Opting out of Holy Communion

[po18guy]

Sin does not accrue simply because of the passage of time. Sin accrues because you choose to sin. Only mortal sin separates you from Holy Communion. Mortal sin is not easy to commit, unless it is habitual. 1) It must be grave matter, 2) you must know that it is grave matter, 3) and you must freely choose to commit it.

God puts three roadblocks in your way, for the sake of your soul. Someone or something seems to be attempting to separate you form the grace that flows through the Sacrament. That is worth pondering, as it cannot be from heaven.

Since you are in doubt, either go to scheduled confession or make an appointment. Simple.

 

[Wampa]

Putting aside the theological issues, going to the priest’s line if you desire a blessing will be an easier course of action, the priest will know what to do.

Certainly true if you are alone, but this has the added difficulty of drawing attention to yourself if you are in line with your family and your section is slated to go to an EMHC.

 

[ProVobis]

I am simply flabbergasted that anyone would ever ask such a personal question.

Our sixth-grade nun would line up in the hallway on Monday those who didn’t go to communion on the previous day. She’d ask each one why not? She wanted to embarrass us I think, but many took it personally and I think more didn’t receive just to spite her.

 

[MaryT777]

Our sixth-grade nun would line up in the hallway on Monday those who didn’t go to communion on the previous day. She’d ask each one why not? She wanted to embarrass us I think, but many took it personally and I think more didn’t receive just to spite her.

That is horrifying to me.

 

[Franciscan_Way]

Sorry for the delay. (2nd time with my two cents) I was just thinking that when someone says, “Why aren’t you going to communion?” You could respond POLITELY with, “Why do you ask?” With this response, you aren’t telling them any reason and it drives home the point that it’s a subject you’d rather not discuss which succeeds in making them feel a bit uncomfortable for bringing it up as well. You likely will not have the same person ask you a second time.

 

[z_0101]

Sorry for the delay. (2nd time with my two cents) I was just thinking that when someone says, “Why aren’t you going to communion?” You could respond POLITELY with, “Why do you ask?” With this response, you aren’t telling them any reason and it drives home the point that it’s a subject you’d rather not discuss which succeeds in making them feel a bit uncomfortable for bringing it up as well. You likely will not have the same person ask you a second time.

 

[fastenatingguy]

It is in one sense shocking that people would ask, but in another sense not so much. “Mortal sin,” “state of grace,” “worthy reception,” and so on are not always things that many people consider. Perhaps you can do a service by reminding nosy people that they do indeed need to connect the two sacraments… that it should not merely be “the routine” to go and receive… etc.

But that’s no reason to delay making your confession.

As a lifelong sinner, I have no problem abstaining when I have mortal sin and have not been to confession for absolution. As a catechism I have had students who have seen me remain kneeling in the pew only to ask “why…”

For me the answer is a teaching moment. So many in our area are so poorly catechized (yes, I’m a catechist) that I explain I am truly NOT worthy in my state of sin (non grace). This has helped some to realize there is no shame in this, only the reminder that you can seek the Lord for forgiveness.

I do understand how many think it is nobody else’s business. The sin itself certainly isn’t. But it can be a teaching moment if the other person is oblivious to the notion is a state of grace–and judging by my students’ test answers, they need to learn.

 

[friendlyperson]

I’ve also been in this situation with someone asking me why I didn’t recieve. I think that some people just don’t know about the concept of abstaining from the Eucharist because of mortal sin.

 

[z_0101]

. As a catechism I have had students who have seen me remain kneeling in the pew only to ask “why…”

As a catechist, I am one myself, we have these moments where it is reasonable for a student to ask their teacher about this situation. However, this is not the situation in CatholicZ09 case and not everyone has the charism to be able to teach.

I’ve also been in this situation with someone asking me why I didn’t recieve. I think that some people just don’t know about the concept of abstaining from the Eucharist because of mortal sin.

This may well be true; however, many people are just plain nosey… worried about the splinter in their neighbor’s eye while ignoring the log in their own; however, in CatholicZ09, case with the surgery, these people may well be inquiring about CatholicZ09 health out of genuine concern and friendship - at least that’s my hope.

what I have discovered in my limited discussions with people is that often many people simply do not abstain from receiving out of embarrassment of scandal… “what will others think…” fearing that more than fear of the Lord.
Once again, that’s a very limited scope.