Non-practicing relatives receiving communion? by a scrupulous person

[Br_Mark]

So, are you saying that we should allow everyone to come up for Communion, no matter their state of mind, soul, grace or beliefs?

Yes! That goes back to my statement, how are we to know what is their state of mind, soul, grace or beliefs. Did not Christ say judge not lest you be judged? Somehow we have come up with the notion that by restricting who can receive the Eucharist, we are protecting God. God is beyond all of us He is God and does not need our protection.

I don’t see why right action and right belief can’t be the same thing. I am Catholic, I believe in the works of mercy, and I apply them in the best way I can, with my Catholic heart and love.

Yes they can be the same, but not nessasary the same. For example the pharesse praying at the front of the temple; he was righteous / orthodox ----- but at the same time he was dead wrong in relationship to the poor nobody praying at the back of the temple.

I don’t judge whether or not others are able to receive the Eucharist. I’m too concerned about making sure I can. However, if I bring a friend or family member with me that is not Catholic, I will let them know in a loving way about abstaining from Communion. I have shared with my son, who occasionally attends Mass, but does not do so regularly, what his obligation is. He knows how I feel, he knows the rules, and from there, it’s up to him.

I agree it up to the other person at that point. But you did not create the barrier stopping that person from receiving.

Br Mark osb

 

[MissRose73]

I won’t dare tell any relatives of mine that seldom attend Mass to not go up for Communion regardless. It is not my place to say, unless you have gone to Confession 1st, you can’t go receive. For all I know, they could be going to Mass sometimes especially for those who do not live close by, and have gone to Confession but some of my relatives & friends are open about the fact they seldom go to Mass for whatever reason. I say nothing to them, and leave it to the intercession of St. Monica to get them to return to the Mass and sacraments without pressuring them.

My aunt will never forget at a relative’s funeral Mass many years ago, the priest said to the congregation, Non Catholics can’t receive Communion then he said any non practicing Catholic can’t receive either nor are those who have committed a mortal sin & haven’t been to Confession first. That priest’s statement offended a few of her relatives to the point that they have not been back to Mass since then. I’ve been to other funeral Masses and the priest never made such a statement or simply said non Catholics can’t receive Communion - perhaps the non Catholics know not to receive anyways and the priest can’t say are you practicing the faith & when was your last confession prior to giving someone Communion.