Receiving Communion and Mortal Sin

[Cristiano]

But again, why didn’t the priest take the moment to tell them that missing Mass on Sunday without a valid excuse is a mortal sin? Does he not believe it himself? Plus, these kids go to Catholic school every day, not just catechism on Sunday.

Someone is accountable here.

Probably the priest was simply taking a poll in order to get on the parents case. I am quite sure that between the priest and the religion teacher at school the children are quite aware of the sinfulness of missing Mass. It is not the priest job to tell the children that the parents are not doing a good job, it is his job to tell the parents that they have major issues.

I would encourage you to be more charitable toward the priest because you do not know what he is thinking and how he handles the school situation. From your post a see only a failure on the parents side.

 

[Brooklyn]

Oh, I’m sorry I misunderstood.

But I still have to wonder who’s sin this actually is. It isn’t every 13-year old that will leave the house without permission - even to go to mass. And it is one thing to have permission and support from family even if family chooses not to attend. It is totally different, at any age but most especially younger ages, to try to go to mass if one is receiving flack from parents and siblings about being holier than thou, etc.

There are so many different scenarios that could explain the actions of these children without them compounding mortal sin with more mortal sin. I’d rather be a bit charitable in my thinking.

I’m not saying that the priest needed to start yelling at the kids, but I feel he definitely had a responsibility to tell them that if they missed Mass on Sunday without a valid excuse, they have committed a grievous sin.

Why do you think that parents who are sending their kids to Catholic school would refuse to allow them to attend Mass?

I appreciate that you’re trying to be charitable, but the fact remains, the kids are not being told the difference between right and wrong, and there are souls at stake here, no exaggeration.

 

[Brooklyn]

Probably the priest was simply taking a poll in order to get on the parents case. I am quite sure that between the priest and the religion teacher at school the children are quite aware of the sinfulness of missing Mass. It is not the priest job to tell the children that the parents are not doing a good job, it is his job to tell the parents that they have major issues.

I would encourage you to be more charitable toward the priest because you do not know what he is thinking and how he handles the school situation. From your post a see only a failure on the parents side.

Who said anything about telling the kids their parents have major issues? I don’t remember anyone saying that. I am upset because the priest did not teach the kids what the Church demands of us. I appreciate everyone trying to be charitable, but we were all told as kids that it is a mortal sin to miss Mass on Sunday. Why is it suddenly too much to tell them now? That has not changed in the church, and these kids’ souls are at stake, plus the souls of their parents and yes, the priest’s, if he does not fulfill his responsibility to teach what the church teaches.

Political correctness will kill us all.

 

[cctabb]

But again, why didn’t the priest take the moment to tell them that missing Mass on Sunday without a valid excuse is a mortal sin? Does he not believe it himself? Plus, these kids go to Catholic school every day, not just catechism on Sunday.

Someone is accountable here.

Oh, yes someone is accountable. And you can bet your bottom dollar that it isn’t something that is only happening in this particular parish with these particular kids and this particular priest.

We are called to do several things depending on where we are in life. Spouses are called to get each other to heaven. That includes making sure each gets to mass on Sundays at a minimum. These spouses if they have children are to get their children to heaven. That really is their sole responsibility at parents. Priests have a responsibility to help get people to heaven.

But the world is changing. No longer are priests respected. I’m sure they are seen almost as bad as the JW if they come calling asking about why so-and-so family was not at mass on Sunday.

Today’s parents have not been educated in the faith. I know I was not. Everything I’ve learned about my faith has been self-taught because I found an interest in it. I’ve been saying to anyone who will listen that Catholics as a whole have very poor religious education. The Protestants really have us beat in that area.

So the priests do not come calling, the parents either don’t know better or don’t care, and the children are left having to choose between obeying a commandment over a church teaching (honor thy father and mother or don’t go to church on Sunday).

There are a few middle teens that will go to church despite scorn and teasing from friends and family. But they are few and far between. That is sad on so many levels.

But as to who is accountable… well, the parents of the children have some responsibility. The priests have some responsibility. You and I have some responsibility - maybe not for these particular children, but we have a responsibility every time a childrens’ ministry does not start in our parish due to lack of volunteers. Who is driving the carpool that picks up the kids on Sunday morning and gets them to mass? Who is leading the adult workshop for the parents?

In the long run we are all accountable.

 

[cctabb]

I’m not saying that the priest needed to start yelling at the kids, but I feel he definitely had a responsibility to tell them that if they missed Mass on Sunday without a valid excuse, they have committed a grievous sin.

Why do you think that parents who are sending their kids to Catholic school would refuse to allow them to attend Mass?

I appreciate that you’re trying to be charitable, but the fact remains, the kids are not being told the difference between right and wrong, and there are souls at stake here, no exaggeration.

That is an easy one. It isn’t about going to Catholic school for the faith. They are going to Catholic school because for a better education, the prestige of going to a private school, etc.

The list of excuses why parents are not getting themselves and their kids to mass is long and varied. Ask a few young marrieds why they aren’t going to church on Sunday. The excuses simply boggle the mind.

 

[samovila]

Gee, I sure am glad that it’s not our place to determine who has mortal sin and who is eligible to receive communion. I do my best at mass not to judge the others in line. There are hundreds of valid reasons for a 13 year old to miss mass. A few were brought up in this thread. Furthermore, there could have been confession offered earlier in the week at school to these children and their confessions of missing mass could have sparked the priest’s sermon. There are many what ifs here and I trust the priest present is familiar with the teaching of the Church on these matters. While the widespread lack of mass attendance and lack of participation in the faith is disheartening, In my opinion this all falls under the category of Matthew 7:1-5.

 

[Cristiano]

Who said anything about telling the kids their parents have major issues? I don’t remember anyone saying that. I am upset because the priest did not teach the kids what the Church demands of us. I appreciate everyone trying to be charitable, but we were all told as kids that it is a mortal sin to miss Mass on Sunday. Why is it suddenly too much to tell them now? That has not changed in the church, and these kids’ souls are at stake, plus the souls of their parents and yes, the priest’s, if he does not fulfill his responsibility to teach what the church teaches.

Political correctness will kill us all.

My point again is that you do not know that the priest does not teach about the fact that missing Mass on Sunday is grave matter. Teaching to be effective has to be done in a proper manner otherwise the action might be counterproductive. I was making the point that the priest does not have to follow our wishes and schedules when it comes to teaching. I understand that you wanted him to say something at that point, but maybe he did not deem the action at the time as a prudent one.

 

[Brooklyn]

My point again is that you do not know that the priest does not teach about the fact that missing Mass on Sunday is grave matter. Teaching to be effective has to be done in a proper manner otherwise the action might be counterproductive. I was making the point that the priest does not have to follow our wishes and schedules when it comes to teaching. I understand that you wanted him to say something at that point, but maybe he did not deem the action at the time as a prudent one.

and

Gee, I sure am glad that it’s not our place to determine who has mortal sin and who is eligible to receive communion. I do my best at mass not to judge the others in line. There are hundreds of valid reasons for a 13 year old to miss mass. A few were brought up in this thread. Furthermore, there could have been confession offered earlier in the week at school to these children and their confessions of missing mass could have sparked the priest’s sermon. There are many what ifs here and I trust the priest present is familiar with the teaching of the Church on these matters. While the widespread lack of mass attendance and lack of participation in the faith is disheartening, In my opinion this all falls under the category of Matthew 7:1-5.

I find it so interesting that you are all willing to judge and condemn me, but you don’t think it’s a problem that the priest did not take the time to tell these kids that it is a mortal sin to miss Mass on Sunday. Can’t be judgmental about that, can we, but you sure have no problem in judging my motives and actions.

Maybe some of these kids did have a valid excuse for missing Mass on Sunday, but you and I both know that the fact that only 10% at most of the kids going to Mass means something is terribly, terribly wrong.

The priest was obviously upset with the response he got from the kids, because he went on to tell them that it is important that we live what we believe. He wasn’t cutting them any slack like you all seem to want to do. You really think there would have been a problem if he had said, if you missed Mass on Sunday, and you did not have a valid excuse, you are in a state of mortal sin and should not receive Communion. That is what the Church teaches, like it or not.

“The first precept (“You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation.”) requires the faithful to participate in the Eucharistic celebration when the Christian community gathers together on the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church # 2042)

(Note: “Eucharistic celebration” means “Holy Mass.”)

The precept of the Church specifies the law of the Lord more precisely:

“On Sundays and other holydays of obligation, the faithful are obliged to assist at Mass. They are also to abstain from such work or business that would inhibit the worship to be given to God, the joy proper to the Lord’s Day, or the due relaxation of mind and body.” (Canon Law # 1247)

“The precept of participating in the Mass is satisfied by assistance at a Mass which is celebrated anywhere in a Catholic rite either on the holy day or on the evening of the preceding day.” [Canon Law # 1248.1] (C.C.C. # 2180)

Q. 3. Is it a sin not to go to Holy Mass on Sunday?
A. 3. The Catholic Church teaches that the faithful are obligated to attend Holy Mass (Eucharistic celebration) on days of obligation. Those who deliberately fail in the obligation of attending Sunday Mass commit a grave sin.

Q. 5. What are the consequences of committing a grave sin?
A. 5. Those who have committed a grave sin cannot receive communion without having gone to confession first.

catholicdoors.com/faq/qu62.htm#answer2

If you go back to my original post, you will see that I quote the definition of sacrilege, and that chief among this is receiving communion in a state of mortal sin. This must be taught for the salvation of souls. I don’t know what this priest teaches at other times, but when he had this opportunity, he did not say a word. That is a big, big problem. You really think it would have been wrong to teach about sin from the pulpit??!!

This is not something to play with or to worry about hurting someone’s feelings. As I said, souls are at stake here. Political correctness and “not judging” have nothing to do with this.

You have made me only more determined than ever that I must say something to this priest. No wonder the church is in so much trouble.

 

[samovila]

I find it so interesting that you are all willing to judge and condemn me, but you don’t think it’s a problem that the priest did not take the time to tell these kids that it is a mortal sin to miss Mass on Sunday. Can’t be judgmental about that, can we, but you sure have no problem in judging my motives and actions.

I find it fascinating that you balk at being judged and yet are so quick to judge all those children and the priest at that mass. My point in my post above is that I don’t think it’s our place to judge whether or not those kids had a mortal sin on their soul and whether or not they should be receiving communion. If I may draw a correlation, we could all sit in our pews every Sunday and wonder why the priest doesn’t preach to the childless married couples about using birth control. It is not our place to do so and it is a poor assumption that those people using bc at all or are in a state of sin. Unless there is some other reason to doubt the priest’s faithfulness, he is the pastor of that flock, and I trust his judgement in that regard.

 

[Brooklyn]

I find it fascinating that you balk at being judged and yet are so quick to judge all those children and the priest at that mass. My point in my post above is that I don’t think it’s our place to judge whether or not those kids had a mortal sin on their soul and whether or not they should be receiving communion. If I may draw a correlation, we could all sit in our pews every Sunday and wonder why the priest doesn’t preach to the childless married couples about using birth control. It is not our place to do so and it is a poor assumption that those people using bc at all or are in a state of sin. Unless there is some other reason to doubt the priest’s faithfulness, he is the pastor of that flock, and I trust his judgement in that regard.

I wish priests would preach about birth control and what a grave sin it is. So many of our problems in this world stem from that particular sin. It is most definitely a priest’s place to preach about sin, and priests will have to answer for the fact that they have not preached about this.

I assume you would prefer that sin never be preached from the pulpit. After all, we don’t want people to feel bad about themselves, do we. I don’t think they will feel very good about themselves when they realize they have lost their salvation.

The truth is, without the saving grace of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, we are all in a state of grave sin and will all go to hell. That may not sound very pretty or politically correct to you, and yes, I’m sure it will make people not feel good about themselves, but it is the truth. The Catholic Church teaches that we are all born cut off from God, and even after baptism, we are still in a fallen state subject to sin. That is why we need the sacraments and why we need Mass, and that is why the Church insists that her children go to Mass at least once a week.

You are going to “not judge” people right into hell.

 

[ProVobis]

I do my best at mass not to judge the others in line.

With all due respect, it’s not judgement as much as it is awareness of the situation. Even if I give those who miss Mass or cohabitate or gossip or eat in Church the benefit of the doubt, it is still scandalous for them to receive, just as giving communion to a pro-abortion politician.

Communion isn’t a dance floor where everyone present is expected to dance when the music is played.

 

[samovila]

I wish priests would preach about birth control and what a grave sin it is. So many of our problems in this world stem from that particular sin. It is most definitely a priest’s place to preach about sin, and priests will have to answer for the fact that they have not preached about this.

I assume you would prefer that sin never be preached from the pulpit. After all, we don’t want people to feel bad about themselves, do we. I don’t think they will feel very good about themselves when they realize they have lost their salvation.

The truth is, without the saving grace of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, we are all in a state of grave sin and will all go to hell. That may not sound very pretty or politically correct to you, and yes, I’m sure it will make people not feel good about themselves, but it is the truth. The Catholic Church teaches that we are all born cut off from God, and even after baptism, we are still in a fallen state subject to sin. That is why we need the sacraments and why we need Mass, and that is why the Church insists that her children go to Mass at least once a week.

You are going to “not judge” people right into hell.

Purposely not fulfilling our Sunday obligation without valid reason is a sin. Priests should preach that, which according to you he did. Were you in all of those kids homes on Sunday morning to know whether or not they had a valid reason for not going to mass? I suppose neither was the priest. So to assume that they are in a state of mortal sin is wrong. I don’t know how many different ways I can rephrase that.

 

[Brooklyn]

Purposely not fulfilling our Sunday obligation without valid reason is a sin. Priests should preach that, which according to you he did. Were you in all of those kids homes on Sunday morning to know whether or not they had a valid reason for not going to mass? I suppose neither was the priest. So to assume that they are in a state of mortal sin is wrong. I don’t know how many different ways I can rephrase that.

The priest DID NOT preach that missing Sunday Mass is a mortal sin - that is the whole point of this thread!!! Where have you been?

Why are you accusing me of judging others? My point is that the priest needed to say that not going to Mass on Sunday is a sin - I don’t know how many other ways I can rephrase that. Why do you think that would be a bad thing to do? The statistic is that only some 20% of Catholics here in Brooklyn attend weekly Mass. Don’t you think that is a problem? I don’t know how old you are, but when I was a kid back in the 60’s, we would have been scared to death to miss Mass on Sundays. Now the kids think it is not a problem. Don’t you see something wrong with that? Don’t you think they need to be told this is not a good thing, and that the salvation of their souls could depend on this?

Why is the priest preaching about attending Mass on Sundays a bad thing? And please stop telling me that I’m judging people.

 

[puzzleannie]

I still believe the priest should have said that if you miss Sunday Mass without a valid reason, it is a mortal sin and you cannot receive communion until it is confessed and absolved. I was told that when I was in second grade. It’s time that 13 year old kids were told the same thing.

well he cannot do this in public, during the homily, when he has just asked those who are not attending Mass to raise their hand, because if he then announces, you may not receive communion because you are in a state of mortal sin, he has judged them already, outside confession, and makes the situation public, in itself an abuse. We should assume that he will now make it his business to instruct both the children and the parents properly. Yes he needs to preach on the importance of attending Mass, no he cannot publicly deny communion to those he has just led into publicly confessing that they don’t attend Mass. The issue is not how he should preach, but specifically reception of communion by those children at that particular Mass.

 

[Brooklyn]

well he cannot do this in public, during the homily, when he has just asked those who are not attending Mass to raise their hand, because if he then announces, you may not receive communion because you are in a state of mortal sin, he has judged them already, outside confession, and makes the situation public, in itself an abuse. We should assume that he will now make it his business to instruct both the children and the parents properly.

That makes absolutely no sense. It is not a matter of “judging” them. If I see somone kill another person, should I not say something because I would be judging them? Or to use a lesser example, if I see someone stealing something, should I not say something because it would be judging them? Just in a civil sense, how would any laws be enforced? Good or bad, right or wrong, the priest asked the question that he did, and the kids responded. He had a duty to tell them that their actions are wrong. And how can I assume that he “will now make it his business to instruct both the children and the parents properly”? I hope you’re right, but there is no way to assume that.

Does anyone here care about the salvation of these kids’ souls, or are you all too worried about hurting people’s feelings or being politically correct?

 

[StillWondering]

In charity, maybe the priest wanted to teach them what they can understand. Kids don’t hold everything and he wanted to teach them the bigger picture of living the faith. I am not there nor would I know what is going through the priest is mind. It is our responsibility to teach others the faith when there are discrepancies. But maybe the priest is experience and knows it takes time and a direct statement might make the kids cover their ears metaphorically speaking. If the priest does this all the time, then maybe it’s a different story.

 

[Brooklyn]

In charity, maybe the priest wanted to teach them what they can understand. Kids don’t hold everything and he wanted to teach them the bigger picture of living the faith. I am not there nor would I know what is going through the priest is mind. It is our responsibility to teach others the faith when there are discrepancies. But maybe the priest is experience and knows it takes time and a direct statement might make the kids cover their ears metaphorically speaking. If the priest does this all the time, then maybe it’s a different story.

When I was 7 years old, I understood that not going to Mass on Sunday is a mortal sin, and that I could go to hell for it. You’re telling me that 13 and 14 year olds can’t understand this?

Stop already with the political correctness nonsense. There is a point when “charity” is no longer “charity” but just a way of taking the easy way out.

 

[samovila]

Instead he went on to say that we need to live what we believe and expounded on that.

I guess I read this to mean that he talked about Sunday obligation.

 

[ahollars]

@Brooklyn, saying something is one thing. Telling them they are in mortal sin is another. Culpability has not yet been passed on or accepted by 8th graders. No one trusts them with their own life yet, physical or spiritual. I am a CCD teacher, and I teach Confirmation. I have warned my students that they will ultimately be responsible for their own souls and cannot blame their parents when they are adults, but the key there is when they are adults. You should always say something to the priest when you see something wrong or scandalous, and if you do not trust his judgment, then write a letter to the bishop, but mortal sin is not for you or any of us to decide. Missing mass is not an intrinsic evil, and even if it were, most 8th graders don’t meet the standard for full consent, especially if they have much younger siblings under their watch.

BTW, if he wanted to tell them not to receive communion, he should not have asked for hands on who didn’t go to Mass. His next duty would be to ask why, and that belongs inside the confessional.

 

[Cristiano]

…I find it so interesting that you are all willing to judge and condemn me, but you don’t think it’s a problem that the priest did not take the time to tell these kids that it is a mortal sin to miss Mass on Sunday. Can’t be judgmental about that, can we, but you sure have no problem in judging my motives and actions…

Would you please analyze my post and show to me where I did judge and condemn you?

Missing Mass on Sunday is grave matter and not automatically mortal sin!

Did you talk to the priest about it making your wishes known? Or you are just here condemning him for a sin of omission, while omitting to do the same thing with him? Are your own preferences on how to do things the best for those children? Yours is the same argument of someone asking “when did you stop beating your wife?”

What is next? Is the priest even more guilty if next time he will skip to ask for a raise of hands to check the Sunday attendance? Is that a double whammy?