Nominally-Catholic friend receiving Communion

[timeandeternity]

I have a friend who is Catholic, but only nominally so. Her parents never did much to help her understand or love her faith, and as a result, the extent of her “faith” is that she believes that there is some kind of higher power–but is not sure what that is. We had many discussions this summer about God, Christ, Catholicism and Christianity in general, but at this point, she is still trying to figure out if she even believes in God.
I’ve been wondering if I should talk to her about receiving Communion at Mass on Sundays (she still goes with her mom). My thought is that since she’s not even sure about the existence of God, let alone the divinity of Christ or the reality of the Eucharist, and is thus hardly in communion with Catholicism, she shouldn’t be receiving the Eucharist. If I should talk to her about this, what would be a good way to go about it?

 

[slywakka250]

Other people may disagree with me, but I say that unless she is a public person like a high profile politician who supports abortion, you shouldn’t dissuade her from receiving the Sacrament. Is she baptized and confirmed? If so, she is a fully initiated Catholic, and may receive the Eucharist while in a state of grace.

She may have many doubts about God and much unbelief, but from what you say, I feel like the mustard seed is there, and it will grow, however slowly, through the grace of Christ in the Eucharist, along with your teaching and discussion.

 

[FightingFat]

I think keep talking to her about the faith and maybe speak to your priest about it.

 

[NewsTheMan]

Other people may disagree with me… and may receive the Eucharist while in a state of grace.

There ya go!

While we cannot presume to know the state of someones soul… we should remind them if they haven’t confessed their sins - no Eucharist.

 

[GrandmaRose]

Mr. News…

You have a long history on CAF of posts related to this same theme, where you question someone’s worthiness to receive Communion.

May I please politely and respectfully suggest that you attend to the state of your own soul and leave others’ souls in the care of Jesus, in Whose hands they belong?

By all means, offer suggestions where your “friends” may obtain further catechesis, but you have no right to act as a self-appointed Eucharist policeman.

 

[NewsTheMan]

Mr. News…

You have a long history on CAF of posts related to this same theme, where you question someone’s worthiness to receive Communion.

May I please politely and respectfully suggest that you attend to the state of your own soul and leave others’ souls in the care of Jesus, in Whose hands they belong?

By all means, offer suggestions where your “friends” may obtain further catechesis, but you have no right to act as a self-appointed Eucharist policeman.

Alright, thanks for the suggestion.

I should always remember Cains words, “Am I my brothers keeper?” and that Fraternal Correction and guarding the Eucharist are things to be frowned upon

Again, to the OP, remind your friend that one is to be free from mortal sin to receive, and that Communion means agreeing with the Church on matters of faith and morals. Believing in a Higher Power is far from what the Church teaches. Without even speaking about sin we have an impediment.

Good luck and it goes without saying you should point your friend towards the Catechism, towards classes and towards attending Mass!

 

[DexUK]

Inasmuch as the friend has incomplete catechesis it may be reasonably assumed that she has defective knowledge about what constitutes grave matter (i.e. receiving while not in a state of grace). As such, it is unlikely she is committing mortal sins because she’s not aware of their seriousness.

Rather than ‘laying down the law’, which may very well drive her away from her faith (such as it is), engage her with it by talking to her about Church, belief, Christ, etc. Educate yourself well about such matters. Perhaps this is an opportunity which God has given you so that you can use it to strengthen your own faith and knowledge while caringly and carefully bringing another somewhat lost sheep back into the fold?

 

[baltobetsy]

A lot depends on the age of your friend. A period of confusion is common as people pass through the teen years, and it seems to me that, unless the friend is clearly living an immoral life, she needs the strength of the sacraments to get her through that difficult time.

What you can do is speak to your priest (possibly when you go to Confession) about your friend, without naming her, and ask what would be the best way for you to help. It might be a good idea to invite her to go to confession when you do. Tell her she can get her sins forgiven and perhaps get some clarification on something that confuses her.