Intent to Confess and the Eucharist

[Wintersdemise]

SO, today I went to my parish to Confess so that I may recieve the Blessed Sacrament tomorrow. But, lo and behold, there was a sign on the door that said “No Confession Today, God Bless”.

My question is this: I had the intention to confess today, but I did not get the opportunity to do so. Should I not recieve the Flesh of the Lord tomorrow, even though I had the intent to Confess?

I’m thinking I better play it safe and avoid it. I just want to recieve the Eucharist to strengthen myself for the beginning of Lent.

Thanks.

 

[JD88]

You’ll probably feel really tempted to take it, but you should abstain. If I were you, I would go to Mass early tomorrow and try to get Confession with a priest quickly beforehand. I’ve done that before. If you’re early enough (so the priest isn’t busy preparing for Mass), I can’t imagine a priest turning you down. Maybe bring a rosary with you for extra time you have before or after your Confession. I hope it works out for you.

 

[Eucharisted]

If you sinned mortally, you must not communicate. But if you only have venial sins, you must recieve Holy Communion; it offends Our Lord when souls do not recieve Him when they can. And Holy Mother Church warmly recommends us to recieve Jesus every time we participate at Mass, for He is the reason that we celebrate the Eucharist.

 

[Middleman]

I believe the catechism states that if confession is unavailable, that we should make a perfect act of contrition and then confess our sins ASAP. Holy Communion will strengthen you and you will be worthy if you are truly remorseful before God, resolving to not repeat your mistake. Then, go to confession at the next change.

 

[JD88]

I believe the catechism states that if confession is unavailable, that we should make a perfect act of contrition and then confess our sins ASAP. Holy Communion will strengthen you and you will be worthy if you are truly remorseful before God, resolving to not repeat your mistake. Then, go to confession at the next change.

I could be wrong, and I don’t have my Catechism handy, but I thought that was referring to more unusual situations – like countries with very few priests or when the priest celebrating Mass is in the state of mortal sin and cannot confess first.

 

[Mike_Dye]

Just to be on the safe side, just go to Mass and do not receive Holy Communion. Your obligation will be met, and you you can remove any doubt when you go to Sacramental Confession.

 

[Seatuck]

I could be wrong, and I don’t have my Catechism handy, but I thought that was referring to more unusual situations – like countries with very few priests or when the priest celebrating Mass is in the state of mortal sin and cannot confess first.

Yes , that is correct. There would have to be no access to confession.

Wintersdemise, call up your Parish and see if you can arrange confession sometime this week.

 

[Harsalter]

But if you only have venial sins, you must recieve Holy Communion; it offends Our Lord when souls do not recieve Him when they can.

I disagree. Even my priest says says it is good to fast the Eucharist at times as it makes it more special when you do receive.

I don’t mean making it a habit, but on occasion, sort of a self penance. For example, a person may have had a bad quarrel with their spouse on the way to Mass. No mortal sin was committed, but that particular time may be a good time for them to fast the Eucharist. Now if that person feels they need the Eucharist, by all means, receive. I am only making the point that there is nothing wrong in not receiving.

But to address another point, my priests teaches, and I also heard a bishop on EWTN Radio teach that if one is in mortal sin, they make an act of perfect contrition, and then they may receive holy communion if the situation may be emabarrassing if they didn’t, or they feel they really need it. But they MUST go to confession at the earliest opportunity. Myself, I am unclear if this is correct. But I know for a fact that this is what my priest teaches and what a bishop said on EWTN.

 

[Eucharisted]

I disagree. Even my priest says says it is good to fast the Eucharist at times as it makes it more special when you do receive.

I don’t mean making it a habit, but on occasion, sort of a self penance. For example, a person may have had a bad quarrel with their spouse on the way to Mass. No mortal sin was committed, but that particular time may be a good time for them to fast the Eucharist. Now if that person feels they need the Eucharist, by all means, receive. I am only making the point that there is nothing wrong in not receiving.

I disagree with your disagreement. Fasting from God is starvation of the soul. It leads to Hell, which is separation from God. The soul was made for God and needs God - so to abstain from the Eucharist is nonsensical and is dangerous for even a holy soul. Without God, we cannot live - we cannot even draw a little breath.

 

[Cathryn]

I disagree. Even my priest says says it is good to fast the Eucharist at times as it makes it more special when you do receive.

It believe that nothing we do can make the Eucharist more special. Fasting from the Eucharist to make it seem more special isn’t going to really make it more special. This seems like a mind game that is not good for the soul.

 

[Harsalter]

Guess some of us don’t feel as worthy as you two above. I’ll take my spiritual guidance from my priest and not forum members.

 

[Harsalter]

The point is that when people do something over and over, they may start to “take it for granted”. Depriving one self of something so special makes one appreciate it even more. And if doing this encourages us to do better and quit committing the same venial sins over and over, then I think it is the thing to do. I think the comment that this offends God is absurd. And I know my own priest would strongly disagree.

Some of us know we are scum of the earth sinners and aren’t worthy to drink the sweat that fell from Christ when he was hanging from the cross. At least we know who we are.

This discussion reminds me of something I heard Fr. Pacwa say. Most of us at Mass say, “Lord, I am unworthy to receive You. But only say the word and I shall be healed”. But some may be thinking, “Lord, I am MORE than worthy to receive You. I bless You with my mere presence by just being here”.