this is the position of my Church, and apologize that you are hurt.” I don’t think you need to feel culpable for their mistake OR that you are the lone sentry to keep the church safe from such occurrences.
I’m not sure what you could have done should they I have insisted anyway. Human dignity would dictate these individuals are free to make their own decisions and I do not believe it is demanded that we tackle non-Catholics on their way up the aisle. I think we should trust that Jesus and the Church can withstand this.

It is great that you informed them, but telling them it’s objectively wrong is uselessly hurtful unless they are ready to embrace our Catholic faith in full.

 

[Rkuertz]

Wow. Great answer. Thank you. I did it true best I could. I converted 10 years ago and took rica very seriously and hold the Eucharist with high regard. I wouldn’t have tackled them. I don’t feel culpable I just felt I/we were disrespected so to speak. I’m not the judge. I feel bad that my GF is embracing religion as she was close to atheist when we met. Now she is taking time to enjoy the service, prays, and asks a lot of good questions. I understand her view. Any other church we could have attended let everyone partake as you know. I only go to Mass. feeling better now. Rick

 

[awesomecatholic]

They probably did not know it was not proper. I wouldn’t go out and say it’s wrong, but politely explain the Catholic teachings on the Eucharist

 

[TheLittleLady]

You informed them.

They made a decision.

Going on now about how wrong it was likely feels as if you are trying to shame them. Apologize, show them that video. Your girl friend is an adult, she can decide if she wants to follow the rules or not.

 

[TheLittleLady]

THIS! To the OP:

I’d think that if this person has been your girlfriend and attending Mass with you, she has seen the times when you do not receive (we all have the “stay in the pew” days). Remind her about those after things calm down.