Pope Benedict on Holy Communion
Who may receive?
On June 23 the Holy Father stated that only the pure of heart (those free from mortal sin) could receive Communion. The Holy Father made the statement a day after the Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Burlusconi asked a bishop in Sardinia as to when the Church would change the rules to allow divorced and remarried Catholics to receive the sacrament. The bishop jokingly responded that it would take a higher power than he (the bishop) to change the rules.
The Holy Father’s statement was contained in a message to the Quebec Eucharistic Congress and did not mention the Prime Minister nor the issue of divorce. The following is that section of the Holy Father’s message:
“We have to do everything that is in our power to receive (communion) with a pure heart, searching without end, through the sacrament of forgiveness, the purity that sin has stained,” Pope Benedict said in his message.
“On the other hand, those who cannot take communion because of their situation will find, nevertheless, in the desire to participate in the Eucharist, strength and effect of salvation.” - Source
“Catholic teaching says that Catholics cannot ignore Jesus’ teaching that the faithful may not divorce and remarry. The Church teaches that for the good of their souls, believers should not present themselves for Communion, when they have departed from the teachings of Jesus.” - CNA
[Now I'm just wondering out loud here, mind you I have no authority to speak for the Church, but would this apply to every teaching of the Church regarding faith and morals? Such as the teaching on contraception, abortion, homosexuality, and so on?]
Link:
June 24th, 2008 at 10:54 am
I just sent this to my sister who is divorced & living in an illicit relationship. Somehow I think she’ll resent it more than be grateful. Please pray for her conversion, as well as mine. Thanks.
June 24th, 2008 at 11:48 am
“…believers should not present themselves for Communion, when they have departed from the teachings of Jesus.” - CNA”
That says teachings of Jesus.
You said teachings of the Church.
I think you’ve found the rub!
June 24th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Ditto……My brother, who is converting to Catholicisim at 45, and getting a divorce.
June 24th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Well, yes it applies to all those women who are contracepting and presenting themselves for Holy Communion, homosexuals who are “living the life”, and all the rest.
Since Confession lines are non-existent and Communion lines are long, there must be a problem somewhere - doncha think??
June 24th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
I am the brother, it is frustrating when I am trying to covert to Catholic and the things that in my past I could not control. My first wife walked away and abandoned me. My second wife walked away as well. I am currenlty getting the first marriage annulled, and I am still hoping that my wife will come back. I love the Catholic church, but some of the rules are very overwhelming and difficult for a new person to understand. I am trying, I am going with the flow not making waves. I guess I dont understand that if it is not my fault and I kept my word, why do I have to continually be punished for something that I did not want. If you confess and complete your pennance, then I thought you were forgiven of any attrocity that you may have committed in your life. I am new, I am trying, I am not going to give up, and one day I will receive communion.
June 24th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
William, I’m sure you are working with a priest on these matters. Much depends on the earlier marriages - were they even recognized by the Catholic Church, and that kind of stuff? A priest can help you sort these things out and it sounds as if you are working with one if you are converting to Catholicism. If you are working on an annullment, I’m sure the chancery can also help you sort these matters out.
Most of my posts like this are really concerned with Catholics who bend the rules to suit themselves, or even ignore them completely, and teach others to do likewise. Don’t let this kind of stuff discourage you however. When you have questions always check with a faithful Catholic priest - you can usually recognize them by their fidelity to the Magisterium.
Praying for you.
June 24th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
That is what I have been doing Terry. I have logged many of hours and many of masses since February. I have also enrolled in the inquirey sessions and I have started those. My deacon has been very helpful, it is just painful to bring something up from 22 years ago and now experiencing the same thing again, I could use a break if you know what I mean
June 24th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
William B,
I am sure that you are working with your pastor on these issues but being a confirmation teacher, I remembered seeing this specific information before. The most helpful place to begin is the Catechism (of the Cahtolic Church) which you can access here:
http://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/communion_of_divorced_and _remarr.htm
but do get a copy of this book if you haven’t already. It is actually kind of “fun” to read, besides containing the essentials.
Regards and welcome,
Jennifer
June 24th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Thanks Jenny, I already had the link for the online book. I also have the Catechism book. I have been saying the Rosary everyday and praying for at least 1 to 2 hours a day. I have spent several mornings in the adoration chapel at 2:30 to 3:30 in the morning and have quite enjoyed this. I am from a background of material things, so I have not learned faith..but I am trying with all my being. There is only one thing that I know in life right now this minute. I WILL BECOME A CATHOLIC. I have been to several other churches, Methodist, Luthern, Baptist, New Age and even a Buddah temple in Japan. The Catholic church is just home. So in my eyes, I am coming home, broken with nothing but desire to be with our Lord Jesus. I am the lost son in the bible just wanting to be welcomed home. And so far, I have never met a better bunch of people in my entire life.
June 24th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
William B, That’s my brother , and I am SO proud of him.The sacraments are the way to eternal Salvation.Our Parents just converted to Catholicisim about 4 years ago at approx 63 years of age. When I was a very little girl I wanted to be Catholic so badly. It’s even sweeter that my family is converting as well.THANKS BE TO GOD!!I haven’t seen or spoken to my brother for about 16 years. Just try to tell me that there is no God ,and that he doesn’t heal ,and restore his people. Now let me see who else I can drag to heaven with me.I am totally serious. Great post Terry
June 24th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
Beelinda - these are wonderful graces given to you and your family - God bless all of you!
June 24th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
William B, you are in my prayers. I know how hard it is - I have been divorced and unable to receive also. This waiting time is not punitive, it’s medicinal - truly. You just keep doing what you are doing re: prayer, inquiry, Adoration. God sees what you are doing and your obedience is sweeter to Him than anything else. God bless you, William!
June 24th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
If this includes contraception, holding a grudge(anger in the heart), ogling women, immodest dress(impurity), and a host of other things people do without thought, then there would be very, very few receiving.
June 25th, 2008 at 6:09 am
Praying for you William B & Belinda. Welcome home!!!
June 25th, 2008 at 8:13 am
Maryjohn, yes, if people are conscious of mortal sin, it is better for their souls if they do not present themselves for Communion - fewer receiving is not a bad thing in this case. A person’s conscience should be properly formed in the first place, and of course, the communicant must be properly disposed to receive the Body and Blood of Christ.
June 25th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
But it isn’t the divorce, it’s remarriage and relations with a new wife/husband. If someone is currently chaste, then as long as he has confessed his sins, he’s good to go!
As for short confession lines: if a priest offers more than
“4-4:45 Saturday or by appointment” and promotes it from the pulpit, he’ll get lines. We have folks from all over the area come to our parish for confession because it’s offered 360 days a year. “If you build it, they will come”.
Pray for my bishop! He recently stopped doing something that used to make a lot of people concerned that he was a nonchaste homosexual (no specifics given, of course). I’ve heard some snide remarks about it, but that’s not at all what he needs.
June 25th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
You know, this is kind of funny this is my very first blog that I have taken part of. I want to thank everyone for the prayers and good wishes. It helps me a lot, we all know this world is not working the way that it is supposed to and it is only getting worse all the time, heck I have tured off my cable TV and strangely enough, I dont miss it. I have noticed while I sit in the front Pue every time, there are many people that take communion for granted and to me that is sad. I have seen what MaryJohn has written and I agree, some of the things the gals wear to church I would think belongs in a red light district. I am not judging just making an observation. I have been to confessions, I usually do not have to wait long to get in there, but I pity the people behind me cause I try to get everything out, ask questions and I have learned a lot. I love confession, I smile when I am sitting there, cause I know I am about ready to get everything off my chest. The Catholic church rocks !!!
June 26th, 2008 at 6:48 am
William B: I know what you mean! I take a long time in Confession, so I schedule appointments with our associate pastor or my spiritual director. Saturdays before Mass just ain’t gonna get it done.