Should my 14-yr-old son stop receiving the Eucharist?

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milimac

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My son has expressed that he’s not sure if God exists and finds Christianity “far-fetched”. If it were really true and Jesus really did all those miracles and rose from the dead, he doesn’t see how anyone would NOT be a believer – therefore it must be made up. He also doesn’t think that being Christian really has much affect on whether you’re a good person.

Some background: Currently he continues to attend Mass every Sunday, is a server occasionally, begrudgingly goes to youth group, and goes to confession once a month (which he actually said was useful). Our parish had a consecration to Mary where we had Mass, rosary, and adoration that went 2 hours. Afterwards he said “that was dreadful”. My wife is a “none” and doesn’t normally come to Mass with us except Christmas, Easter, and funerals but does not oppose me in raising my sons Catholic.

With his expressed disbelief in Christianity, should he refrain from receiving the Eucharist? I know as a Catholic he has the obligation to attend Mass every Sunday and holy day, but also to receive Jesus in the Eucharist at least once a year. How can he fulfill that obligation if he doesn’t believe?
 
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That is really between your son and his priest. Make an appointment for them to speak privately.
 
Absolutely agree with TheLittleLady. Your son is old enough to make these decisions on his own with the guidance of his confessor. I can’t imagine that it would be good for his father to tell him not to receive communion.

Perhaps there are some activities he can get involved with that he won’t consider dreadful. Does your parish have a food pantry, homeless outreach, or something similar? They could probably use a strong young man to help them and it would give him a chance to meet people taking action as guided by their faith.
 
This is between your son and God, with, perhaps, the help of a priest.

It’s not up to you.

Remember that even cannonized saints had many times of doubt.
 
Is he in Religious Ed?
What does his primary catechist have to say?
Can he join a youth group?
Make an appointment with him with the priest if he’s an approachable one.
Many talks around the kitchen table are needed.
I would suggest purchasing for him the Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth. It’s easy to read, on a teen;s level and the passages are brief.
He could read a little bit before bed each day.
 
He is in youth group. I told the youth group leader that he wasn’t too enthused to come, but the leader said he saw him smiling.

Getting him to read might be a challenge. He mostly only reads when he HAS to for school, although he has read a few books over the summer.
 
You’re the parent. Read it with him at the coffee shop, latte, and frappuccino in hand.
Make it something you do together. That facilitates conversation about faith.
This is not something he’s going to get over on his won. Maybe he’s jerking your chain, but dont’ let him rule . You’re the parent. Take matters into your own hands, and do it together. If he believes that it’s something you are forcing on him, he’ll walk away from faith for a very long time.
He has to see that it an integral part of your life too.
You’re in my prayers. You can do this
 
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