What to do about loved ones receiving communion on Easter when they shouldn't

[timmyo]

With easter coming up, and with the return of seasonal church goers who only go a few times a year, what do you tell these seasonal Catholics about receiving communion while in a state of mortal sin? I have a few loved ones who only go a few times a year, primarily at Christmas and Easter and are hyper-sensitive about any church matter. Getting them to go to church is a major victory, let alone getting them to go to confession before receiving the Eucharist. Does any one else struggle with this issue? I feel like if I open my mouth, they will be scared away from going to church because they are terrified of confesion and won’t likely commit to weekly Sunday mass anyway. Besides prayer, are there any ideas out there? Am I morally bound to warn them that they should not receive communion in a state of mortal sin or is this between them and God? I realize that it is only a mortal sin if you know it is, which I think an entire generation of Catholics falls into, since we were so poorly catechized. What does everybody think?

 

[Della]

Since you can not possibly know whether or not they are in a state of mortal sin, I think it best you their reception of the Eucharist between them and their confessor–even if they haven’t gone to confession, to your knowledge, it’s still not for you to determine the state of anyone else’s soul. Be at peace and be thankful they are going to Easter Mass–pray they receive the grace of the sacrament so they will want to attend all through the year and go to confession, as well. Perhaps you could get them some solid material about confession to allay their fears or share your positive experience of confession with them? Just a couple of suggestions.

 

[coyote]

I agree with Della. There is no better answer than the one she has given.

 

[movingmom]

I happen to know my MIL is in a state of mortal sin - she NEVER goes to Mass with the exception of Easter and Christmas and receives communion each time. It used to bother me, but it doesn’t anymore. I just worry about myself and whether I am “communion worthy” and pray for those who receive and are not. I admit there are holidays where standing in line for 20 minutes for communion because of those who are not regular church goers, but as they say offer it up!

 

[whatevergirl]

movingmom:

I happen to know my MIL is in a state of mortal sin - she NEVER goes to Mass with the exception of Easter and Christmas and receives communion each time. It used to bother me, but it doesn’t anymore. I just worry about myself and whether I am “communion worthy” and pray for those who receive and are not. I admit there are holidays where standing in line for 20 minutes for communion because of those who are not regular church goers, but as they say offer it up!

Hi movingmom,
Maybe you could suggest going to Confession together? Like…you’re going, and maybe nudge her along to come. I think that it is our moral ‘duty,’ if we know someone is in a state of mortal sin, to share with them the Doctrine, and teachings…but, it’s not up to us to stop them. Your MIL will have to make her own way…

The other thing is…I never knew it was a mortal sin to not go to Sunday mass (or Holy Days of obligation) for no reason. (up until a few years ago, and I’m 37 now)

Unfortunately, we’re not being ‘fed’ enough of the Cathecism in mass…I’ve heard that same ‘complaint’ from one of my friends, as well, about her parish. SO–It’s up to us, if we happen to know something another doesn’t know, to share the ‘truth’ with that person. In a loving and non-judging way…and with pray, hopefully, that person will come around.

God bless–it’s good that you’re thinking of this,though! You just want to save her soul.