Responsibility for the Eucharist?

[lcalise]

I know many people who are not aware that taking the Eucharist in mortal sin is sacrelige. I also know that even when confronted with this knowledge they would be unrepentant, not go to confession, take the Eucharist anyway, and just be put off by me.

How much responsibility do I have and how much should I say regarding their use/abuse of this sacrament?

This question arises from two general circumstances:

1. Friends who have premarital relations
2. Relatives who are divorced and remarried without an annulment.

Thanks!

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

lcalise:

I know many people who are not aware that taking the Eucharist in mortal sin is sacrelige. I also know that even when confronted with this knowledge they would be unrepentant, not go to confession, take the Eucharist anyway, and just be put off by me.

How much responsibility do I have and how much should I say regarding their use/abuse of this sacrament?

This question arises from two general circumstances:

1. Friends who have premarital relations
2. Relatives who are divorced and remarried without an annulment.

Thanks!

You have an obligation to inform them and “admonish” them to repentance.

 

[asquared]

lcalise:

I How much responsibility do I have and how much should I say regarding their use/abuse of this sacrament?

This question arises from two general circumstances:

1. Friends who have premarital relations
2. Relatives who are divorced and remarried without an annulment.

Thanks!

you have responsibility to teach the truth to your children and those whom you have been given the duty to teach i.e. your CCD class. You have the obligation to answer in truth if you are asked a direct question by your friend or other relative about receiving communion in a state of mortal sin. You have no responsibility to make a judgement and pronouncement to this person or anyone else about the state of their soul, whether or not they are in a state of mortal sin. That privilege is reserved for the priest in confession. You may however state the objective truth about the Church teaching on such circumstances as you decribe, but it would be imprudent and unproductive to make such a subjective judgement and application of the teaching.

You might, if going to Mass with someone who ought not to be receiving (as far as you know), point out the rules for receiving communion in the back of the missalette, say for a brother who attends Mass very rarely, or tell a visitor to your home “confessions are at 4 oclock, do you want to come with me”. Adults are responsible for their own souls, your responsibility is not to lead anyone else astray by your actions and example.