Is it okay to receive Holy Communion while holding positions contrary to Church's teachings?

[Romgtr]

I teach catechism to kids between the age of t 13 and 17. One of the other instructors raised a questions to all of the kids at the last class and the answer was alarming. He asked for a show of hands of how many people believe that gay marriage is ok. I would say about 60 to 75 percent of the hands went up in support of gay marriage. My question is, is it ok for someone to receive Holy Communion, the Body and Blood of the Lord if they do not believe in the faith and moral teachings of the church? Thanks for your responses.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear friend,

These are children you are writing about. They are obviously reflecting the common attitude of the secular culture in which we live because they don’t know any better. They need to be instructed as to what the Church teaches and why it teaches it–in a way that they can understand. To be Catholic is to be counter culture at this time. I’m astounded that you were shocked at their response. Dealing with the next generation is missionary territory. This is why the ‘New Evangelization’ is called new. It is unfortunate that they were first asked what they believe without first being instructed about such things. They need to know that following Christ means that we don’t accept just anything the culture throws at us.

It is NOT okay for a Catholic to receive the Eucharist while rejecting the Church’s moral teachings. In the case of the children, they have been doing so out of ignorance and have not been culpable. But you and your colleagues have the obligation to inform them of such teachings and explaining the reasons for them—AND that Catholics are not free to hold teachings contrary to our faith. I suggest that you check out chastity.com for some resources.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.