When you see a non-Catholic receive Communion

[RosaryFan]

I was at Mass this morning and I happened to notice a woman receiving Communion whom I know is not Catholic. Is this none of my business, or is it my duty to say something to the Pastor? I am absolutely certain she is not Catholic because she and I have had past discussions about religion. I truly don’t know what I’m obliged to do in this situation.

 

[Deconi]

Take it up with your sister first, pointing to the gravity in error of receiving Our Lord “unworthily,” which is the domain of the Divine.

If, in fact, your supposition is correct, that she is NOT Catholic, and she disagrees, then approach her with another, BEFORE taking it to The Church.

I noticed you mentioned ‘pastor!’…in a Catholic church?

 

[RosaryFan]

Take it up with your sister first, pointing to the gravity in error of receiving Our Lord “unworthily,” which is the domain of the Divine.

If, in fact, your supposition is correct, that she is NOT Catholic, and she disagrees, then approach her with another, BEFORE taking it to The Church.

I noticed you mentioned ‘pastor!’…in a Catholic church?

I don’t feel comfortable enough to approach this woman directly. I really don’t know her that well. Our daughters were on the same soccer team one season and we spoke on the soccer field - that’s pretty much the extent of our “friendship”. She happened to mention one day that she was Lutheran and her husband was Catholic and that she didn’t understand much about our faith but that she promised her mother-in-law that she would raise her children Catholic. That’s how I know she’s not Catholic. I also know she hasn’t gone through RCIA, because I volunteer as a team member for our parish’s RCIA program.

What is my obligation if I don’t feel like it’s my place to say something to her? I mean, if it was my next door neighbor, I wouldn’t have a problem, but I really don’t know this woman all that well. Am I being a coward? Or are my reservations reasonable?

And, yes, it’s a Catholic parish. We use the term “Pastor” in our Archdiocese. I didn’t realize that term wasn’t used everywhere. Very interesting!

 

[Kotton]

Do you know if she comes to Mass with her Catholic husband? Her being Lutheran and believing that communion is really Christ’s body and blood, perhaps she just doesn’t realize that she shouldn’t receive. If you see her again, make a point to comment, otherwise mention it to the priest.

Kotton

 

[T700]

I would absolutely, with kindness and gentleness, mention it to her. If I was visiting another faith’s place of worship and I violated a norm that they held dear, I would very much want someone to to tell me about it.

If she does not receive the news well or you find there is some hostile motive, then you can take it up with your pastor, but I’ll wager she doesn’t understand.

Paul

 

[Howard_Roark]

Heh…none of this is going to work. Try telling your typical arrogant, prodigal American that they can’t do something (park here, have plastic surgery, get married for the 4th time, receive communion) and they’ll blow up right in front of you.

Tell the priest. It’s his parish, he has the authority. Let it be on him.

 

[Deconi]

I don’t feel comfortable enough to approach this woman directly. I really don’t know her that well. Our daughters were on the same soccer team one season and we spoke on the soccer field - that’s pretty much the extent of our “friendship”. She happened to mention one day that she was Lutheran and her husband was Catholic and that she didn’t understand much about our faith but that she promised her mother-in-law that she would raise her children Catholic. That’s how I know she’s not Catholic. I also know she hasn’t gone through RCIA, because I volunteer as a team member for our parish’s RCIA program.

What is my obligation if I don’t feel like it’s my place to say something to her? I mean, if it was my next door neighbor, I wouldn’t have a problem, but I really don’t know this woman all that well. Am I being a coward? Or are my reservations reasonable?

And, yes, it’s a Catholic parish. We use the term “Pastor” in our Archdiocese. I didn’t realize that term wasn’t used everywhere. Very interesting!

I’m afraid that NOW THAT YOU KNOW, you do have a degree of obligation to help your sister in Christ!

The approach is in charity;

"Hi. I noticed the other day that you received Holy Communion. Blessed are you, but I didn’t know you had become Catholic! "

Her response will determine your next statement, whether it will be ‘congratulatory / welcoming’ for being Catholic, or mentioning that it is considered a grave error to receive Christ outside the proper sacrament!

Any and every soul who seeks Christ, and wishes to unite to Him through Holy Communion this way, because the Catholics holds the REAL PRESENCE is demonstrative of the love He spoke of. But, as He is without error, so too must be the means to Him, for no conclusion can justify an error, especially since ‘the means’ to receive Him through Holy Communion HAS BEEN REVEALED; that is, through the sacrament!

Have courage! He, Is!

 

[Lux_et_Tenebrae]

Hi,

God bless you for your concern. I would say to pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance. Pray hard for a while before you do anything.

I think I might tell the Pastor, and leave it to him, since he is the administrator of the sacraments in his Parish. If he wishes you to say something, he will tell you.

Remember even some Catholics do not feel bound by Catholic guidelines for feceiving Holy Communion, how could we expect non-Catholics to follow Church teaching?

A non-Catholic should not receive Holy Communion in a Catholic Church, but since she is not Catholic, she may disagree. It would be a kindness for you to tell her of this Catholic teaching—perhaps she is not aware.

Lux

 

[Phemie]

I would absolutely, with kindness and gentleness, mention it to her. If I was visiting another faith’s place of worship and I violated a norm that they held dear, I would very much want someone to to tell me about it.

If she does not receive the news well or you find there is some hostile motive, then you can take it up with your pastor, but I’ll wager she doesn’t understand.

Paul

And when she says “Fr. said it was OK” what do you do? I ask only because I know my bishop, when asked if a non-Catholic could receive Communion at a funeral he was celebrating, replied “Pretend you didn’t ask the question” and the non-Catholic received with everyone else. The Deacon was apoplectic!

 

[Joannm]

I noticed you mentioned ‘pastor!’…in a Catholic church?

The pastor is the priest who is appointed by the bishop to administer the parish, so the term is most appropriatie. He is the “Pastor” of the parish. We don’t call him Pastor Smith but Fr. Smith. Perhaps you are thinking of Protestants who call their ministers Pastor Smith.

 

[Aramis]

I was at Mass this morning and I happened to notice a woman receiving Communion whom I know is not Catholic. Is this none of my business, or is it my duty to say something to the Pastor? I am absolutely certain she is not Catholic because she and I have had past discussions about religion. I truly don’t know what I’m obliged to do in this situation.

Unless she’s Orthodox, Old Catholic, Assyrian Church of the East. Orthodox, Old Catholics, and Assyrians are permitted by canon law and Church Treaty.

 

[bpbasilphx]

**
I noticed you mentioned ‘pastor!’…in a Catholic church?**

**There’s nothing wrong with the term “pastor”. It’s used in canon law about a priest who stands in a special relationship of responsibilty and leadership to a given parish or community.

All pastors are priests, but not all priests are pastors.**

 

[Deconi]

**
I noticed you mentioned ‘pastor!’…in a Catholic church?**

**There’s nothing wrong with the term “pastor”. It’s used in canon law about a priest who stands in a special relationship of responsibilty and leadership to a given parish or community.

All pastors are priests, but not all priests are pastors.**

You mean, all priests are pastors, because NOT all pastors are priests. !?!

 

[Phemie]

You mean, all priests are pastors, because NOT all pastors are priests. !?!

No, you are thinking of non-Catholic Pastors.

In the Catholic Church, ‘Pastor’ is a specific appointment. If there are 2 or more priests in a parish, only one is the Pastor. He has charge of that parish and the responsibility of decision making falls on his shoulders. A priest may only be Pastor of one parish so if he has charge of several parishes, he’s only the Pastor of one and usually administrator of the others. So in the Catholic Church all Pastors are priests but not all priests are Pastors.

 

[bpbasilphx]

You mean, all priests are pastors, because NOT all pastors are priests. !?!

No, I didn’t. Not all priests are pastors of a parish. Some are parochial vicars, some are members of religious communities, and others have non-parochial assignments and ministries.

 

[TheDoctor]

I was at Mass this morning and I happened to notice a woman receiving Communion whom I know is not Catholic. Is this none of my business, or is it my duty to say something to the Pastor? I am absolutely certain she is not Catholic because she and I have had past discussions about religion. I truly don’t know what I’m obliged to do in this situation.

Just to take a quick step back. You said you are absolutely certain she is not Catholic (Lutheran last time you checked) and that she did not go through RCIA at your parish. So, maybe the best approach is to just say Hi after Mass and congratulate her on going through RCIA and becoming Catholic.

She may answer truthfully: “Thank you. I did my RCIA at another parish”, in which case no further action is needed.

She may answer truthfully: “What’s RCIA?” and that is your chance to explain that as a non-Catholic she should not receive but you would be happy to have coffee and explain the RCIA process to her.

She may lie: “Yeah, wow, that RCIA, great stuff that” in which case you have done all that I think you can do.

I personally am not in favor of dumping individual cases like this on your Pastor unless it is widely known that this person is not Catholic or the reception is causing general scandal. But that’s just me. Your mileage may vary.

 

[water]

I remember back in my country, I watch our Religious Sister at our parish coming up to the communion line and signaling the priest not to give the Communion to a man.

He left with some sort of laughing/embarrassment.

I am the Sister did it.

 

[Suslar]

My goodness! If the OP could be from my parish! I have the same issue. A Luthern who attends Mass and presents herself for Eucharist. . . and it IS widely known that she’s not Catholic and it IS causing great scandal.

For me personally, I serve as a EMHC. Once, while preparing to serve, I noticed where the woman was sitting and began to have a panic attack - I could not stop shaking with fear she’d come to me and I’d mishandle the situation. Afterall, I thought, I am certainly not worthy to receive Christ nor to minister His precious Body and Blood . . . so how could I decide if someone else is worthy? As my panic grew, I did the only sane thing I could think of at the moment - I arranged to switch places with another EMHC so I would be on the other side of the Church. I know it sounds childish, but I was under stress!

I later talked to our pastor about it. He said he knows she is not Catholic and that since I’ve never walked a mile in her shoes, I shouldn’t judge her. He went on to say that my questioning anyone else receiving Holy Communion calls into question my own state of grace and my commission to serve as a EMHC. I didn’t know what to say . . . .

And then I found a fabulous Catholic apologist who encouraged me to stand my ground! He explained that my pastor was wrong and may have been poorly trained in seminary - and that did not excuse me from performing my role as an EMHC. He said I was right in switching places to avoid confrontation until the day I can with all humility and sincerity offer this woman a blessing when she comes to receive from my line . . . I’m not there yet (I’m still switching places often), and I pray for the grace to deal with the situation.

As for the pastor, at a second discussion, he told me the lady says she believes in Divine Presence. I asked how that could be true since Divine Presence in the Eucharist is brought about by him as our priest and she doesn’t “believe in priests” – i.e. as a Luthern, she has rejected the authority of Rome and the Petrine succession. This time, he had nothing to say. He still has not stopped her from receiving, but I know that by actively avoiding giving the Precious Body & Blood of Our Savior to one who does not accept it as such, I have done my part. Now, I pray for the soul of my priest – that he may not lead souls astray nor allow the Holy Sacrament to be intentionally degraded. Please pray for me as I fight this holy battle to defend the diginity of Jesus!

My heart aches when I see Jesus so demeaned. BTW, this woman is married to a Catholic – he is the president of the Parish Council and has announced that he will be “church shopping” just as soon as his kids are out of Catholic school at 8th grade.

 

[graceandglory]

I’m trying so hard to wrap my mind around this.
This grieves me.

I wish it didn’t. I wish I didn’t even notice or care.

Perhaps it’s because I was a “lapsed” Catholic for 20 years, and I knew better than to receive the Eucharist. Even when I returned, I knew I had to wait until I had been to Confession and visited with a priest. It made receiving for the first time the most sublime experience.

I wasted several hundred dollars by attending a Catholic “conference” for singles this summer. I sat through a presentation where a single person who had been married more than 3 times was living in an unmarried sexual relationship and spoke on how God has given us our sexual faculties to enjoy and how great masturbation is for single people, especially priests. This person was not a Catholic. I softly spoke up during the Q & A portion, but was hushed and I was treated for the rest of the conference as immature and judgmental. I This person and many other proud, cohabitating individuals were invited to receive the Eucharist at the Franciscan retreat Center where the retreat/conference was held.

Dear God, help me be more like You. Teach me to have your heart for sinners. Correct me when I’m wrong.

 

[RosaryFan]

My goodness! If the OP could be from my parish! I have the same issue. A Luthern who attends Mass and presents herself for Eucharist. . . and it IS widely known that she’s not Catholic and it IS causing great scandal.

For me personally, I serve as a EMHC. Once, while preparing to serve, I noticed where the woman was sitting and began to have a panic attack - I could not stop shaking with fear she’d come to me and I’d mishandle the situation. Afterall, I thought, I am certainly not worthy to receive Christ nor to minister His precious Body and Blood . . . so how could I decide if someone else is worthy? As my panic grew, I did the only sane thing I could think of at the moment - I arranged to switch places with another EMHC so I would be on the other side of the Church. I know it sounds childish, but I was under stress.

I later talked to our pastor about it. He said he knows she is not Catholic and that since I’ve never walked a mile in her shoes, I shouldn’t judge her. He went on to say that my questioning anyone else receiving Holy Communion calls into question my own state of grace and my commission to serve as a EMHC. I didn’t know what to say . . . .

And then I found a fabulous Catholic apologist who encouraged me to stand my ground! He explained that my pastor was wrong and may have been poorly trained in seminary - and that did not excuse me from performing my role as an EMHC. He said I was right in switching places to avoid confrontation until the day I can with all humility and sincerity offer this woman a blessing when she comes to receive from my line . . . I’m not there yet (I’m still switching places often), and I pray for the grace to deal with the situation.

As for the pastor, at a second discussion, he told me the lady says she believes in Divine Presence. I asked how that could be true since Divine Presence in the Eucharist is brought about by him as our priest and she doesn’t “believe in priests” – i.e. as a Luthern, she has rejected the authority of Rome and the Petrine succession. This time, he had nothing to say. He still has not stopped her from receiving, but I know that by actively avoiding giving the Precious Body & Blood of Our Savior to one who does not accept it as such, I have done my part. Now, I pray for the soul of my priest – that he may not lead souls astray nor allow the Holy Sacrament to be intentionally degraded. Please pray for me as I fight this holy battle to defend the diginity of Jesus!

My heart aches when I see Jesus so demeaned. BTW, this woman is married to a Catholic – he is the president of the Parish Council and has announced that he will be “church shopping” just as soon as his kids are out of Catholic school at 8th grade.

Wow, Suslar! I, too, am an EMHC and I just served at Mass this evening for the first time in about 5 weeks (our rotation is such that we only serve every 5 weeks). As I was distributing Communion, I had this horrible notion that this woman was going to be in my line. Thank goodness she wasn’t, because the thought was making me panic. I truly don’t know how I’m supposed to handle it! Do I refuse her? Do I not? Either scenario makes me cringe! One thing I know, if I chose to give her Communion I don’t think I could live with myself.