Should a fellow Catholic say something?

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pamnbam

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Say two people are Catholic. The first one commits an act that is likely a mortal sin, but doesn’t feel that the act was grave. Should the second person, knowing that the first committed a sin, mention to/remind him that he should not receive Communion due to his sinful act? Should something be said the protect the sanctity of the Eucharist, or is this being judgmental of another?

Both are adults and converts, but the second has made an effort to study Church laws and regulations more in-depth. Also, the second person was the first’s sponsor upon his conversion to the Church.
 
I think that it if it is a grave matter, then it would be the responsibility of person #2 to privately let person #1 know this. Of course, I would do it very gently…something along the lines of, “I wasn’t sure if you were aware of this, but the Church considers X to be gravely sinful. You may want to consider if you need to go to confession before you receive Holy Communion.” Also, if this was something that person #1 did publicly or could be cause for scandal, I would say that it is even more important that person #2 correct them and let them know that their actions may be scandalous. Make it clear though that person #2 is simply telling them this because you care about them.

If they want to argue that it was not a sin, they may try to do so, and I might argue with them to a point. However, if it is clear that nothing you say at the moment is going to change their minds, I would just remind them of Church teaching one final time, and let it go.

Peace and good.

-Kevin
 
pamnbam said:
Say two people are Catholic. The first one commits an act that is likely a mortal sin, but doesn’t feel that the act was grave. Should the second person, knowing that the first committed a sin, mention to/remind him that he should not receive Communion due to his sinful act? Should something be said the protect the sanctity of the Eucharist, or is this being judgmental of another?

Both are adults and converts, but the second has made an effort to study Church laws and regulations more in-depth. Also, the second person was the first’s sponsor upon his conversion to the Church.
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This is not sufficient information to express an opinion.
What does “is likely a mortal sin” mean. Its a bit vague.
What does “doesn’t feel the act is grave” mean? Does this mean the person knows the Church teaches the act is grave but rejects this feeling it is not grave or does the person not know the Church teaching about the particular act.

If a person commits an act that is objectively grave but does not know the the Church teaching and gravity of the act then they have not committed a mortal sin. If a person is not in a state of mortal sin then they can receive Communion.

If they do know the Church teaching and that the act is grave but does it anyway then that is a mortal sin. In this case they definitely cannot receive Communion.

However, whichever is the case you should still talk to them so that in the first case they are informed for the future and the second that they should not be receiving.
 
The act was of a sexual nature, though, performed by a married couple, did not complete within the wife (the way it is supposed to). The person may have a distorted view of what’s right/wrong because he may feel that any sexual act with his spouse is licit, even in spite of Church teaching.
 
First of all, if the person did not know that the act was of grave matter, then there is no mortal sin, since full knowledge and consent are required.

I don’t know how “close” you are to this person, but if you came to me stating that I can’t receive our Lord for something I did, we wouldn’t be close anymore. Actually, I would find that prideful and arrogant on your part.

I think Jesus is pretty strong and able to take care of Himself. After all he came for the sake of sinners.

Pray for enlightenment and understanding for both of you (and me too while you’re at it :))
 
Let’s not forget though that the Church states that both instructing the ignorant and admonishing the sinner are both spiritual acts of mercy, and are to be praised. This isn’t about being “holier than thou” or prideful, simply about saving the Eucharist from being profaned and protecting the souls of a couple that a person must care about very much. Christians are called to be a light, and this light must penetrate the darkness of sin and ignorance. However, how we do this is something that we must pray over and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit

Peace and good!

-Kevin
 
Ick! Why in the world would people be having a conversation about such an intimate topic? Discretion. Privacy. Honoring your spouse.
 
cargau said:
First of all, if the person did not know that the act was of grave matter, then there is no mortal sin, since full knowledge and consent are required.

I don’t know how “close” you are to this person, but if you came to me stating that I can’t receive our Lord for something I did, we wouldn’t be close anymore. Actually, I would find that prideful and arrogant on your part.

I think Jesus is pretty strong and able to take care of Himself. After all he came for the sake of sinners.

Pray for enlightenment and understanding for both of you (and me too while you’re at it :))
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I would guess they are pretty “close,” if the person disclosed an intimate act performed with his wife.

The right way to handle this is twofold. First of all, let your friend know that the act is considered a sin by the Church. As someone else said, do so in a matter-of-fact sort of way - not in a judgmental “YOU ARE A SINNER” sort of way. Do not tell him he can’t receive the Eucharist, unless he says “I know, and I don’t care what the Church says.” Then, I think it is okay to say…still in a humble voice…well, then you really shouldn’t receive until you get that worked out with your priest. It is important for him to be informed of Church teaching. You may even want to recommend a good Catholic book, such as Good News About Sex and Marriage or Holy Sex! A Catholic Guide to Toe-Curling, Mind-Blowing, Infallible Loving. 👍

Second, let your friend know that you would prefer not to discuss intimate details of his sexual relationship in the future.
 
pamnbam said:
The act was of a sexual nature, though, performed by a married couple, did not complete within the wife (the way it is supposed to). The person may have a distorted view of what’s right/wrong because he may feel that any sexual act with his spouse is licit, even in spite of Church teaching.
Click to expand...
I’ve had priests in the confessional tell me that this is acceptable as long as both are o.k. with it and both are united in love. I just chimed in to express how even those who represent the Church can be misled. If this person went to a priest with that view (and there are quite a few out there) what more could anyone do? They “heard it from the Church”…anyway, you can only do what you can…🤷 …teachccd
 
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