Question about communion

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tracie001

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I know a couple who are living together, she is in the process of getting a divorce from her husband (not the man she is living with). Both were raised Catholic, she was confirmed but he wasn’t. They attended out Easter Vigil and both received communion. Is that allowed? Should we say something to them about this?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!
Tracie
 
IMHO, It is definatly wrong, ifthey are having immoral relations. “Living Together” can mean just that, but still there is the appearance of sin. But is the duty of the Priest and not “us” to tell them.
 
I can’t say one way or the other about them having “immoral relations.” But, I totally agree with you, it still has the “appearance” of sin. The thing is, I don’t think they are going to Mass much at all. They live in a different state and all I know is that they are looking for a Church in the area they have moved into. They had just come down to see me and my husband confirmed into the Church at Easter. . That’s why I didn’t know if we should say anything to them or not. Especially since we are “new” Catholics and they are “cradle” Catholics. But what about him being raised Catholic, not being confirmed, and taking communion? Can you take communion without being confirmed?
Thanks,
Tracie
 
During the Mass, we receive Holy Communion, not take. Now, if the man is a cradle Catholic, he more than likely received two of the three Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism as an infant (more than likely) and First Holy Communion (along with First Penance) at about the age of eight or nine. Confirmation comes much later, either at 14 or 16, depending on the diocese. For some reason, his parents probably did not see to it that he received the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Now, the caveat here is that if the woman is divorced (and probably has not received an annulment) and is having a relationship with a man (live-in), she is perhaps in sin because she is still married to her first husband in the eyes of the Church. I am not trying to be judgmental, but, receiving Holy Communion means that you are also being in communion with the Church, accepting all of Her teachings and adhering to Her requirements in order to present yourself for Communion. If you are in mortal sin, you cannot receive Holy Communion unless you have gone to Confession. Unfortunately, if this is the case, I am afraid to say that your friends are heaping sin on top of sin if they are consuming the Body and Blood of Christ in an unworthy manner. In other words, as St. Paul warned the Church in Corinth, in his First Letter to the Corinthians, if we were to do this, we are inviting condemnation. At this point, not having received the Sacrament of Confirmation would be the least of your friend’s worries. Both the man and the woman need to get their spiritual lives in order.
 
benedictgal
Sorry about the “taking of communion” statement.:o Just one of those terms I have to change now that I’m Catholic!!😃 Thank you for correcting me!!
I know that receiving communion and not being confirmed is the least of his worries, I was just curious about that also.
So what is you opinion, should we say something to them or how should we handle it?
Thanks,
Tracie
 
tracie001 said:
benedictgal
Sorry about the “taking of communion” statement.:o Just one of those terms I have to change now that I’m Catholic!!😃 Thank you for correcting me!!
I know that receiving communion and not being confirmed is the least of his worries, I was just curious about that also.
So what is you opinion, should we say something to them or how should we handle it?
Thanks,
Tracie
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Pray a lot. The fact that they came from out of state to witness you and your husband being received into the Church is a start. Maybe you can have a conversation with whichever of the two you are closest. Tell them that you are grateful to God for the magnificent gift of grace to be a member of His Church and how much it means to you.

Gauge their reaction. Tell them how much your newfound Faith means to you. Thank them for coming. Gradually talk about what you have learned during your journey. It may take a while, but, ask the Lord for his guidance.
 
Sorry I thought I made this clear in my first resonse. You should notify the pastor where they are now IMHO, and tell him the situation and let him take care of it.
 
Thank you for your responses!! We will definitely be praying about this!!
Tracie
 
MYOB, dearie.

There’s always the possibility that they way things look to you (“appearance of sin”) might not be what God Himself actually sees.
 
dixibehr Dearie,

It is my business because this is someone I KNOW and LOVE and am WORRIED about. This isn’t just some acquaintance. I’m NOT being a nosey person. FYI this is family.
Tracie
 
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