Eucharistic Ministers/abortion

[Exsanguin8]

I hope this is the correct place to post this. I’m often in the position of receiving Communion from people who work diligently for Democratic candidates who support abortion. Why is this allowed by the Church? Thank you.

 

[Generic_Name]

I hope this is the correct place to post this. I’m often in the position of receiving Communion from people who work diligently for Democratic candidates who support abortion. Why is this allowed by the Church? Thank you.

Lots of different ways to answer this, but most would just create trouble on the forum.

Ask (gently) your pastor. In the meantime, if you’re uncomfortable receiving from someone, change lines.

 

[1ke]

Why is this allowed by -]the Church/-]my pastor? Thank you.

You need to ask your pastor.

“The Church” doesn’t decide who is or isn’t an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion in your parish, your pastor does.

(Lay people who distribute holy communion are extraordinary ministers, not Eucharistic ministers).

 

[IrishAm]

I would propose that we all, and often, receive communion from sinners, some more and some less than others.

 

[Exsanguin8]

Lots of different ways to answer this, but most would just create trouble on the forum.

Ask (gently) your pastor. In the meantime, if you’re uncomfortable receiving from someone, change lines.

Thank you for responding. It seems bringing up abortion too often creates trouble so I understand your reticence. My parish is full of liberal people with Obama and Hillary bumper stickers. No doubt high numbers of people here have those bumper stickers as well. I’m not as interested in what the random Pastor says but rather what the Church’s official position would be, if it had one. Thank you again.

 

[Exsanguin8]

You need to ask your pastor.

“The Church” doesn’t decide who is or isn’t an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion in your parish, your pastor does.

(Lay people who distribute holy communion are extraordinary ministers, not Eucharistic ministers).

They are called Eucharistic Ministers in my Parish. I didn’t know there was a distinction. Thank you.

 

[Oneofthewomen]

The Church is full of sinners, as someone already mentioned.

In the US, it has been my experience that many Catholics are Democrats, not because they agree with all of the democratic platform, but because they have drank the “kool-aid” that says that anyone who is not a democrat is somehow against the poor and marginalized.

It does not help that the “other side” can’t seem to get it’s act together either.

You bring up abortion, but that is not the only issue. Would you have a problem receiving from someone who is abusive to their spouse or children? What about people who cheat on their taxes? What about someone who is having an affair, living with someone outside of marriage, or who has used IVF to get pregnant?

Sin is sin, and while I agree that abortion is evil, I can support a candidate without agreeing with every position that they take.

Thank you for responding. It seems bringing up abortion too often creates trouble so I understand your reticence. My parish is full of liberal people with Obama and Hillary bumper stickers. No doubt high numbers of people here have those bumper stickers as well. I’m not as interested in what the random Pastor says but rather what the Church’s official position would be, if it had one. Thank you again.

 

[Generic_Name]

Thank you for responding. It seems bringing up abortion too often creates trouble so I understand your reticence. My parish is full of liberal people with Obama and Hillary bumper stickers. No doubt high numbers of people here have those bumper stickers as well. I’m not as interested in what the random Pastor says but rather what the Church’s official position would be, if it had one. Thank you again.

My reticence had nothing to do with abortion and everything to do with the over-use of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. It would sidetrack the discussion away from your question.

“Random Pastor” is exactly who you should be interested in, as he ultimately has control over who is an EMHC in his parish. Mother Church gives very little guidance.

 

[Generic_Name]

I would propose that we all, and often, receive communion from sinners, some more and some less than others.

Considering we all receive from other humans every time we receive…

The OP is referring to folks who openly flaunt Church teaching with no intention of changing their ways. Don’t you reckon they probably shouldn’t be exercising a ministry that requires one to believe in and assent to everything the Church teaches?

 

[Exsanguin8]

My reticence had nothing to do with abortion and everything to do with the over-use of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. It would sidetrack the discussion away from your question.

“Random Pastor” is exactly who you should be interested in, as he ultimately has control over who is an EMHC in his parish. Mother Church gives very little guidance.

I understand your point. Thanks again.

 

[Exsanguin8]

The Church is full of sinners, as someone already mentioned.

In the US, it has been my experience that many Catholics are Democrats, not because they agree with all of the democratic platform, but because they have drank the “kool-aid” that says that anyone who is not a democrat is somehow against the poor and marginalized.

It does not help that the “other side” can’t seem to get it’s act together either.

You bring up abortion, but that is not the only issue. Would you have a problem receiving from someone who is abusive to their spouse or children? What about people who cheat on their taxes? What about someone who is having an affair, living with someone outside of marriage, or who has used IVF to get pregnant?

Sin is sin, and while I agree that abortion is evil, I can support a candidate without agreeing with every position that they take.

We are all sinners. But drawing an equivalence between cheating on taxes and the intentional dismemberment of an image-bearer of God is something I cannot do. Apparently there are many who can though. I’m responsible to my own conscience.

 

[jeffrey_erwin]

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I hope this is the correct place to post this. I’m often in the position of receiving Communion from people who work diligently for Democratic candidates who support abortion. Why is this allowed by the Church? Thank you.

I don’t think that there are any Democratic candidates who advocate the use of abortion as a substitute for a failure at abstinence. What these candidates actually object to is the use of secular law to enforce the law of one religion upon another. There are many Catholics who take the same position which does have a Scriptural basis:

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[Oneofthewomen]

Yes you are. But, can you read other’s hearts & minds?

Again, just because I may support a particular candidate, does not mean that I support everything that they stand for. As Jeffrey Erwin said, there are many who do not condone/support abortion , but who also believe that secular law should not be influenced by religious conviction.

Now we can argue that point all day, but the bottom line is- sin is sin, and unless and until Jesus himself comes down from heaven, you will, at times, receive Communion from other sinners. The choice is up to you as to what you do- receive or not, but own your choice and do not blame it on the sins of others.

We are all sinners. But drawing an equivalence between cheating on taxes and the intentional dismemberment of an image-bearer of God is something I cannot do. Apparently there are many who can though. I’m responsible to my own conscience.

 

[Exsanguin8]

Yes you are. But, can you read other’s hearts & minds?

Again, just because I may support a particular candidate, does not mean that I support everything that they stand for. As Jeffrey Erwin said, there are many who do not condone/support abortion , but who also believe that secular law should not be influenced by religious conviction.

Now we can argue that point all day, but the bottom line is- sin is sin, and unless and until Jesus himself comes down from heaven, you will, at times, receive Communion from other sinners. The choice is up to you as to what you do- receive or not, but own your choice and do not blame it on the sins of others.

Point missed. It’s my fault for sticking my finger in the light socket of discussing abortion in these parts. I actually knew better but oh well. I accept full responsibility. Thank you all for being honest in your comments.

 

[Rosebud77]

Point missed. It’s my fault for sticking my finger in the light socket of discussing abortion in these parts. I actually knew better but oh well. I accept full responsibility. Thank you all for being honest in your comments.

Quietly and calmly agreeing with your posts. The rare times I get to Mass ( health severely compromised eg immune system down etc) I make a point of receiving from the priest. Feels safer. Not a question of sinner but of right adhering to the Catholic Faith. As you say and know, bless you! Stay strong!

 

[Oneofthewomen]

Not sure what your point is.

Abortion is evil, I don’t think anyone who has replied disagrees with that.

However, even Pope Francis has said that it is NOT THE ONLY ISSUE that is important.

And that is why you can have Catholics who support Democratic candidates. They might not support the candidates position on abortion, but they see that candidate as a “friend of the poor” and not a “part of the 1%”.

Point missed. It’s my fault for sticking my finger in the light socket of discussing abortion in these parts. I actually knew better but oh well. I accept full responsibility. Thank you all for being honest in your comments.

 

[Regina7]

Not sure what your point is.

Abortion is evil, I don’t think anyone who has replied disagrees with that.

However, even Pope Francis has said that it is NOT THE ONLY ISSUE that is important.

And that is why you can have Catholics who support Democratic candidates. They might not support the candidates position on abortion, but they see that candidate as a “friend of the poor” and not a “part of the 1%”.

I’ve heard several priests say that a good Catholic cannot ever vote for a pro-abortion politician, regardless of what good they may also support.

I’ve also been told that all servers, whether altar servers, readers, EM, etc, cannot be in a state of sin when serving. Is this possibly in GIRM? Because of this, I go to confession before I serve in any way. However, had I no intention of repenting (e.g. Supporting a pro-abortion politician), I’m guessing my confession wouldn’t be valid.

 

[TheDoctor]

I’ve also been told that all servers, whether altar servers, readers, EM, etc, cannot be in a state of sin when serving. Is this possibly in GIRM?

I don’t believe this is correct but I may be mistaken.

The celebrant I believe must be in a state of grace when they say Mass, however if they are not, the sin of saying Mass when not in a state of grace would not invalidate the Mass/Eucharist.

In a similar way, receiving from a Priest in mortal sin or a lay person in mortal sin makes no difference - the efficacy of the sacrament does not depend on the state of the one dispensing.

In point of fact, while we can speculate, we cannot ascertain anyone’s state of grace by looking at the political party they support or the job they have or the bumper sticker on their cars.

 

[Oneofthewomen]

In point of fact, while we can speculate, we cannot ascertain anyone’s state of grace by looking at the political party they support or the job they have or the bumper sticker on their cars.

THIS ^^^^!!! 1000X THIS^^^^ !

 

[ProVobis]

Some Canon laws of interest here:

Can. 912 Any baptized person not prohibited by law can and must be admitted to holy communion.

Can. 913 §1. The administration of the Most Holy Eucharist to children requires that they have sufficient knowledge and careful preparation so that they understand the mystery of Christ according to their capacity and are able to receive the body of Christ with faith and devotion.

§2. The Most Holy Eucharist, however, can be administered to children in danger of death if they can distinguish the body of Christ from ordinary food and receive communion reverently.

Can. 914 It is primarily the duty of parents and those who take the place of parents, as well as the duty of pastors, to take care that children who have reached the use of reason are prepared properly and, after they have made sacramental confession, are refreshed with this divine food as soon as possible. It is for the pastor to exercise vigilance so that children who have not attained the use of reason or whom he judges are not sufficiently disposed do not approach holy communion.

Can. 915 Those who have been excommunicated or interdicted after the imposition or declaration of the penalty and others obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to holy communion.

Can. 916 A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to celebrate Mass or receive the body of the Lord without previous sacramental confession unless there is a grave reason and there is no opportunity to confess; in this case the person is to remember the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition which includes the resolution of confessing as soon as possible.

Can. 917 A person who has already received the Most Holy Eucharist can receive it a second time on the same day only within the eucharistic celebration in which the person participates, without prejudice to the prescript of ⇒ can. 921, §2.

Can. 918 It is highly recommended that the faithful receive holy communion during the eucharistic celebration itself. It is to be administered outside the Mass, however, to those who request it for a just cause, with the liturgical rites being observed.

Can. 919 §1. A person who is to receive the Most Holy Eucharist is to abstain for at least one hour before holy communion from any food and drink, except for only water and medicine.

§2. A priest who celebrates the Most Holy Eucharist two or three times on the same day can take something before the second or third celebration even if there is less than one hour between them.

§3. The elderly, the infirm, and those who care for them can receive the Most Holy Eucharist even if they have eaten something within the preceding hour.

Can. 920 §1. After being initiated into the Most Holy Eucharist, each of the faithful is obliged to receive holy communion at least once a year.

§2. This precept must be fulfilled during the Easter season unless it is fulfilled for a just cause at another time during the year.

Can. 921 §1. The Christian faithful who are in danger of death from any cause are to be nourished by holy communion in the form of Viaticum.

§2. Even if they have been nourished by holy communion on the same day, however, those in danger of death are strongly urged to receive communion again.

§3. While the danger of death lasts, it is recommended that holy communion be administered often, but on separate days.

Can. 922 Holy Viaticum for the sick is not to be delayed too long; those who have the care of souls are to be zealous and vigilant that the sick are nourished by Viaticum while fully conscious.

Can. 923 The Christian faithful can participate in the eucharistic sacrifice and receive holy communion in any Catholic rite, without prejudice to the prescript of ⇒ can. 844.