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I was searching the internet looking for an
answer to my question and came across your
website.
My question involves the Holy Eucharist.
At Mass, the other day I received Holy Communion
from the priest but, while the consecrated
wafer was in my mouth, I thought to myself
that I probably shouldn't have received Communion because
I had not gone to Confession in a year or
more.
What is your opinion of this situation?
Patrick
{
If I hadn't gone to Confession in a while, should I have gone to Mass and received Communion? }
Paul
replied:
Hi, Patrick —
As for not confessing in over a year,
one should not receive Communion
if one is conscious of grave
sin that has not been sacramentally
confessed.
It makes it seem as if there is a
serious moral obligation to go to
Confession at least once a year, even if there is no awareness of
grave sin; and that one cannot receive
Communion if one has not done this.
My tenuous understanding of this
Church precept is that it is grave
sin that must be confessed at least
once a year.
The second precept (You
shall confess your sins at least
once a year) ensures preparation
for the Eucharist by the reception
of the sacrament of reconciliation,
which continues Baptism's work
of conversion and forgiveness.
But this passage footnotes Canon
989 in the Code of Canon Law, that
states:
After having reached the age
of discretion, each member of
the faithful is obliged to confess
faithfully his or her grave sins
at least once a year.
Paul
Mike
replied:
Hi, Patrick —
I just wanted to concur with my colleague
Paul on the ambiguity of this precept in the Catechism.
The way the precept is worded, unless
you read the footnotes to the precepts,
it can appear to be putting more
emphasis on the time period versus
the gravity of the sin.
As Paul said: . . .
one should not receive Communion
if one is conscious of grave
sin that has not been sacramentally
confessed.
Apart from the question you asked, there is no reason why you shouldn't be renewing your Covenant every Sunday by going to Mass. If you have committed a mortal sin, you should just refrain from receiving Communion and instead say a Spiritual Communion in the pew.
Spiritual Communion
O Lord Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar.
I love you above all things, (with all my mind, with all my heart, and with all my soul).
I love you because you are infinitely good and worthy of all my love.
Since I cannot receive You now sacramentally, at least come spiritually into my heart.
I embrace myself entirely to You and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.
Come Lord Jesus and glorify Yourself through my weak, broken body.
Amen.
In addition to praying a Spiritual Communion, because there is usually plenty of time, I optionally start praying a Rosary.
On the question you asked: go to Confession first,
then go to Mass, and receive Holy Communion. One or more priests are available
to hear Confessions at most parishes
every Saturday afternoon.
Hope this helps,
Mike
Patrick
replied:
Thank you for your speedy reply.
I'll be sure to make it to Confession
this weekend.
Patrick
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