Noticed many people receive the Eucharist during a Funeral Mass who clearly were unworthy to receive

[Vico]

The Church is harmed when the faithful receive unworthily, as sometimes happend, as the Pontifical Council wrote in 2000:1. The prohibition found in the cited canon, by its nature, is derived from divine law and transcends the domain of positive ecclesiastical laws: the latter cannot introduce legislative changes which would oppose the doctrine of the Church. The scriptural text on which the ecclesial tradition has always relied is that of St. Paul: “This means that whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily sins against the body and blood of the Lord. A man should examine himself first only then should he eat of the bread and drink of the cup. He who eats and drinks without recognizing the body eats and drinks a judgment on himself.”

This text concerns in the first place the individual faithful and their moral conscience, a reality that is expressed as well by the Code in can. 916. But the unworthiness that comes from being in a state of sin also poses a serious juridical problem in the Church: indeed the canon of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches that is parallel to can. 915 CIC of the Latin Church makes reference to the term “unworthy”: “Those who are publicly unworthy are forbidden from receiving the Divine Eucharist” (can. 712). In effect, the reception of the Body of Christ when one is publicly unworthy constitutes an objective harm to the ecclesial communion: it is a behavior that affects the rights of the Church and of all the faithful to live in accord with the exigencies of that communion. In the concrete case of the admission to Holy Communion of faithful who are divorced and remarried, the scandal, understood as an action that prompts others towards wrongdoing, affects at the same time both the sacrament of the Eucharist and the indissolubility of marriage. That scandal exists even if such behavior, unfortunately, no longer arouses surprise: in fact it is precisely with respect to the deformation of the conscience that it becomes more necessary for Pastors to act, with as much patience as firmness, as a protection to the sanctity of the Sacraments and a defense of Christian morality, and for the correct formation of the faithful.

vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/intrptxt/documents/rc_pc_intrptxt_doc_20000706_declaration_en.html

 

[blaskoman]

Speaking of confession, have you gone yet for being judgemental, causing scandal, and pretending to know the souls of 400 people when you should have been focusing on mass? Also, how much time have you spent praying for these people? Remember, the Bible says for each one to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling - not for you to work out their salvation for them.Maybe a rosary for all of them that you don’t feel were worthy?

Upon further reflection, i cannot know with certainty who was properly disposed or not to receive Communion. Maybe some of my relatives went to confession days prior to the funeral. My educated guess may be correct, but in the final analysis I could be mistaken… I don’t feel I was being judgmental- I didn’t confront any of the people I suspected of not being in a state of grace to receive.

This raises a question- should we as Catholics remain silent when we feel the need to witness to someone not taking their faith seriously?

 

[coachdennis]

Upon further reflection, i cannot know with certainty who was properly disposed or not to receive Communion. Maybe some of my relatives went to confession days prior to the funeral. My educated guess may be correct, but in the final analysis I could be mistaken… I don’t feel I was being judgmental- I didn’t confront any of the people I suspected of not being in a state of grace to receive.

This raises a question- should we as Catholics remain silent when we feel the need to witness to someone not taking their faith seriously?

There are multiple layers to your question. Certainly admonish the sinner is part of the corporal works of mercy. However, when it comes to family members, it becomes more complicated because of the baggage. For example, when parents talk about the beauty of Mass and Eucharist to their college age students who don’t go to church, the child hears “the parents are nagging again.” When a brother or sister tries to speak to another, the dynamics of sibling rivalry comes up. Remember, the bible phrase about a prophet in his own country?

Now, in your particular situation, a funeral can be a great opportunity for bringing people back to the Church – the proper readings selected, a heartfelt homily, opportunity for confession by the priest at the wake (if possible), making the announcement about communion, etc. – but your “job” at this funeral was to mourn and pray for your father. People should be taking of YOU!

Notice how many of things I mentioned in the above paragraph are part of the role of the parish priest? Just as we as lay people have a role to play, so do our priests.

 

[Georgia]

Priests indeed have a role in this matter, a role that is often unfilled. I wonder if it is just uncomfortable for a priest to make an announcement that some people should not receive. Priests may feel that would make a stressful Mass even more so with some people getting upset about being asked to refrain from receiving.

It’s pretty much the same thing at Christmas too. Churches are full of people who haven’t been there since Easter, but they seem to think nothing of receiving. There are lots of visitors too, but I seldom hear any announcement about who should receive. The plus is that Christmas is a far more joyful and upbeat occasion than any funeral, so I would think any discussion about who should receive would be a little less awkward.

 

[SuperLuigi]

I noticed many family members (two who are non-catholics) and a number of other catholics who should not have received the Eucharist during a Funeral Mass last Saturday. How do I know this? I know family members and relatives who attend Mass maybe 2
/3 times a year. Another relative who is in an invalid marriage also received. A practicing homosexual also received. And with a packed church of at least 400 attendees, with many receiving Communion I can speculate that not a few of them were unworthy. Am I being judgemental? I hardly believe that most received the Sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving, since the Funeral Mass was early Saturday morning (Confessions are usually Saturday afternoons.)

The problem I believe is poor knowledge and non-catechized Catholics who do not understand the theology behind the Eucharist or its real meaning.

I feel that a simple announcement prior to Communion at Funerals (or other special occasions such as Easter or Christmas) should be made notifying the congregation that only practicing catholics in good standing should receive the Eucharist. Am i wrong here?

At my wedding, I personally wrote up slips of paper placed next to the program that specifically stated people in a state of mortal sin cannot receive Communion.

I’m sure it fell on deaf ears in more than one case.

 

[SuperLuigi]

Priests indeed have a role in this matter, a role that is often unfilled. I wonder if it is just uncomfortable for a priest to make an announcement that some people should not receive. Priests may feel that would make a stressful Mass even more so with some people getting upset about being asked to refrain from receiving.

It’s pretty much the same thing at Christmas too. Churches are full of people who haven’t been there since Easter, but they seem to think nothing of receiving. There are lots of visitors too, but I seldom hear any announcement about who should receive. The plus is that Christmas is a far more joyful and upbeat occasion than any funeral, so I would think any discussion about who should receive would be a little less awkward.

The key element in situations like these is determining what the obligation is.

These days it’s very apparent that people go to Communion who probably should not.

A Catholic speaker once said: 50 years ago, most everyone went to Church and about half the congregation went to Communion. Today, less than half of the people attend mass weekly and pretty much everyone goes to Communion.

 

[englishredrose]

I noticed many family members (two who are non-catholics) and a number of other catholics who should not have received the Eucharist during a Funeral Mass last Saturday. How do I know this? I know family members and relatives who attend Mass maybe 2
/3 times a year. Another relative who is in an invalid marriage also received. A practicing homosexual also received. And with a packed church of at least 400 attendees, with many receiving Communion I can speculate that not a few of them were unworthy. Am I being judgemental? I hardly believe that most received the Sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving, since the Funeral Mass was early Saturday morning (Confessions are usually Saturday afternoons.)

The problem I believe is poor knowledge and non-catechized Catholics who do not understand the theology behind the Eucharist or its real meaning.

I feel that a simple announcement prior to Communion at Funerals (or other special occasions such as Easter or Christmas) should be made notifying the congregation that only practicing catholics in good standing should receive the Eucharist. Am i wrong here?

this saddens me greatly,
that you were so busy watching what people are doing rather than attending to your own actions and thoughts. A)) Its a funeral. B) we are not here to judge. let God do the judging.

 

[englishredrose]

At my wedding, I personally wrote up slips of paper placed next to the program that specifically stated people in a state of mortal sin cannot receive Communion.

I’m sure it fell on deaf ears in more than one case.

If I had been at that wedding I would have gone with every intention of **not **receiving Communion because I am not Roman Catholic but that slip of paper with that instruction would have annoyed me so intensly I would have received anyway. * Let God be our judge, not each other

 

[coachdennis]

At my wedding, I personally wrote up slips of paper placed next to the program that specifically stated people in a state of mortal sin cannot receive Communion.

I’m sure it fell on deaf ears in more than one case.

I would have spared the person who wrote that slip the “worrying” about the state of my soul and leave that wedding immediately and write both the bride and groom off “my” list.

 

[silicasandra]

If I had been at that wedding I would have gone with every intention of **not ***receiving Communion because I am not Roman Catholic but that slip of paper with that instruction would have annoyed me so intensly I would have received anyway. Let God be our judge, not each other

I imagine it was worded rather differently if it was part of a wedding program, and the wording in the post was just the gist. Our priest made an announcement at our wedding with the wording being something like, “If you aren’t Catholic or haven’t been practicing, please do not receive Communion.” Most people were respectful of this (I know of two exceptions but at least they couldn’t claim ignorance.)

I wish I would have thought to include it in the program. Since we had so many non-Catholic guests, I included references to the missals for all the prayers, hymns, etc. Then again, I still had people complain that they had “no idea” what was going on. No matter how much info you offer and how charitably it’s offered, some people won’t get it or will wilfully ignore you (like deciding to march right up for Communication to teach some kind of lesson, apparently.)

 

[blaskoman]

If I had been at that wedding I would have gone with every intention of **not ***receiving Communion because I am not Roman Catholic but that slip of paper with that instruction would have annoyed me so intensly I would have received anyway. Let God be our judge, not each other

Well you evidently have little regard for rules

 

[iloveangels]

I agree that maybe it *could *be good to mention the norms for receiving Communion.

But really, this shouldn’t be an issue for you; as you asked, I would say that, yes, you’re being unnecessarily judgmental. If you personally know the people, I would talk to them in private when emotions have calmed a bit. Otherwise, just pray for them and for yourself.

It’s not judgmental to read a prepared statement before mass that doesn’t have anyone’s name in it.

It’s far more judgmental to approach someone and assume you know what they’re personally doing.

 

[iloveangels]

If I had been at that wedding I would have gone with every intention of **not ***receiving Communion because I am not Roman Catholic but that slip of paper with that instruction would have annoyed me so intensly I would have received anyway. Let God be our judge, not each other

Yes, let God be our judge.

You would have declared, of your own free will, in a formal and binding ritual, that you owe your fealty and obedience to the Catholic Church. And then so far, gone back on that declaration. This is what receiving Holy Communion means, among many other things.

Let God be our judge.

If you really intend to remain non-Catholic, then I would advise you not to commit yourself to it, even unintentionally. Such a thing is not a benign statement of your personal opinion like choosing a flavor of ice cream. It has far more power than you have ever dreamed of.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

If I had been at that wedding I would have gone with every intention of **not ***receiving Communion because I am not Roman Catholic but that slip of paper with that instruction would have annoyed me so intensly I would have received anyway. Let God be our judge, not each other

How sad that you would have done such a thing out of spite. I pray that you will think about your response and how pride is a great sin. How you posted that you would have done this, in this forum, just show us Catholics that you would have in effect, desecrated the Eucharist just to spite someone, for excluding you. But it’s what we believe, and many of our Church have not been properly catechized and half of them need more instruction in our faith. I went to a funeral of a friend, she was Anglican but quite a few of my friends are Catholic. Every one of them except me went up to receive, although we cannot do so in an Anglican church. Thus you see that a reminder is not out of place.

This is not the best of who you are, englishredrose.

 

[Pat_Albertson]

It virtually never enters my mind (although it now might do so) that the people at Mass are unworthy to receive communion.

I myself am far too preoccupied with my own sins, omissions, and problems to think of such things. In fact, I often wonder if I’m so preoccupied that that in itself indicates some other sort of unworthiness on my part. When I come to this last idea, that is usually my cue to start trying to remember who I’ve said I’m going to pray for.

Perhaps in the future I will reconcile this new thought (about some people being unworthy to receive) with the idea that maybe I should include them a bit too in my prayers.

I’d say that whether or not they receive is up to: them and their consciences, God, the angels, and the priest long before it is up to me. I’m nobody to be trying to tell anybody what to do. If somebody else feels they should correct others, more power to them, but I’m not one of those people. I still think I should focus primarily on myself since I’m highly imperfect, and then on those people I have said or thought I would pray for.

Mostly, I ask God to have mercy on my soul, and for His angels to protect me, help me, and teach me.

 

[maryjk]

If I had been at that wedding I would have gone with every intention of **not ***receiving Communion because I am not Roman Catholic but that slip of paper with that instruction would have annoyed me so intensly I would have received anyway. Let God be our judge, not each other

Really? You would really thumb your nose at the Catholic Church? You would really, do something out of spite, because you didn’t like how the request was worded.

That tells me a lot about your character. :sad_yes:

 

[englishredrose]

Well you evidently have little regard for rules

I have every regard for rules. It is how they are put over is how I respond to because if you had read my post I did say if I was going to a Roman Catholic Wedding then I would have been going with every intention of not receiving because I know Roman Catholics don’t like us to. It would be the notice that would have got me ignoring the rule… The notice in itself to me disrepects that outsiders do or don’t know that Roman Catholics only like them to receive in their own churches. I am not meaning anything by that by the way before I get jumped on for it. Its widely known issue. It be the instruction of not receiving that be annoying because it is assuming that we do not know this.

I like the phrase in our Mass setting, Anglican Church that says “Lord I am not worthy to receive you but only say the word and I shall be healed”. Very last thing we say next to communion which means of course that everyone is worthy of receiving communion because God has Healed them/us and whatever has gone off before is healed by God. Isn’t that amazing. That whatever done in the week or in that service has been written of and cleaned by God so whom are we to judge whether another is worthy or not to receive when we all say this and I am assuming Roman Catholics say it. They certainly did at the church in town. So who am I to think that another isn’t worthy. God is our Judge.

We don’t receive in Roman Catholic churches out of respect for the rule you have. But to have it rubbed in then yeh I would challenge it because God loves us all and if that passage is in the Mass I would doubly challenge it and would take it up with the priest of that church at another more appropriate time. Why say it if its not meant?

At our Church Priests in the past has welcomed anyone who is confirmed in their church can receive communion here. We haven’t had so many visitors lately namely because we had an ‘asylum seeker holding centre’ in our parish and they were all welcome to receive though most may well have been Roman Catholic and most of them did receive Communion. But the invitation is there for anyone and we don’t judge who is worthy. God does that and he loves us all.

 

[englishredrose]

How sad that you would have done such a thing out of spite. I pray that you will think about your response and how pride is a great sin. How you posted that you would have done this, in this forum, just show us Catholics that you would have in effect, desecrated the Eucharist just to spite someone, for excluding you. But it’s what we believe, and many of our Church have not been properly catechized and half of them need more instruction in our faith. I went to a funeral of a friend, she was Anglican but quite a few of my friends are Catholic. Every one of them except me went up to receive, although we cannot do so in an Anglican church. Thus you see that a reminder is not out of place.

This is not the best of who you are, englishredrose.

I am sorry Juliane and I know what it is you are saying but it does so annoy me that others here like to judge others about their mortal sins. There seems to be too much time spent on people assuming that others not fit to receive communion and they shouldn’t do so. It is so easy to point the finger at that others shouldn’t be receiving… and thus yes I would get annoyed and receive anyway because of this because someone is watching me and saying I shouldn’t. Putting it terms of out of spite like you did, did bring it home to me about my action if was in that situation and this means am no better because I have still finger pointed. We shouldn’t be looking at one another and saying they shouldn’t be receiving communion because they haven’t done xyz. Its not the right way forward and if someone can spend all their communion looking around at others thinking well they don’t go to confession and they clearly are in mortal sin because of and stuff, well isnt that a sin initself? No, its not the right way forward, judging others whether they are fit to receive communion. Being Anglican, its certainly something I’ve never done, not even thought of doing. Its the last thing on my mind. The nearest I get to is the hem on that gown don’t look right and wishing that people would look happy about receiving rather than serious. As one can look happy being solomne as it don’t mean serious… But that is what they been taught. I know we have a different outlook on things and certainly I do again, but it would never occur to me to question people why they are in line for communion when they done what may have done etc throughout the week or even that morning. Sorry Juliane therefore I wouldn’t do so now, out of spite because you woke me up to that. But I wouldn’t be looking at anyone else either to see what they are doing. In my own church when I am not singing the priest has given me permission, or the go ahead as such to read so I am reading whatever book I am on and certainly not assessing the sins of people and spending communion time being with God.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

I am sorry Juliane and I know what it is you are saying but it does so annoy me that others here like to judge others about their mortal sins. There seems to be too much time spent on people assuming that others not fit to receive communion and they shouldn’t do so. It is so easy to point the finger at that others shouldn’t be receiving… and thus yes I would get annoyed and receive anyway because of this because someone is watching me and saying I shouldn’t. Putting it terms of out of spite like you did, did bring it home to me about my action if was in that situation and this means am no better because I have still finger pointed. We shouldn’t be looking at one another and saying they shouldn’t be receiving communion because they haven’t done xyz. Its not the right way forward and if someone can spend all their communion looking around at others thinking well they don’t go to confession and they clearly are in mortal sin because of and stuff, well isnt that a sin initself? No, its not the right way forward, judging others whether they are fit to receive communion. Being Anglican, its certainly something I’ve never done, not even thought of doing. Its the last thing on my mind. The nearest I get to is the hem on that gown don’t look right and wishing that people would look happy about receiving rather than serious. As one can look happy being solomne as it don’t mean serious… But that is what they been taught. I know we have a different outlook on things and certainly I do again, but it would never occur to me to question people why they are in line for communion when they done what may have done etc throughout the week or even that morning. Sorry Juliane therefore I wouldn’t do so now, out of spite because you woke me up to that. But I wouldn’t be looking at anyone else either to see what they are doing. In my own church when I am not singing the priest has given me permission, or the go ahead as such to read so I am reading whatever book I am on and certainly not assessing the sins of people and spending communion time being with God.

God bless you, englishredrose. The OP was reminded many times by many posters, that it is not his place to judge the condition of others’ souls to receive, although he may mean well and be rightfully concerned that they are not in a position to receive. I have struggled mightily with this issue since my own husband has not confessed in 13 years, and before that, not at all. Yet whenever we go to Mass, he receives and would not think of staying behind in the pew. He did in France, when I could not receive, but that was only because he didn’t want to receive by himself. So he basically is doing as I do, although not for the same reasons. He doesn’t believe that some of what the Church calls sin, is really sin. Especially in the areas of sex. I just pray that Jesus is changing his heart through receiving His Body, and some day he will return to God with his whole heart reconciled to Jesus’ love.

Also his parents although they divorced, both receive. I had assumed that their marriage was not annulled but I have never asked, so I have to “butt out.” It is not my business to start being the Eucharist Police, after all. It’s between them and God. I also realize that many Catholics have not been properly catechized and many do not even believe that the host and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ! So they receive in a cavalier manner, not with reverence and a sense of humility.

I am glad that I made an impact on your line of thinking. Jesus would not want you to receive His Body and Blood to spite His Church, now would he? We’re better than that!

 

[ProVobis]

Also his parents although they divorced, both receive. I had assumed that their marriage was not annulled but I have never asked, so I have to “butt out.” It is not my business to start being the Eucharist Police, after all. It’s between them and God.

Being judgemental is one thing, but in these cases it may also be a scandalous act and someone IMO should address this before it becomes the the accepted “norm.” Just saying.