Questions on receiving the Eucharist

[PureBeloved]

1. I have never had my First Communion or gone to confession before, but have been receiving the Eucharist in a state of mortal sin many times. Does that still count as a First Communion…?
2. I was baptized Catholic when I was born. Am I considered a Catholic, even if I haven’t had my First Communion, gone to confession, etc? If not, how do I become one? Do I have to go through RCIA? I don’t want to wait 2 years to receive the Holy Eucharist… (I’m 16.)
3. I am planning on going to confession soon. How do I do a proper first confession?

Thank you. I hope that made sense… Your answers are greatly appreciated.

 

[Phemie]

1. I have never had my First Communion or gone to confession before, but have been receiving the Eucharist in a state of mortal sin many times. Does that still count as a First Communion…?
2. I was baptized Catholic when I was born. Am I considered a Catholic, even if I haven’t had my First Communion, gone to confession, etc? If not, how do I become one? Do I have to go through RCIA? I don’t want to wait 2 years to receive the Holy Eucharist… (I’m 16.)
3. I am planning on going to confession soon. How do I do a proper first confession?

Thank you. I hope that made sense… Your answers are greatly appreciated.

1. Well, a First Communion is the first time you receive so by definition you have received it. It’s unfortunate that you weren’t in a state of grace at the time but that is something that can be remedied by going to confession.
2. Yes, your baptism makes you a Catholic. You should check out RCIA since you seem to be uncatechized (not taught the Faith) and that would probably be the easiest way to learn it.
3. My only advice really is to talk to the pastor of the parish where you reside. He would be the best person to advise you on how to proceed from now on. You may not need two years before you receive Communion again.

 

[JRKH]

First of all, welcome to the Forums. You will love it here.
Second, I’m so glad to hear that you wish to learn more and get things straight in the faith. I went through this myself a few years back.

1. I have never had my First Communion or gone to confession before, but have been receiving the Eucharist in a state of mortal sin many times. Does that still count as a First Communion…?

Yes it would still count as “first communion” but you’ll find it so much more fullfilling the first time you go up after confession.

1. I was baptized Catholic when I was born. Am I considered a Catholic, even if I haven’t had my First Communion, gone to confession, etc? If not, how do I become one? Do I have to go through RCIA? I don’t want to wait 2 years to receive the Holy Eucharist… (I’m 16.)

You might want to confirm this with your priest, but I don’t think you’d have to wait for RCIA to receive communion. Just make a Good confession.
That said, it appears that you have not yet been confirmed, so I would strongly recommend going through RCIA anyway and getting confirmed next Easter. RCIA classes are just starting about now so there shouldn’t be much if any delay in getting into one.

1. I am planning on going to confession soon. How do I do a proper first confession?

Here is a link to a quick little tutorial on Confession that might help.
Personally, if you are nervous about making a mistake, you can simply go in, tell the priest what you have told us and then be guided by him.

Thank you. I hope that made sense… Your answers are greatly appreciated.

You did just fine.

Peace
James

 

[Vico]

1. I have never had my First Communion or gone to confession before, but have been receiving the Eucharist in a state of mortal sin many times. … \quote]

It is important to confess all mortal sins that you can remember before receiving Holy Communion. If you have perfect contrition for them, then it is possible to receive, but must confess to a priest as soon as possible.

Perfect contrition is as in the following act of contrition where the regret is due to offending God, rather than simply because of the punishment.

Act of Contrition:

Oh, my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. And I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishment, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, Who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.

 

[corsair]

I would echo JRKH’s advise and add a very stringent “get thee to confession” ASAP.

 

[puzzleannie]

1. I have never had my First Communion or gone to confession before, but have been receiving the Eucharist in a state of mortal sin many times. Does that still count as a First Communion…?
2. I was baptized Catholic when I was born. Am I considered a Catholic, even if I haven’t had my First Communion, gone to confession, etc? If not, how do I become one? Do I have to go through RCIA? I don’t want to wait 2 years to receive the Holy Eucharist… (I’m 16.)
3. I am planning on going to confession soon. How do I do a proper first confession?

Thank you. I hope that made sense… Your answers are greatly appreciated.

you have answered your own question
yes you must make the preparation required by your bishop for reception of the sacraments
no that is not RCIA, it is a process for others in your age group in the same situation, baptized but not catechized (which means, never properly taught the faith) in need of completing their Christian Initiation (Confirmation and First Communion). Part of that preparation includes learning how to go to confession.

It is another mortal sin of sacrilege to receive communion knowing you are in a state of mortal sin (if you knew this at the time) and should also be confessed.

Go to your pastor today or call him and find out how to proceed. In this diocese you would begin preparation for all sacraments, including a thorough teaching on Catholic belief and practice, be prepared for confession as soon as possible, with First Communion in the first year, and Confirmation the following year, or confirmation and first communion in the same celebration. Where there is a year-round program offered this could be less than two calendar years. Older teens and adults have a one-year preparation.
ps if you have already received communion you have made first communion, but without the proper preparation and disposition, including sacramental confession. Your pastor may give you permission to receive again as soon as you have confessed and been absolved but be guided by his instruction.

 

[thomas_jd]

See a priest as soon as possible. Refrain from receiving Holy Communion until the priest gives the o.k.