Should I go up to communion or not?

Marie - posted on 04/26/2013

The People are GOD Building when you convert to been a Christian you ask GOD to dwell in your heart simple.

( Catholic follow Mary) and more of what a human being says.. rather than Christ....

Christians follow Christ Teaching.... The Bible, say Christ is the HEAD of the Church , however even Mary does not say you cannot remarry.... Jesus give guidance and warnings and counsel, however he cannot force HIS will.... YOU must do what you know in your hear is right before GOD.

I mena doe the Church want you to live in sin as well and never marry? that to would be wrong.

There for getting married in a Church does not make any one a Christian or better than any one else or more closer to GOD, as GOD lives in the Heavens, not in a building made of wood and stone.


GOD is a Living GOD who wished to dwell in those who have asked Him their lives and to follow HIS plans for the way HE sees things.

We got married in the out doors under the Canopy of GODs wonderful Creation all around us, the blue sky, in a Rose Garden.... our Hearts both where with God as we made our vows.


As long as we are genuine, we are GOD is Big enough to forgive any sin, we are genuine.

Marie - posted on 04/26/2013

Read what the Bible says not man, or organized religion.

While God Hates Divorce, He knows people Hearts to..... Gods plans are only Perfect, humans are not.

The Bible is for sinful man, not perfect men and woman.....We have all fallen short of Gods Grace in more ways than just marriage, and while I don't condone Divorce either, I would not be the Judge of those who feel they have placed all they can and would lead miserable life's because of one another.

There for while God says no where in the Bible that a person will go to Hell because they Divorce, HE also would not also give the thumbs up, to man kind to fight and kill one another in a unhappy marriage, thus he gave them their own will to choose as well..... God is not a dictator, you have a free will... God can want people but even GOD cannot make people do one thing from another away from HIS will....

" God say however their are 2 or 3 people are that Believe in HIS Name HE is there..... so you don't need a whole church ditching your will.. but do make sure you actually have the Peace GOD next time, and KNOW what the will of GOD means in your next marriage, because if you don't start some thing of with Peace, then no marriage can work.

The Bible says clearly then if you marry an Unbeliever of the Faith, then stay with them if you are happy, "if it is they the unbeliever leaves you", then yes it is ok for you to remarry as you did no wrong and was not the person that wanted to leave.

IF you where the Believer that decided to leave, then you would of had to think extremely carefully on what terms it was, EG:say adultery you can leave, and abuse etc, whoever a Believer does have more responsibility before GOD, than a non believer in how to approach these matters.

Read Corinthians Carefully .....

The Church has been called to Show Grace and Mercy, not condemnation to those who are genuinely trying to work things through for the better.

Divorce is damaging yes, ( But God knows people hearts, and knows its better to marry than to burn as well um)

Damaging not just to the couple but also to children and those around them, however adultery if you want to get married, simply go and get married, you are not children, and ultimately you need to have your own conscience before GOD himself, not man.

God Love people, and only man has made up the denominations which seem to serve even more to confuse some.

Even some that don't go to church make vows and keep them and are happy.

Make sure you don't enter relationship with Guilt of others.... you don't need other baggage

Jessica - posted on 03/07/2011

God DOES love everyone no matter what, even more than our own parents, husbands, or any other single person in this world. We do not purposly go against our parents wishes knowing it is offensive or hurtful to them knowing they will love us anyway though. My above post wasn't directed at God not loving anyone, but quite the opposite.
Such an immense and immeasureable love deserves our best efforts to stay true to his teachings. We can make excuses all we want and hope that God 'understands' but in the end, as Catholics, we have doctrines and teachings that we are called to abide by, and by blatantly turning against those teachings, we are also saying no to being Catholic and telling God his rules don't apply to our situation. To turn away from the Truth is dishonest to the person doing it, and to others if they are aware of Church teaching and go against it anyway. If they are not aware of Church teaching, they should first find that.
If you think in terms of what God did for us, of Jesus dying by crucifixion, feeling the pain in a very physical way for each and every sin committed against him, no matter how small, by you, and by me, and by every single person...why would anyone conclude that being Catholic, following Christ, is easy?
In regards to receiving Communion in a state of sin, it is sacriligious, and no opinion anyone has will change that. Just like, for instance, atheists who do not believe in God, does not change the fact that God exists.
I think in matters of faith and morals, like this situation, talking to the priest and taking a look at the Catechism are the most beneficial resources.

Abbs - posted on 03/07/2011

Both my husband and I were raised catholic. His side really doesn't practice such as going to church all the time though. My family always went to church every Sunday and followed lent, etc. My hubby and I were married when I was 6 1/2 months pregnant and had a civil ceremony. Then two years later, we celebrated our wedding with an officiant who was a retired clergy from the catholic church, but we didn't have our wedding in the church, we had it at an outdoor location. We don't feel we "cheated" the catholic faith, as I'm sure some people may say. We now have a 3 1/2 year old daughter and we go to church on Sundays and we're teaching our faith in god and our religion, making it important in our lives and our family. She's showing an interest in learning more about the faith, so we know she will be attending CCD when she gets a bit older, but we are slowing telling her about what she can understand now. There are times when we missed church on consecutive Sundays or on holidays of obligation, so when we go to church, we don't go up to take communion. I just feel that taking confession, god does understand, and are able to go up for communion. I definitely have to agree with Beryl, and some of the other ladies on here who understand that god loves us no matter what.

Jessica - posted on 03/04/2011

It makes sense that you would feel wrong if you do or if you don't in this case. Marriage in the Church cannot be absolved by a civil divorce. He would have to have the marriage annulled, which means he would have to prove that either he or his ex-wife entered into the marriage without the intentions the Church requires which is not something freely granted by the Church. He is still married in the eyes of God and the church, and is living an adulturous lifestyle by being civilly married to you. You are in a similar situation with regards to the fact that since he is still married in the Church, you are also living in a relationship that is not pleasing to God. A solution, I believe, would be to live a chaste lifestyle together, though I'm not positive and you could ask at confession. The beauty of the Catholic Church, despite the fact that it makes our lives harder often times, is that Jesus gave us these rules, he founded the Catholic Church. We cannot tell Jesus what we would rather do instead of what he requires us to do, and unfortunatelty, in todays society our perception of what should be allowed, and what is right has been skewed.
I think It would be more important to teach your son that you are not able to go to Communion, as it would greatly offend God being in a state of mortal sin. (If he asks why, you say that it is only between you and your confessor-which it is) This would make the meaning of what's taking place at the sacrifice of the Mass and the lesson of not offending God more beneficial, than just doing it to make him comfortable.
By receiving Jesus' body and blood, truly, under the appearance of bread and wine, we are bringing God into our bodys and souls. If you think in the context that God created Mary free of original sin for the intention of creating a pure dwelling place for his Son, you can understand how it is required of us to do the same when we receive Communion. Our way of purifying ourselves and preparing to bring Jesus into us in a very real way is Confession. It would be a sacrilige to go to Communion for the sake of your Son.

*I am just stating the views of the Church, I hope that I did not offend you by posting this.

Nelly - posted on 12/18/2010

speak to your church priest and see what he says.

Charlotte - posted on 05/29/2010

I have been civally married for nearly 4 years myself, but not in the Church. I was an unpracticing Catholic when my husband and I met and married. I am back to practicing and when I first did I began receiving without knowledge at the time that it was a sin. After learning that, I felt guilt and now I do not go up to receive communion out of respect for the Church and Christ. It is uncomfortable but know you are doing the right thing in not receiving. I would explain to your sons that because you respect and love the Church, you do not receive communion out of respect for Christ. On the part of not going to confession. The spring after my husband and I married civally I began going back to church after going to confession. I had a much needed counsel with the priest. So to my knowledge you can go to confession. Just remember you are showing your children to respect their faith in not receiving. If you need to talk please message me as it seems we are in the same boat. :o)

Jamie - posted on 04/20/2010

You should not receive communion if you are in a state of mortal sin, it would be compounding sin upon sin if you do. Your son, having gone through his fist communion classes should have been taught this, if he knows you are not married in the Church, but you receive communion anyway, he will know you are sinning.

Yes, Christ loves and welcomes us no matter who or what we are, but there are rules that we must follow in order to be in full communion with the Church. One of these rules is abstaining from communion when you are in a state of mortal sin. Period. This does not mean you should stop going to mass, or that you can't receive a blessing, but you may not (in good conscience) receive communion. Your son is old enough that you can explain your circumstances to him, and he should understand. In the end he will see you as being honest with your situation, and your faith. The worst thing you could teach your son would be to be a hypocrite.

I am not saying any of this to make you feel bad, i hope it doesn't make you feel bad... but the truth remains that it is a sin to receive communion when you are in a state of sin.

I agree with the others who have advised you to seek counsel with a priest.

Shanna - posted on 04/12/2010

You shouldn't go up to take Communion if that should be your case. As you can see, what consists of a sin is having full knowledge of it, giving your consent to it and doing it anyway despite knowing that it should not be. More so, a very important requisite of receiving Holy Communion is going through a general confession. If you have confessed everything to the Priest and have received absolution, maybe then you can come up to receive Communion. It doesn't matter what other people would think about you, think of how your every action is being judged by God. About your 10yo son, you can encourage him to go up the line and receive Communion even without you beside him. Just because you can't be at his side, doesn't mean you're not helping. And don't worry about confusing him or your 3yo son, just be more fervent in your prayers and focus more on setting a good example for them in such a way that they will grow strong in their Catholic Faith.

Angie - posted on 04/08/2010

I agree with a lot of the other ladies. Your first step is to speak with your priest. It is my understanding that you must be free of mortal sin to receive Communion and having sexual relations with a man you are not married to in The Church is a form of adultery. Your children are still able to receive Communion and you are able to go forward with them to receive a blessing from the priest. I'm sure your parish priest will be able to help you and husband clear up his previous marriage so that you can have your marriage convalidated by The Church and be in full communion with The Church. Good luck, I'll be praying for you.

Herminia - posted on 04/07/2010

You need to stop receiving communion if you are in a state of mortal sin. There are no if, ands, or buts about it. This teachings of the church are very clear and you really don't want to send the wrong message to your children. If I am not mistaken I've heard on catholic radio that you can confess and live as brother and sister with your husband and be able to receive but check with your priests first. Your desire to receive communion is great but please don't feel as though the church is holding you back and just doesn't want to let you. The rules are meant to set us free to live eternally in Heaven with the Father.

Teri - posted on 04/05/2010

First, I would recommend talking with your priest if this is something you really want to resolve. Your husband's prior marriage should not affect your ability to be fully a part of the church in most cases, and you may be able to get a blessing of your marriage and become a full member of The Church both in word and in deed. That having been said, if you wish to approach the altar with your son, as previously stated, just cross your arms over your chest and the priest or Eucharistic minister can offer a blessing. That shows a great example of sticking together as a family, following the "rules", and also can be a spring board to talk with your son about how your family came to be created.

Wendy - posted on 04/02/2010

As a Catholic, a mother, a wife, and a woman I feel for you. Really I do. Yes of course, Jesus forgives and heals our souls. But first you must go to him through your priest, confess your sins and repent for your transgressions against our Father. Talk to your Preist or Deacon, find out what needs to be done to fix this. But make no mistake, in the end you absolutely WILL be held responsible for the soul of your child as well as yours. Father Corapi has a series about it. it is wonderful. "No surrender!" In order to teach your children in the Roman Catholic tradition, you MUST follow the Church's teachings. You cannot pick and choose what suits you. This is NOT acceptable. At the end of the day, when you lay down your head and you have a private moment to go over your deeds for the day, do you honestly feel like you have done all you can to teach your child how to be a good Catholic? I have said it before and I will say it again, if you do not like the teaching of our church or cannot live by it's laws and traditions, then you should look elsewhere. Pray on it. Ask God for his grace and go talk to your Priest.

Amber - posted on 03/30/2010

27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
1 Corinthians 11

Amber - posted on 03/30/2010

Go to confession and repent.That is the only way you would be able to receive. No,you cannot receive Our Lord in mortal sin. It would be a sacrilage to do so!! Marital sex outside of marriage is a mortal sin. This is Catholic teaching! Everything Katie Perez said is true.

Marie - posted on 03/30/2010

Yes, I agree with you Dani! He love us, He takes care of us, He DIED for us! Yes, we are always the "dirty plate," but He makes us clean!

Dani - posted on 03/29/2010

wow... im divorced and i still go up for communion. i dont understand why everyone is so well....crazy. GOD LOVES YOU NO MATTER WHAT... thats what they teach us isnt it? so if your a good catholic your whole life you think that one little divorce is going to ruin it...no. i dont care what the church says. you dont need to seek their approval, but Gods. he made us the good and the bad. you go to his house, your his guest to refuse what he offers you after youve been blessed to receive would be a sin and quite rude if you ask me

E Victoria - posted on 03/26/2010

I agree with you Karrie!

Karrie - posted on 03/24/2010

so, pretty much, because she cant get married by the church through no fault of her own, jesus will say GO AWAY? Of course, Jesus welcomes her, even if she cannot receive communion. Goodness me, people can be very judgemental, when they have no right to be. We as fellow catholics should be ENCOURAGING her to take her children to mass.

Katie - posted on 03/24/2010

What kind of Catholics are these that are saying that Jesus would welcome you no matter what kind of sins you have on your soul! Of course, it is a mortal sin to receive Communion at this point. And you know that, which is why you feel guilty. If your son is ten, he should #1, not be deciding whether or not to go to Church. Your the mom. You make him go, as missing Church on a Sunday is a mortal sin too. And #2, he should be old enough to walk to the Communion rail by himself. Being ten and a receiver or Communion, he should, by this point in time, know why you can't receive Communion. Remember, that as his mother you are going to be held accountable, at least to some degree, for his soul. There are things you can do. My mother in law married a divorced man, and she had to abstain from Communion for 5 years before they could get married by the church. You should talk to a priest. I want you to know that I'm not judging you. That's not my place. I'm stating the facts objectively. But as a Catholic, you know the things I'm telling you are the truth, no matter how hard it is to swallow. Good luck and my God bless you and your family.

Stephanie - posted on 03/23/2010

The laws of the church state you may not receive communion in a state of sin.
Look at it this way .
As catholics we believe we are receiving the actual body and blood of christ. He is the most perfect .. he is God.. would you put his body/eucharist on a dirty plate? Would you put his blood in a dirty chalace? In order to receive his body and blood .. you soul too must be clean. Why would we want it any other way? he is GOD.
Why was Mary Immaculate? Would he be born to an imperfect mother?
Besides the laws of the church that specifically state we may not .. it is disrespectful to.
I too was married civilly but did NOT receive the sacraments until we had been married inside the church. I stayed in constant counsel with our priest until we had it taken care of.

Claire - posted on 03/23/2010

Hello! It is sort of nice to know someone is in the same boat as I am! My husband has been divorced and we are married legally but not within the church too. I am currently going through the RCIA program and will be baptised at Easter Vigil. My husband needs to go through the tribunal of the catholic church to resolve the matter of our marriage before I can receive communion too. We have a 14 month old girl named Vera and she is baptised and being brought up as a roman catholic however, I don't feel like we are showing her a good example by not being married in the eyes of the church.
Claire.

Karrie - posted on 03/15/2010

my parents married in a civil ceremony, and until my father was baptised in 93 and they solemnised their vows, Mum would take us to church, but she would not receive communion. I would say, if you want to accompany your son to communion, talk to your priest and receive a blessing instead. Even if you never solemnise your marriage in the church, by encouraging your children to attend mass and take communion is still a good thing. As Beryl and Marie have said, Jesus welcomes all and forgives all. Y

Ellen - posted on 03/04/2010

I went through this before we had our marraiged blessed in the church and I want to let you know one thing that I found out, according to our priest, deacon and relgious ed director, you CAN receive the sacarment of reconcilliation (confession) even if you are "irregular". (That was the term that I was told.) I had received different information, so I would suggest that you ask your local priest or decean about it. On a side note, I also was not able to receive communion, but went up for the blessing. Good luck, and start that annulment process. I don't know your situation, but if the ex is the reason, you can still get an annument without her involvement. It takes longer, because they have to give the full time for her to respond, but all the more reason to start now! We couldn't even find my husbands ex and we we're able to get the annument, the church just sent the papers to her parents and then waited for a responce and with the testamony of the witnesses my husband gave we were able to get it done. Good luck!

Wendy - posted on 02/26/2010

I am gonna be a straight shooter here. I am so thankful that Michelle posted what she did. I also am not here to judge, however that being said. If you are a "Catholic" then you are bound to the "rules" put in place by our Church. That is the bottom line Ladies. If you don't like em... be a Protestant. It's that simple.
As for the problem in the initial post, my husband and I had to jump through hoops to get married in the Church, because he too had been previously married. They were not married in a Catholic Church, and there were other circumstances that our Priest informed us of that made it possible to have his first marriage declared invalid or "anulled" by the Catholic Church. Then we were free to marry as we wished. it really didn't take that long to do. And it wasn't too hard. A couple of meetings with our Deacon and our Parish Priest. And my husband had to explain in writing the exact circumstance to the local Diocese. I highly recomend looking into it. Talk to your Priest. He can and will help you through this time of confusion. And yes, I do believe that Jesus would forgive and welcome you with open arms, but I would still, as a practicing Catholic, talk to your Priest or even a Deacon as soon as possible. We as parents are responsible for our children's education, and the best way to teach is by example. Have a blessed day and best of luck to you.

Michelle - posted on 02/26/2010

Marie you have nothing to worry about (you didn't sound rude or anything). I wanted to be sure that I was sharing correct information is all. I don't judge what other people do but I try not to steer people incorrectly (hence fact checking myself). What I posted is the catechesis and doctrine of our church. It is a straight quote (I posted the link for any who wanted to look and to give credit appropriately). I wasn't trying to offend or judge anyone, just to share what the actual catechesis of our church is on such matters. Thank you for sharing though. I do appreciate your opinion.

Marie - posted on 02/26/2010

Michelle, I hope this does not sound rude, as it is not meant to be. While I appreciate and know all you wrote, we still have to consider that there are people who go out on Saturday night and fornicate; yet they go to mass on Sunday and receive communion because they're "single" (unmarried in God's eyes).

This Christian woman, who is married and loves God, cannot participate or "eat" at God's table because she is not married in the Church.

If she is "hungry" for the Lord, then she will be "fed" by partaking in His Body and Blood.

Please do not feel that I am inciting a problem. I am just stating my feelings.

Thanks for listening.

Michelle - posted on 02/25/2010

This is what the church actually says about communion.

he Holy Eucharist is the most important of the seven sacraments because, in this and in no other sacrament, we receive the very body and blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ. Innumerable, precious graces come to us through the reception of Holy Communion.

Communion is an intimate encounter with Christ, in which we sacramentally receive Christ into our bodies, that we may be more completely assimilated into his. "The Eucharist builds the Church," as Pope John Paul II said (Redemptor Hominis 20). It deepens unity with the Church, more fully assimilating us into Christ (1 Cor. 12:13; CCC 1396).

The Eucharist also strengthens the individual because in it Jesus himself, the Word made flesh, forgives our venial sins and gives us the strength to resist mortal sin. It is also the very channel of eternal life: Jesus himself.

In John’s gospel, Jesus summarized the reasons for receiving Communion when he said:

"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is real food, and my blood is real drink. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats me will live because of me. This is the bread which came down from heaven, not such as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live forever" (John 6:53–58).

Because of the gravity of Jesus’ teaching on receiving the Eucharist, the Church encourages Catholics to receive frequent Communion, even daily Communion if possible, and mandates reception of the Eucharist at least once a year during the Easter season. Before going to Communion, however, there are several things one needs to know.


Catholics and Communion


The Church sets out specific guidelines regarding how we should prepare ourselves to receive the Lord’s body and blood in Communion. To receive Communion worthily, you must be in a state of grace, have made a good confession since your last mortal sin, believe in transubstantiation, observe the Eucharistic fast, and, finally, not be under an ecclesiastical censure such as excommunication.

First, you must be in a state of grace. "Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup" (1 Cor. 11:27–28). This is an absolute requirement which can never be dispensed. To receive the Eucharist without sanctifying grace in your soul profanes the Eucharist in the most grievous manner.

A mortal sin is any sin whose matter is grave and which has been committed willfully and with knowledge of its seriousness. Grave matter includes, but is not limited to, murder, receiving or participating in an abortion, homosexual acts, having sexual intercourse outside of marriage or in an invalid marriage, and deliberately engaging in impure thoughts (Matt. 5:28–29). Scripture contains lists of mortal sins (for example, 1 Cor. 6:9–10 and Gal. 5:19–21). For further information on what constitutes a mortal sin, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Out of habit and out of fear of what those around them will think if they do not receive Communion, some Catholics, in a state of mortal sin, choose to go forward and offend God rather than stay in the pew while others receive the Eucharist. The Church’s ancient teaching on this particular matter is expressed in the Didache, an early Christian document written around A.D. 70, which states: "Whosoever is holy [i.e., in a state of sanctifying grace], let him approach. Whosoever is not, let him repent" (Didache 10).

Second, you must have been to confession since your last mortal sin. The Didache witnesses to this practice of the early Church. "But first make confession of your faults, so that your sacrifice may be a pure one" (Didache 14).

The 1983 Code of Canon Law indicates that the same requirement applies today. "A person who is conscious of a grave sin is not to . . . receive the body of the Lord without prior sacramental confession unless a grave reason is present and there is no opportunity of confessing; 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" (CIC 916).

The requirement for sacramental confession can be dispensed if four conditions are fulfilled: (1) there must be a grave reason to receive Communion (for example, danger of death), (2) it must be physically or morally impossible to go to confession first, (3) the person must already be in a state of grace through perfect contrition, and (4) he must resolve to go to confession as soon as possible.

Third, you must believe in the doctrine of transubstantiation. "For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself" (1 Cor. 11:29). Transubstantiation means more than the Real Presence. According to transubstantiation, the bread and wine are actually transformed into the actual body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ, with only the appearances of bread and wine remaining. This is why, at the Last Supper, Jesus held what appeared to be bread and wine, yet said: "This is my body. . . . This is my blood" (Mark 14:22-24, cf. Luke 22:14-20). If Christ were merely present along side bread and wine, he would have said "This contains my body. . . . This contains my blood," which he did not say.

Fourth, you must observe the Eucharistic fast. Canon law states, "One who is to receive the most Holy Eucharist is to abstain from any food or drink, with the exception only of water and medicine, for at least the period of one hour before Holy Communion" (CIC 919 §1). Elderly people, those who are ill, and their caretakers are excused from the Eucharistic fast (CIC 191 §3). Priests and deacons may not dispense one obligated by the Eucharistic fast unless the bishop has expressly granted such power to them (cf. CIC 89).

Finally, one must not be under an ecclesiastical censure. Canon law mandates, "Those who are excommunicated or interdicted after the imposition or declaration of the penalty and others who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to Holy Communion" (CIC 915).

Provided they are in a state of grace and have met the above requirements, Catholics should receive the Eucharist frequently (cic 898).


Other Christians and Communion


The guidelines for receiving Communion, which are issued by the U.S. bishops and published in many missalettes, explain, "We welcome our fellow Christians to this celebration of the Eucharist as our brothers and sisters. We pray that our common baptism and the action of the Holy Spirit in this Eucharist will draw us closer to one another and begin to dispel the sad divisions which separate us. We pray that these will lessen and finally disappear, in keeping with Christ’s prayer for us ‘that they may all be one’ (John 17:21).

"Because Catholics believe that the celebration of the Eucharist is a sign of the reality of the oneness of faith, life, and worship, members of those churches with whom we are not yet fully united are ordinarily not admitted to Communion. Eucharistic sharing in exceptional circumstances by other Christians requires permission according to the directives of the diocesan bishop and the provisions of canon law. . . . "

Scripture is clear that partaking of the Eucharist is among the highest signs of Christian unity: "Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread" (1 Cor. 10:17). For this reason, it is normally impossible for non-Catholic Christians to receive Holy Communion, for to do so would be to proclaim a unity to exist that, regrettably, does not.

Another reason that many non-Catholics may not ordinarily receive Communion is for their own protection, since many reject the doctrine of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Scripture warns that it is very dangerous for one not believing in the Real Presence to receive Communion: "For any one who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died" (1 Cor. 11:29–30).


Possible exceptions


However, there are circumstances when non-Catholics may receive Communion from a Catholic priest. This is especially the case when it comes to Eastern Orthodox Christians, who share the same faith concerning the nature of the sacraments:

"Catholic ministers may licitly administer the sacraments of penance, Eucharist and anointing of the sick to members of the oriental churches which do not have full Communion with the Catholic Church, if they ask on their own for the sacraments and are properly disposed. This holds also for members of other churches, which in the judgment of the Apostolic See are in the same condition as the oriental churches as far as these sacraments are concerned" (CIC 844 § 3).

Christians in these churches should, of course, respect their own church’s guidelines regarding when it would be permissible for them to receive Communion in a Catholic church.

The circumstances in which Protestants are permitted to receive Communion are more limited, though it is still possible for them to do so under certain specifically defined circumstances.

Canon law explains the parameters: "If the danger of death is present or other grave necessity, in the judgment of the diocesan bishop or the conference of bishops, Catholic ministers may licitly administer these sacraments to other Christians who do not have full Communion with the Catholic Church, who cannot approach a minister of their own community and on their own ask for it, provided they manifest Catholic faith in these sacraments and are properly disposed" (CIC 844 § 4).

It is important to remember that, under the rubrics specified above, even in those rare circumstances when non-Catholics are able to receive Communion, the same requirements apply to them as to Catholics.


Non-Christians and Communion


The U.S. bishops’ guidelines for receiving Communion state, "We also welcome to this celebration those who do not share our faith in Jesus Christ. While we cannot admit them to Communion, we ask them to offer their prayers for the peace and the unity of the human family."

Because they have not received baptism, the gateway to the other sacraments, non-Christians cannot receive Communion. However, in emergency situations, they can be received into the Church via
baptism, even if no priest is present, and an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion may bring them Communion as Viaticum.


How to receive Communion


Communion may be received either in the hand or on the tongue. Around the year A.D. 390, Cyril of Jerusalem indicated that the early Church practiced Communion in the hand when he instructed his audience: "Approaching, therefore, come not with thy wrists extended, or thy fingers open; but make thy left hand as if a throne for thy right, which is on the eve of receiving the King. And having hallowed thy palm, receive the body of Christ, saying after it, ‘Amen.’ Then after thou hast with carefulness hallowed thine eyes by the touch of the holy body, partake thereof; giving heed lest thou lose any of it; for what thou losest is a loss to thee as it were from one of thine own members. For tell me, if anyone gave thee gold dust, wouldst thou not with all precaution keep it fast, being on thy guard against losing any of it, and suffering loss?" (Catechetical Lectures 23:22).

The Congregation of the Sacraments and Divine Worship permitted the U.S. Bishops’ Conference to authorize reception of Communion in the hand on July 25, 1977, provided the local bishop implements the practice in his diocese. Once implemented, the option to receive Communion either in the hand or on the tongue always remains with the communicant. No priest, deacon, acolyte, or extraordinary minister of Holy Communion may refuse a communicant Communion on the tongue. Likewise, once the local bishop has introduced Communion in the hand, none may refuse a communicant Communion in the hand (except when Communion is being given by intinction, in which case it must be given on the tongue).

Finally, after you have received Communion, it is appropriate to stay after Mass and thank Jesus for coming to you in the Holy Eucharist. The Church mandates that: "The faithful are to be recommended not to omit to make a proper thanksgiving after Communion. They may do this during the celebration with a period of silence, with a hymn, psalm or other song of praise, or also after the celebration, if possible by staying behind to pray for a suitable time" (Inaestimabile Donum 17).

After receiving Jesus into one’s own body and being drawn more closely into his, how could one do any less?

NIHIL OBSTAT: I have concluded that the materials
presented in this work are free of doctrinal or moral errors.
Bernadeane Carr, STL, Censor Librorum, August 10, 2004

IMPRIMATUR: In accord with 1983 CIC 827
permission to publish this work is hereby granted.
+Robert H. Brom, Bishop of San Diego, August 10, 2004

http://www.catholic.com/library/Who_Can_...

I wanted to be sure I was correct in what I said and this is what the church says about it. So my advice would be to just get the blessing and talk to a priest and see if/ how you can receive communion again.

Marie - posted on 02/25/2010

I agree with you 100%, Beryl! Jesus forgives us anything; that is what we are taught. Thanks for making that the most important part of this discussion.

Beryl - posted on 02/25/2010

For heavens sake, who made these so called rules. I am sure if Jesus was here in body as we are now he would open his arms and welcome you and your family to him. Who says you don't deserve to take communion,a group of men making rules in this day and age. This is between you and Jesus, no mother and child should be made to feel guilty when all they are doing is receiving the sacraments to be closer to him. May God bless you. A Catholic and happily married for 50years to a Catholic.

Michelle - posted on 02/23/2010

Please talk to a priest. My husband and I were married civilly and then had our marriage con- validated. We had to do a few things to get there. Neither of us had ever been married. As I understand it if your husband was not married in the Catholic church the first time you may have a slightly easier time getting your current marriage validated in the church. You should not be receiving communion (it is in fact a mortal sin at this point if you do). But you can get a blessing as Deanna suggested which solves your problem. A priest can tell you exactly how you can resolve things so that you can take communion again. It's not easy but it can be done. It's worth it for you and for your kids.

Deanna - posted on 02/20/2010

Hi Bridget. I would suggest finding a priest that you trust to talk to. He will probably tell you that you shouldn't receive but you can approach the alter during communion to receive a blessing (by crossing your arms as you approach, the priest will know that you aren't receiving and will give you a blessing) if you want to go up with your son. Then you can start to work on what you can do to be restored in full communion with the Church. But my advice would be to find a good priest to talk to, they would know best what to do to help you. It may not be an easy road, but it will be well worth it. I promise that! Good luck!

Stephanie - posted on 02/19/2010

I think that you should not go up to communion as this would give your children mixed signals because you are not married in the church. As a catholic you should understand that you are living in sin. You should live by being a good example to your children. I'm not judging you but you should have waited before you married your husband.

E Victoria - posted on 02/18/2010

I'm not quite in the same situation. For me it's I know I'm sinning for other reasons (worse than not getting married through the church, I don’t think that’s so wrong) and I'm not supposed to go up to communion, but I believe it's important to go up and receive a blessing. You could still receive a blessing. I cross my arms and my daughter receives a blessing as well. She’s going to be 4 soon, so I’m not sure if she’ll notice or not if I’m not receiving communion. I think your son will be happy that you go up with him, so he’s not doing it alone, even if you’re just receiving a blessing.