SPLIT: Can the mentally challenged receive the Eucharist?

[rhiannonh]

ah
you should be in England right now because on News 24 there was a parent and child who had been refused to be able to receive his first communion in the RC Church because of his learning difficulties and other health problem. The reason given is that his concentration is too short.

Do you have to be able to prove you know who God is?

 

[Phemie]

ah
you should be in England right now because on News 24 there was a parent and child who had been refused to be able to receive his first communion in the RC Church because of his learning difficulties and other health problem. The reason given is that his concentration is too short.

Do you have to be able to prove you know who God is?

Well, in the Latin Rite Catholic Church you have to understand Whom you are receiving and be able to do it reverently. That’s why, although we may confirm them if they are in danger of dying, we do not give infants Communion.
Canon Law:

Can. 913 §1. The administration of the Most Holy Eucharist to children requires that they have sufficient knowledge and careful preparation so that** they understand the mystery of Christ according to their capacity** and are able to receive the body of Christ with faith and devotion.
§2. The Most Holy Eucharist, however, can be administered to children in danger of death if they can distinguish the body of Christ from ordinary food and receive communion reverently.

Note that the bold part does not preclude mentally challenged children from receiving Communion.

 

[Jean_Anthony]

aaa

 

[rhiannonh]

this was a mentally ‘ill’ child who had been refused his first Holy Communion.

this action suggests the Roman Catholic church says “No they can’t”

 

[Mrs_Sally]

He was not refused communion ever. The priest asked that he receive more instruction first. There is no magic spell that says if someone doesn’t have their First Holy Communion at 7 then horrible things will happen. Many children receive First Communion later than 7/2nd grade for a variety of reasons.

I think it behooves the parents in this case to work closely with the priest/DRE to ensure that their child is prepared properly. But they also need to understand that even if this sacrament is delayed, he is not being rejected by the church.

If they allow anger and pride to get in the way, their son may never receive Catholic communion! It does no good to leave the church over a delay that will be rectified with just a little patience.