When is it ok to receive communion?

[buffs36]

Hello, I am confused on when it’s ok to “receive” the Eucharist. I have been told by a Priest in Reconciliation that his colleagues may not agree with him on when it’s ok to receive the Eucharist. Another Priest told me that taking the Eucharist isn’t for “good behavior”. Can someone please clarify for me. My conscience tells me that it isn’t ok to go out and deliberately sin and then take the Eucharist, but that if one is trying to overcome lets say an addiction or something of that nature, he/she needs the body and blood to be strengthened to defeat this. John 6:56. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

USCCB’s Guidelines for the Reception of Communion:

For Catholics

As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion. We are encouraged to receive Communion devoutly and frequently. In order to be properly disposed to receive Communion, participants should not be conscious of grave sin and normally should have fasted for one hour. A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord without prior sacramental confession except for a grave reason where there is no opportunity for confession. In this case, the person is to be mindful of the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition, including the intention of confessing as soon as possible (canon 916). A frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance is encouraged for all.

We should not receive communion if we are conscious of a grave/mortal sin. If we have committed venial sins, they are forgiven during the penitential rite of Mass.

When the priest said the Eucharist isn’t a reward for good behavior, he probably had venial sins in mind. The Eucharist doesn’t require us to have lived absolutely perfectly from confession to communion, it only requires us to be free from grave sin.

In cases of addiction, culpability for sin may be lessened because of the addiction. Such a person should have a good confessor and/or spiritual director who knows his/her situation and can give specific advice for their specific situation.