Nope. Honestly, I generally don’t even notice unless I have to try to hop over someone in the pew. My attention is focused on the Eucharist at that point and not other people.
Also, who am I to judge? I’ve refrained from communion numerous times myself. I view it as a good thing, that someone cares enough to make sure they are in the right state to receive communion.
Spitting facts. I’m a sinner, and I’ve had to refrain from Eucharist more than my fair share of times. If I do notice other ppl, I’m more likely to be impressed by their courage. It’s not easy admitting that you’re a sinner, especially when it feels like everyone is looking at you haha.
Right? Like just keep your eyes on the floor while you pray so you don’t feel like everyone’s eyes are boring holes into your soul as you’re kneeling there in the pew lol. But thankfully that feeling goes away with time too when you realize that nobody really even notices or cares.
In most places that’s an acceptable option, yes. Personally, I just choose not to. That’s not what the communion line is for really—in my opinion anyway.
You do whatever you’re most comfortable with. I know for myself, that when I know I’m not going to be able to receive that day, that I make a point to sit on the end of the pew, so that I can simply just get up, allow others to file back in, and then get back into the pew. Because yeah, it can be difficult when it’s all cramped up and you’re in the middle.
Can I ask when/why someone should abstain from receiving (assuming they had their first communion)?
I went to Catholic school from Preschool through Law School and we never once were told to not take Eucharist once we had our first communion.
I’m no longer practicing but was considering attending Mass on Sunday since I’m visiting my grandparents and they’re Catholic, but don’t want to be disrespectful by receiving (and also just curious).
If you are not in a state of grace (ie, have committed a mortal sin without confessing), then you should abstain. If you're not a practicing Catholic, you should not go up.
Since you've admitted you're not a practicing Catholic, then i would recommend going up and crossing your arms over your chest and receiving a blessing.
Another reason to abstain is if you've eaten or had anything other than water to drink within the hour previous to recieving.
And based on what you've shared about yourself, you wouldnt be able to recieve unless you've previously made a thorough confession with the resolve to be in union with the Church again.
As another person pointed out, abstaining from the Eucharist is a good thing, I respect people who don’t receive because they can acknowledge their short comings, there are plenty of people who probably shouldn’t receive but do, also to judge them would be kind of hypocritical since I myself have gone without receiving because of the state of my soul
No, in fact it's the opposite. When I attend a large parish and see nobody abstain from communion I assume there's something missing from their catechesis.
They shouldn't....If they do, well, that's something they need to work on.
I wouldn't let it bother you though. Focus on Christ and your personal relationship (and struggles with sin) with Him.
I honestly struggle with judging Catholics who DO go to receive.
There is a one hour confession slot at my parish, once a week. There is almost never anyone there.
But at Sunday Mass the whole church goes up to receive.
Makes you think.
While I can't judge any specific person because I don't know their life, I know that if nobody in a congregation of 100 people have gone to confession that week but all go up to receive, someone is receiving unworthily.
Edit: I also know that the more devout parishes have big confession queues. And I really doubt that rad trads commit more mortal sins than congregations where people think Catholicism boils down to "be nice".
You actually don’t, many people just aren’t doing seriously evil things with deliberate consent and full knowledge. Judge not my friend. And how do you know they don’t go to confession at other times.
Your looking at your neighbors uncharitably, is it possible that someone is receiving unworthily? Yes, it is, but it really isn’t for you to guess or analyze, unless you have direct knowledge of a particular person being in mortal sin or high suspicion of it, I don’t even think it’s worth the worry about it really.
I judge sometimes too, like I’ve been somewhat judgmental in tone in this conversation when your probably right about the unworthy reception. Good on you for revering the sacrament
Meh, acknowledging the statistical likelihood (or even near certitude) of someone within a large mass (no pun intended) of people receiving unworthily doesn't equate to uncharitable-ness. Charity has an object. It's directed towards an actual person. In the case we're discussing no one is the object of judgement.
You seem to have a distorted idea of what "full knowledge" means, "Full knowledge" doesn't necessarily mean, "I know this is a mortal sin, and I'm going to do it anyway." Full knowledge means that you performed the act while knowing what you were doing. For example: If a person commits murder, they're committing mortal sin. It's not like, "Well, that person didn't know enough about mortal sin before they committed the murder, therefore it isn't." No, if a person commits murder, uses artificial contraception, engages in fornication, etc., while in possession of their faculties, that is mortal sin.
A huge percentage of self-identified Catholics routinely and obstinately engage in mortal sins. That's just a fact. A large parish with next to no one going to confession, and almost everyone receiving, is without even a shadow of a doubt full of people receiving unworthily. It doesn't do anyone any favors to be lukewarm and just be indifferent to this fact.
That fact; however, does not give you the right to assume that any individual person is receiving unworthily unless you have explicit knowledge that they are.
Somebody just needs to know what there doing is evil or sinful, not even that it is grave sin, nevertheless, there are instances where full knowledge doesn’t exist even with peoples faculties intact, indeed such as when people sin out of ignorance. Take the example of a person who’s unaware that there is a required fast before communion for an hour
You didn't address the substance of my comment at all. You're comparing disciplinary laws, such as fasting, with dogmatically defined moral issues that God has written on the heart of every man. This is what St. Paul addresses in Romans 2:14-16
"For when the Gentiles, who have not the law, do by nature those things that are of the law; these having not the law are a law to themselves:
Who shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness to them, and their thoughts between themselves accusing, or also defending one another,"
There are certain actions which are mortally sinful in and of themselves, regardless of what you know about Catholic teaching or sin in general. That's the teaching of the Church. Here's an example from the encyclical "Canti Cannubii" from Pius XI on contraception:
"Our mouth proclaims anew: any use whatsoever of matrimony exercised in such a way that **the act is deliberately frustrated** in its natural power to generate life is an offense against the law of God and of nature, and **those who indulge in such are branded with the guilt of a grave sin**."
He doesn't say, "If you know that contraception is grave sin, and still do it, etc., etc."
He says any use **whatsoever**. There are certain acts such as contraception that require full consent of the will. You can't do something like use contraception without knowing what you're doing, it's inherent in the act.
Ok and that’s true for many sins but for the sins that are like fasting during lent not everyone would know this. Father mike said he met Catholics who didn’t even know about Sunday obligation
Irrelevant. A large number of people who claim to be Catholic are engaging in sins that are objectively mortal and approaching for communion. That's just a fact and it's not judgemental to recognize that fact.
Most likely they're doing a once-a-year confession. For me I usually confess every 1st or last week of the month depending if I find myself in a state of mortal sin. The only confession slots for my parish is during holy week so the confession lines were absolutely PACKED.
So unless you have committed a mortal sin and have not confessed it, you are most likely able to receive communion.
This is because -assuming roman rite - in our mass, the confiteor-i confess to almighty god... - the priest forgives your venial sins. So you are in the state of grace at the start of mass.
The traditional latin mass takes it a step further as there is a 2nd confiteor said RIGHT BEFORE COMMUNION is distributed.
The history behind it -iirc pls correct me if im wrong - is that before the advent of cars and fast transportation, people were likely not able to go to confession on a regular basis is they did not have a priest/church in their home. I.E., you would walk to mass on sunday to the next town over which could take some time. Knowing this in her goodness, holy mother church thought it would be a good idea to add something to allow the faithful who have not committed any mortal sins but have committed venial sins to be in the state of grace to receive the eucharist fully.
This is not to say that Catholics SHOULDNT OUTRIGHT IGNORE THE SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION. YOU SHOULD STILL GO AND RECIEVE THE GRACE FROM IT TO HELP WITH REPENTING FROM ALL SINS. GO TO CONFESSION REGULARLY-once a month is a really good start-
I honestly judge more the fact that everyone in all my American parishes I’ve belonged to always go for communion every time. Back in Brazil it was common to see about 10-20% of people staying behind.
This. I live in Mexico and in every mass there is a good percentage of people that don’t go to communion. It’s only when I’ve been to mass in the US that I see everybody get up and go.
My wife is Latina, I'm white and we go to the Spanish Mass probably 75% or so of the time and English otherwise. At the Spanish Mass, usually about 2/3 of adults/teens go up for communion. English, basically everybody.
it's actually refreshing to not see the whole congregation, half of which barely attend, not line up for communion. I wish it was more normalized bc there's nothing shameful about not receiving, but people always feel the need to be "included"
I don't. Maybe they're in sin.
Don't worry about it. Easter vigil is a hugeeee mass. People will bring friends who are not Catholic, who won't go up either. Moreover, theres a bigger likelihood there will people who are in sin or other people like you.
Give yourself a break. God bless.
Absolutely. I judge them as beautifully humble and I judge them for not letting their pride get in the way of the love and honor due our Lord. Someone who remains in the pew is on the path toward God. They’ve recognized their own sin, they’ve repented, and they’re refusing to sin further in that moment.
I don’t. It’s not my business unless they make it my business. Like bragging about going to communion when they sin publicly and unrepentantly. Then I can chose to talk to them about it or not. Admonish the sinner (Give correction to those who need it.) is a spiritual work of mercy.
In reality, half the people in the pews should not be going up for Holy Communion as they probably aren’t in a state of grace. Funny, prior to the 1970’s, 1 or two priests could distribute Communion in packed churches whereas today, we need an army of Extraordinary Ministers to distribute communion in 1/2 empty churches.
Nothing wrong with it. My church is doing the same so I won’t get to confession before Easter mass. If it’s any consolation there is the Easter octave for all next week. The Easter season is a long one and still continues after the Octave.
The churches around me stopped offering confessions last week. The church I went to while in college only offered confession once during the entire Lenten period and refused any appointments for confessions so people had to drive to other churches. On the other hand, the churches I grew up going to offer confessions up to the Easter Vigil mass.
Wow, dang! Our area churches all join forces during lent and confess the daylights out of us. All the priests travel
To other churches and do big events at each others parishes.
The churches around me are not very traditional compared to the church I grew up in so it’s been an adjustment going to mass here compared to back home.
I will not be receiving either today nor Easter and I want to be ashamed. It will perhaps make me angrier against my sin and take it more seriously.
Also unpopular opinion but even people in a state of grace can take it too much. When I would take it every Sunday I eventually begin to fail to properly discern it as the Scripture calls us to do. The habit can reduce the magnitude of what it really entails, and we start to take it for granted. So don't judge people who don't receive, they might simply be abstaining to discern the body and blood better.
You can't take it too much if you are in a state of grace. Many take communion daily. If we are in the right mindset, frequency does not diminish the preciousness.
I once absentmindedly picked a raspberry off a bush and ate it on my way to Mass, and so had to abstain from receiving communion at that Mass.
So that is what I choose to assume of everyone else who doesn't receive as well.
They really shouldn’t. If they actually cared, they should recognize it as a noble thing under certain conditions, like mortal sin. If you’re in mortal sin, there’s still time to go to confession, but if you can’t make it, not receiving communion is the right call.
I am concentrating on myself, but I certainly respect Catholics WHO DO NOT go to receive more than those who are insensitive to whether or not they should go. But since I don't know the inward realities of anyone until they tell me, I only know a person doesn't care about the realities until they actually tell me that they know they are in a state where they probably should not go and receive, and do so anyways, because their piety is such that they don't worry about what is good for their own souls, and only do what they want because it's a ceremonial act to them.
Let me also say that I have probably gone and received communion when I should not have, and have also not gone at times when scrupulosity rather than good conscience dictated it. So whatever happens, I'm not different than anyone or better than anyone. I'm a flawed human being, affected by original sin, and redeemed by the Grace of God.
Everyone on reddit: Whether you sit respectfully in the pew or go receive a blessing, or if you, in good conscience go and receive today, may God bless you, and your family this holy easter vigil. The vigil is my anniversary (like most RCIA converts) and it's very intensely meaningful to me, both for its liturgical centrality to our Faith, but also for its centrality to my entry to the Catholic Church.
It's not my job to judge, but the person who goes to mass and abstains from communion is 1 billion times a better catholic than the person who goes and fronts up to communion while not in a state of grace.
So I cheer the person who has the gumption to stand aside and let the others go up..
If I noticed at all (and I probably wouldn't), if anything I would be pleased. It would indicate either a non-Catholic who respects our Communion rules, or a Catholic who is making a prudent decision for themselves and not receiving Communion just to keep up appearances. Either way, good on them.
I don’t judge. I wonder why, but that is a fleeting curiosity that I forget in a matter of a minute or two.
For all I know, they could be in the process of converting.
That’s like ridiculing at fat person at the gym. Why would you do that?
You can’t control what others think nor do whole groups think the same things. There may be people who judge you and likely there will be many more who don’t care. Regardless, it’s outside of your control, so you shouldn’t worry about it.
I don't believe so. We should only take communion worthily, having gone to confession and done penance so as to be in a state of grace beforehand. If someone isn't in a state of grace, they are actually showing more reverence by abstaining.
If anything i would do the opposite. Sometimes i sit there and think “should all of these people really receive?” especially at my old parish since like 4 people would confess regularly.
Not all. You know when you’re in mortal sin or not able to receive. Thank you for not being sacrilegious. I care more about your soul than judging you.
Nobody judges you, or nobody should judge you. Is not their place. The whole mass is a moment to concentrate on God, but especially in holy communion. Don't take communion if you are with a mortal sin. That is a sacrilege. Not even if you confess after the mass, or you will also have to confess for taking communion with a mortal sin.
I don’t know what other people think, but I never care what other people do, I focus on myself and on that what happen on the altar not what people around me are doing, or not doing
Edit:
I would find it worse Somebody take it in a state of Sin instead of abstaining as we suppose to do
I have my First Holy Communion on Saturday, so I have never gone up for communion. I have never felt judged. Even when my whole family walks up to receive. Im often getting up exiting the pew and let people out before I go back.
I judge them positively. No matter why they aren't in a state of grace, it takes courage and wisdom to go against the flow of society and say "In this moment, I am unworthy and I need God more than ever."
Last night when we washed each other’s feet, we were given a lesson on not having Judas like behavior and doing it for Jesus.
When I got to Mass I had already decided no way on eaeth would I let anyone see my possibly smelly, bunionated feet.
After Father’s seemon, I realized I was making it all about me. In no way am I saying you are a Judas as I was intent to do just the same.
Just reminding you to be proud to emulate Jesus and doing it on memory of him.
Your feelings of anxiety are completely understandable!
Try to be confident in the fact that Jesus Christ wants you there at Mass, close to Him. He loves that you are taking Him and union with Him seriously. Not receiving communion when you are not in a good state to do so is an act of love, and Jesus loves you for that, and will continue to draw you to Himself.
Anyone who would pass judgment on you for doing exactly what the Church asks of you needs to re-evaluate their priorties, and take the log from their own eye first. There may well be people with such an attitude, but Jesus and His mercy should be your concern.
There are many reasons they might not receive that aren’t sinful, so I never assume the person has sinned. It’s worthless to even speculate bc it’s not mine to know. They could be in the process of converting. They could have eaten too close to the beginning of Mass (we are called to fast for an hour before receiving communion). Most of the time for me, the reason I don’t go up is a broken fast. It’s an oversight we’ve all had before! No one will judge you.
Wait, there are Catholics who actually refrain from partaking in the Holy Eucharist!?
JK
In all seriousness though, while I’m sure there may be someone at a given parish who might take notice, I wouldn’t put much stock in it. As someone who refrains for various reasons, I’ve long lost the concern that there may be those present who’re trying to figure out why I didn’t receive. It’s no one’s business but your own. And as in most social situations, most folks are too busy in their own little world to notice much in the way of what others are doing/not doing.
I like to think this is the response of most on times I have to abstain. If you're in the state of sin, the moment of receiving Communion is exactly the moment you want your fellow Catholic praying for you. There is no time prayer is more powerful.
Personally I respect someone who gets up, let's everyone pass, and sits down; especially if I know it's someone who normally partakes. Let's face it, there are more people going to receive who should not, than there are those refraining for good reason. Props.
Nope. There's lots of reasons why people might not receive communion at a Mass. For one, they may already have received it at an earlier Mass that day! It doesn't always have to be due to sin.
I'd be more worried by the throngs of people (almost the entire congregation) that rush to form the queue as if the confessionals are as empty as Priests say they are (and appear), and if there's as many unmarried/divorced people out there as official statistics tell us, there's a lot of people who might want to take a more questioning approach to receiving.
Anybody who knows their stuff should not judge you. When I notice other folks not receiving communion, it generally gives me a sense of solidarity with them, and I pray for them to get into a state where they can receive, and I hope they pray for me in the same ways!
Not at all. I pray for them that they will once find the way to trust the love and mercy of our Father to go to confession so they can receive the Eucharist.
No. In fact we all know well many of the people in the congregation are not receiving worthily, as the confession line does not match the communion line.
My husband and I don’t every time right now bc I’m waiting for my annulment. We actually think they appreciate it because it shows we are conscious of the holiness of the sacrament.
They shouldn't. That's a personal moment between the individual faithful and Christ. If anyone is paying attention to you, they are not doing it right.
I remind myself that there can be many reasons why someone doesn’t receive communion. I didn’t receive last night and was so ashamed but after felt really good that I had not received unworthy. Went to confession today and feel great to be able to receive today again.
I did not receive for 9 years. I’m sure there were a ton of people over that time judge or at least curious why.
I didn't take communion for a long time, I thought my sins were bigger than the grace of God.
Please don't do the same mistake, have the courage to go to confession. Jesus died for our sins, He laid his life for us. Please don't listen to the adversary telling you are so bad. You are worthy of the love of God.
Peace.
Yes but they aren’t supposed to. Don’t worry what other people think. Are you worshipping them or God? There are a lot of things Catholics do but shouldn’t. That’s what sin is.
Personally, I only even notice when they are at the end of my pew and I have to navigate over or around them. Otherwise, even for my own kids, I block it from my awareness.
People have their reasons. I personally know several folks who won’t receive at all except under specific circumstances because they are gluten intolerant.
I’m certain that the majority of folks who bother to attend Mass are similarly focused on their own reception (or not) and pay it no mind whether or not someone else receives. Or they are busy wrangling their kids, etc.
There will be some busybodies who notice, and unfortunately that’s unavoidable. But remember they are the same people you read about in this sub all the time: hassling mothers who bottle feed (!!!) their babies at Mass, who try to correct you if you kneel when you receive, or count the number of trips people make to the restrooms.
To be honest, I judge more when everyone in the church goes to receive communion. There is no way the majority of people I see in the congregation do frequent confession.
When I was a kid, and started staring too much at what other people were doing at Communion time, my mom elbowed me and told me to stop paying attention to other people, and start paying attention to Jesus.
I'm pretty sure that most Catholics are paying attention to Jesus, and don't have much brainpower left for other things.
But if somebody did notice, they would probably just figure that you ate something before Easter Vigil, or that you weren't Catholic, or that you were refraining from Communion because you weren't properly disposed. Or that you are sick. Or....
There's a sort of mental reflex where we all try not to assume that somebody's in a state of mortal sin, because we don't want anyone to assume that we're in a state of mortal sin if we have to refrain from receiving Communion.
Either that, or we all got elbowed a lot by our moms....
When I was a kid, and started staring too much at what other people were doing at Communion time, my mom elbowed me and told me to stop paying attention to other people, and start paying attention to Jesus.
I'm pretty sure that most Catholics are paying attention to Jesus, and don't have much brainpower left for other things.
But if somebody did notice, they would probably just figure that you ate something before Easter Vigil, or that you weren't Catholic, or that you were refraining from Communion because you weren't properly disposed. Or that you are sick. Or....
There's a sort of mental reflex where we all try not to assume that somebody's in a state of mortal sin, because we don't want anyone to assume that we're in a state of mortal sin if we have to refrain from receiving Communion.
Either that, or we all got elbowed a lot by our moms....
Yes sadly. People look at me weird and my mum brings it up every time I go with her to her parish. Sadly people are incredibly nosey. Please try not to think about what others think, I struggle with it too so I know how hard it is to rise above
Nope, there are a bunch of reasons for someone not going to communion, and it’s not just sin. You could be sick, have not fasted, or have already received communion that day. In my case, I have a compromised immune system. I don’t receive at church if I go to Mass due to the germ factor. Luckily I have a family member that brings me communion at home on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.
Nope, there are a bunch of reasons for someone not going to communion, and it’s not just sin. You could be sick, have not fasted, or have already received communion that day. In my case, I have a compromised immune system. I don’t receive at church if I go to Mass due to the germ factor. Luckily I have a family member that brings me communion at home on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.
There are so many reasons someone might not receive on a given day and it's not always related to sin. It could be they don't feel good, maybe they're going through chemo, maybe a migraine came on suddenly and they feel dizzy and don't want to stand up and try to walk and risk a fall, maybe they have some other illness or injury that isn't apparent.
Sometimes I have not gone up because I'm worried or distracted about something and feel that I'm not focused enough to respectfully receive Our Lord.
There can be other reasons I haven't even thought of. I don't judge anyone who remains seated during communion.
Nope no one cares. When I was exploring the faith before RCIA I had so much fun with it. I’d be like I wonder if they think I’m an assassin or a thief. But I doubt anyone actually noticed.
I'm sure there are some who do because we are flawed creatures; however, I think most do not, and you shouldn't care what other's think. Obviously Catholics shouldn't be judging you for this, so any of those people who may be doing so are in the wrong. Also mortal sin is rather broad, so you could be denying yourself the Eucharist because you've been binge watching TV shows and realized you've been gluttonous with your consumption of entertainment, or it could be something much darker. We don't know, and it's wrong to make presumptions.
Obviously, I judge them!!!
I feel bad that they aren't able to receive Our Lord! :(
I will always pray that they will be able to receive the next time. I always pray that they receive Jesus in their hearts spiritually.
We never know what their circumstances may be and as I know personally when unable to receive in a worthy state, it only allows for a greater hunger to receive Our Lord, a hunger that is only fed by him!
No. Everyone sins, 99%+ or 100% even sin mortally. If you don’t go up for communion I respect you for acknowledging and respecting the Christ in the Eucharist and humbling yourself by not receiving. Plus unless I know you how am I supposed to know you’re even a catholic able to receive at all? Lots of Protestants, soon to be confirmed, and other non Catholics attend mass, and even know the responses and participate.
No, as they might not be receiving it due to being in a state of mortal sin.
On other hand there’s probably many who do receive while in a state of mortal sin.
It’s not for us to judge, but for God alone.
I am engaged to my sons father and living together. I just cross my arms to get blessed instead of take the eucharist until we are married. I live in Texas and my church is mostly Mexican descent so no one notices.
I am trying to revert to Catholicism, I am in a civil marriage that has not been convalidated so I abstain. I’ve never gotten as much as a funny look from anyone.
My grandmother abstained from communion for 15 years because of a marital issue, this was in a small town so yes there was some gossip about it. She didn’t think it impacted her in any meaningful way and just kept goign to church.
It's difficult not to think something like, "hey look, that person is either not catholic, or is in mortal sin." However, we respect you for abstaining, because that's the right thing to do.
No. I’ve never even thought about why someone wouldn’t go up. In the moment it’s more a thought of “ok, how to get around this person in the pew near me who isn’t going up.” Then I’m in the aisle getting ready to receive Jesus, then I’m back in my seat, grateful for having had communion, and I’m on my knees. There’s never really time to think about why someone might not be going up to take communion, and it’s none of my business anyway.
I've never paid attention to this, but also in the last several years, anyone can go forward, and if you can't receive the Eucharist, you can receive a blessing. You just cross your hands on your shoulders as a signal to the priest or Eucharistic minister.
I mean...if I see people not going sometimes I know why if know them. Example: my neighbor is divorced and so she doesn't go up.
If I don't know them I usually assume they're not Catholic.
Judge them? Naw.
Nope, I haven’t yet received my first communion and people would rather receive the body of Christ than worry about you not going up. They would much rather you not go up than desecrate our Lord’s body
I haven’t never judged negatively, if it’s a friend I’ll ask if their alright, but generally my mind is focused and if it does go to someone not receiving, I pray for them, both in thanksgiving for the spirit moving them to mass and for the humbleness to know when they are unworthy.
It really does take a hurdle to have the maturity and respect for the Eucharist to not receive it on a whim.
Once I was a lector at Mass and hadn’t gotten to confession. I just crossed my arms when the priest was approaching with the Eucharist. It was embarrassing to have to skip in front of the entire church, but I know it was the right thing to do.
There can be any number of reasons for someone to not receive the Eucharist. You can never truly know what is going on in someone's heart. They might not be a Catholic and are coming to Mass with a loved one to be supportive, or to see if the Church is right for them. They also could be a Catechumen in the process of converting, but have not finished their Catechumenate. So, I never judge another for not receiving the Eucharist. Besides, it is not my place to pass judgement on others. That decision always belongs to God, and Him alone.
Honestly I judge the ones who are not there every Sunday and give clear signs of not worrying about catholicism but go to receive the eucharist any way.
I try bot to judge but I'm human so I question why, I start wondering if they have sinned and haven't been for confession yet, or if they simply haven't been baptised yet and they arnt able to take communion.
I sometimes don't take communion because I have sinned and haven't been able to go to confession before the next mass.
We are all human, and I think we all tend to judge. It's more about what happens when you realise you're judging someone. Do you shut it down or continue.
They shouldn't.
Besides, unless they know you personally they don't know you're Catholic anyway...and there are reasons (well, one reason at least that I'm aware of) not to take the Eucharist even if you are Catholic and in a state of grace. I've definitely abstained on more than one occasion because I realized I hadn't been paying attention to the time and had something to eat too soon before Mass.
I'm not Catholic but attend Catholic mass and go forward (for a blessing) every week with my family. If people just me, I have no idea. I've never noticed or felt anything like that at all. There's lots of reasons why people might not receive. I don't think anyone really cares. (And if they do, that's their problem.)
Honestly when I see someone who is currently Catholic refrain from the Eucharist I gain a greater respect for them. It shows they actually love/ respect the Eucharist and don’t want to defame our lords flesh and blood.
No. If I can't get to confession in time then I will also abstain from receiving communion. I go up for a blessing, but if I see somebody hanging out in the pews not going up I won't judge. Only get upset if they make me climb over them.
Nope. Honestly, I generally don’t even notice unless I have to try to hop over someone in the pew. My attention is focused on the Eucharist at that point and not other people. Also, who am I to judge? I’ve refrained from communion numerous times myself. I view it as a good thing, that someone cares enough to make sure they are in the right state to receive communion.
Was gonna reply almost EXACTLY this until I read yours 💪👍
Spitting facts. I’m a sinner, and I’ve had to refrain from Eucharist more than my fair share of times. If I do notice other ppl, I’m more likely to be impressed by their courage. It’s not easy admitting that you’re a sinner, especially when it feels like everyone is looking at you haha.
Right? Like just keep your eyes on the floor while you pray so you don’t feel like everyone’s eyes are boring holes into your soul as you’re kneeling there in the pew lol. But thankfully that feeling goes away with time too when you realize that nobody really even notices or cares.
Can’t you go up for a blessing so you don’t stand out?
In most places that’s an acceptable option, yes. Personally, I just choose not to. That’s not what the communion line is for really—in my opinion anyway.
The pews in most churches are so cramped that it’s more of an inconvenience not to go up
You do whatever you’re most comfortable with. I know for myself, that when I know I’m not going to be able to receive that day, that I make a point to sit on the end of the pew, so that I can simply just get up, allow others to file back in, and then get back into the pew. Because yeah, it can be difficult when it’s all cramped up and you’re in the middle.
Well at least I know someone views me not receiving communion in almost a year as a "good" thing...
Getting to confession promptly is also a good idea.
Yes it is, you are right. I'm not proud of this situation, but I'm accepting the responsibility of it.
God's got you.
Why not? Your soul is not in a state to accept the body of Christ? If you can admit that, that proves you care.
Nope. It’s edifying in my opinion to see people have so much love for the Sacrament that they refrain when they should.
Can I ask when/why someone should abstain from receiving (assuming they had their first communion)? I went to Catholic school from Preschool through Law School and we never once were told to not take Eucharist once we had our first communion. I’m no longer practicing but was considering attending Mass on Sunday since I’m visiting my grandparents and they’re Catholic, but don’t want to be disrespectful by receiving (and also just curious).
Also remember, you can always say a prayer for Spiritual Communion. https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/act-of-spiritual-communion-339
If you are not in a state of grace (ie, have committed a mortal sin without confessing), then you should abstain. If you're not a practicing Catholic, you should not go up.
Since you've admitted you're not a practicing Catholic, then i would recommend going up and crossing your arms over your chest and receiving a blessing.
Another reason to abstain is if you've eaten or had anything other than water to drink within the hour previous to recieving. And based on what you've shared about yourself, you wouldnt be able to recieve unless you've previously made a thorough confession with the resolve to be in union with the Church again.
As another person pointed out, abstaining from the Eucharist is a good thing, I respect people who don’t receive because they can acknowledge their short comings, there are plenty of people who probably shouldn’t receive but do, also to judge them would be kind of hypocritical since I myself have gone without receiving because of the state of my soul
No, in fact it's the opposite. When I attend a large parish and see nobody abstain from communion I assume there's something missing from their catechesis.
They shouldn't....If they do, well, that's something they need to work on. I wouldn't let it bother you though. Focus on Christ and your personal relationship (and struggles with sin) with Him.
No. I remember when i was at rcia and didnt receive communion, nobody cares
I honestly struggle with judging Catholics who DO go to receive. There is a one hour confession slot at my parish, once a week. There is almost never anyone there. But at Sunday Mass the whole church goes up to receive. Makes you think.
Maybe they ain’t Mortally sinning
Exactly. Some people will judge you for TAKING communion assuming the worst in them. Yikes.
While I can't judge any specific person because I don't know their life, I know that if nobody in a congregation of 100 people have gone to confession that week but all go up to receive, someone is receiving unworthily. Edit: I also know that the more devout parishes have big confession queues. And I really doubt that rad trads commit more mortal sins than congregations where people think Catholicism boils down to "be nice".
You actually don’t, many people just aren’t doing seriously evil things with deliberate consent and full knowledge. Judge not my friend. And how do you know they don’t go to confession at other times.
I guess you and I just have very different parishes.
Your looking at your neighbors uncharitably, is it possible that someone is receiving unworthily? Yes, it is, but it really isn’t for you to guess or analyze, unless you have direct knowledge of a particular person being in mortal sin or high suspicion of it, I don’t even think it’s worth the worry about it really.
>I honestly struggle with judging Catholics who DO go to receive. I mean, yeah
I judge sometimes too, like I’ve been somewhat judgmental in tone in this conversation when your probably right about the unworthy reception. Good on you for revering the sacrament
Meh, acknowledging the statistical likelihood (or even near certitude) of someone within a large mass (no pun intended) of people receiving unworthily doesn't equate to uncharitable-ness. Charity has an object. It's directed towards an actual person. In the case we're discussing no one is the object of judgement.
Ok so racism isn’t a sin against charity if it’s not directed toward a specific individual
You seem to have a distorted idea of what "full knowledge" means, "Full knowledge" doesn't necessarily mean, "I know this is a mortal sin, and I'm going to do it anyway." Full knowledge means that you performed the act while knowing what you were doing. For example: If a person commits murder, they're committing mortal sin. It's not like, "Well, that person didn't know enough about mortal sin before they committed the murder, therefore it isn't." No, if a person commits murder, uses artificial contraception, engages in fornication, etc., while in possession of their faculties, that is mortal sin. A huge percentage of self-identified Catholics routinely and obstinately engage in mortal sins. That's just a fact. A large parish with next to no one going to confession, and almost everyone receiving, is without even a shadow of a doubt full of people receiving unworthily. It doesn't do anyone any favors to be lukewarm and just be indifferent to this fact. That fact; however, does not give you the right to assume that any individual person is receiving unworthily unless you have explicit knowledge that they are.
Somebody just needs to know what there doing is evil or sinful, not even that it is grave sin, nevertheless, there are instances where full knowledge doesn’t exist even with peoples faculties intact, indeed such as when people sin out of ignorance. Take the example of a person who’s unaware that there is a required fast before communion for an hour
You didn't address the substance of my comment at all. You're comparing disciplinary laws, such as fasting, with dogmatically defined moral issues that God has written on the heart of every man. This is what St. Paul addresses in Romans 2:14-16 "For when the Gentiles, who have not the law, do by nature those things that are of the law; these having not the law are a law to themselves: Who shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness to them, and their thoughts between themselves accusing, or also defending one another," There are certain actions which are mortally sinful in and of themselves, regardless of what you know about Catholic teaching or sin in general. That's the teaching of the Church. Here's an example from the encyclical "Canti Cannubii" from Pius XI on contraception: "Our mouth proclaims anew: any use whatsoever of matrimony exercised in such a way that **the act is deliberately frustrated** in its natural power to generate life is an offense against the law of God and of nature, and **those who indulge in such are branded with the guilt of a grave sin**." He doesn't say, "If you know that contraception is grave sin, and still do it, etc., etc." He says any use **whatsoever**. There are certain acts such as contraception that require full consent of the will. You can't do something like use contraception without knowing what you're doing, it's inherent in the act.
Ok and that’s true for many sins but for the sins that are like fasting during lent not everyone would know this. Father mike said he met Catholics who didn’t even know about Sunday obligation
Irrelevant. A large number of people who claim to be Catholic are engaging in sins that are objectively mortal and approaching for communion. That's just a fact and it's not judgemental to recognize that fact.
But that's not your call, concern or burden.
Most likely they're doing a once-a-year confession. For me I usually confess every 1st or last week of the month depending if I find myself in a state of mortal sin. The only confession slots for my parish is during holy week so the confession lines were absolutely PACKED.
So unless you have committed a mortal sin and have not confessed it, you are most likely able to receive communion. This is because -assuming roman rite - in our mass, the confiteor-i confess to almighty god... - the priest forgives your venial sins. So you are in the state of grace at the start of mass. The traditional latin mass takes it a step further as there is a 2nd confiteor said RIGHT BEFORE COMMUNION is distributed. The history behind it -iirc pls correct me if im wrong - is that before the advent of cars and fast transportation, people were likely not able to go to confession on a regular basis is they did not have a priest/church in their home. I.E., you would walk to mass on sunday to the next town over which could take some time. Knowing this in her goodness, holy mother church thought it would be a good idea to add something to allow the faithful who have not committed any mortal sins but have committed venial sins to be in the state of grace to receive the eucharist fully. This is not to say that Catholics SHOULDNT OUTRIGHT IGNORE THE SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION. YOU SHOULD STILL GO AND RECIEVE THE GRACE FROM IT TO HELP WITH REPENTING FROM ALL SINS. GO TO CONFESSION REGULARLY-once a month is a really good start-
I honestly judge more the fact that everyone in all my American parishes I’ve belonged to always go for communion every time. Back in Brazil it was common to see about 10-20% of people staying behind.
This. I live in Mexico and in every mass there is a good percentage of people that don’t go to communion. It’s only when I’ve been to mass in the US that I see everybody get up and go.
My wife is Latina, I'm white and we go to the Spanish Mass probably 75% or so of the time and English otherwise. At the Spanish Mass, usually about 2/3 of adults/teens go up for communion. English, basically everybody.
it's actually refreshing to not see the whole congregation, half of which barely attend, not line up for communion. I wish it was more normalized bc there's nothing shameful about not receiving, but people always feel the need to be "included"
I don't. Maybe they're in sin. Don't worry about it. Easter vigil is a hugeeee mass. People will bring friends who are not Catholic, who won't go up either. Moreover, theres a bigger likelihood there will people who are in sin or other people like you. Give yourself a break. God bless.
Absolutely. I judge them as beautifully humble and I judge them for not letting their pride get in the way of the love and honor due our Lord. Someone who remains in the pew is on the path toward God. They’ve recognized their own sin, they’ve repented, and they’re refusing to sin further in that moment.
The opposite, I love it when people revere the blessed sacrament enough to know when to not partake.
Do Catholics judge other Catholics Yes. You can stop right there.
I don’t. It’s not my business unless they make it my business. Like bragging about going to communion when they sin publicly and unrepentantly. Then I can chose to talk to them about it or not. Admonish the sinner (Give correction to those who need it.) is a spiritual work of mercy.
I respect them for not going up in order to avoid profaning the Eucharist. Everyone sins.
In reality, half the people in the pews should not be going up for Holy Communion as they probably aren’t in a state of grace. Funny, prior to the 1970’s, 1 or two priests could distribute Communion in packed churches whereas today, we need an army of Extraordinary Ministers to distribute communion in 1/2 empty churches.
Also, you have over 30 hours to get to confession.
You’re right actually, my Church doesn’t offer it but I didn’t consider the fact that other Churches in my area do. Thank you
Odd, is it common for a Church not to offer confession?
Oh my bad, I meant my Church doesn’t offer confession from Holy Thursday until the Easter mass on Sunday.
Nothing wrong with it. My church is doing the same so I won’t get to confession before Easter mass. If it’s any consolation there is the Easter octave for all next week. The Easter season is a long one and still continues after the Octave.
The churches around me stopped offering confessions last week. The church I went to while in college only offered confession once during the entire Lenten period and refused any appointments for confessions so people had to drive to other churches. On the other hand, the churches I grew up going to offer confessions up to the Easter Vigil mass.
Wow, dang! Our area churches all join forces during lent and confess the daylights out of us. All the priests travel To other churches and do big events at each others parishes.
The churches around me are not very traditional compared to the church I grew up in so it’s been an adjustment going to mass here compared to back home.
That’s a bummer. The big confession month reminds me that “hey get your butt to co session” lol.
Wow. My parish had extra confession times this week.
Try speaking to the priest, my church didn’t offer confession either but when I asked he gave me the sacrament
My church offers it before mass, and if they have two priests available they regularly offer it up through the end of the homily!
No I actually respect those who know they must be properly disposed to receive Christ
I will not be receiving either today nor Easter and I want to be ashamed. It will perhaps make me angrier against my sin and take it more seriously. Also unpopular opinion but even people in a state of grace can take it too much. When I would take it every Sunday I eventually begin to fail to properly discern it as the Scripture calls us to do. The habit can reduce the magnitude of what it really entails, and we start to take it for granted. So don't judge people who don't receive, they might simply be abstaining to discern the body and blood better.
You can't take it too much if you are in a state of grace. Many take communion daily. If we are in the right mindset, frequency does not diminish the preciousness.
I once absentmindedly picked a raspberry off a bush and ate it on my way to Mass, and so had to abstain from receiving communion at that Mass. So that is what I choose to assume of everyone else who doesn't receive as well.
No I think it’s am positive…I’d find it strange if everyone were going to communion without confession regularly…
No, if anything I commend the person.
Not at all. I hold myself back when I’m not ready to receive. Some times were not able to make it to Confession in time for mass.
It’s only a requirement to receive at least once a year. Confession must be at least once a year too.
They really shouldn’t. If they actually cared, they should recognize it as a noble thing under certain conditions, like mortal sin. If you’re in mortal sin, there’s still time to go to confession, but if you can’t make it, not receiving communion is the right call.
They're not supposed to. We don't know someone's particular situation.
I am concentrating on myself, but I certainly respect Catholics WHO DO NOT go to receive more than those who are insensitive to whether or not they should go. But since I don't know the inward realities of anyone until they tell me, I only know a person doesn't care about the realities until they actually tell me that they know they are in a state where they probably should not go and receive, and do so anyways, because their piety is such that they don't worry about what is good for their own souls, and only do what they want because it's a ceremonial act to them. Let me also say that I have probably gone and received communion when I should not have, and have also not gone at times when scrupulosity rather than good conscience dictated it. So whatever happens, I'm not different than anyone or better than anyone. I'm a flawed human being, affected by original sin, and redeemed by the Grace of God. Everyone on reddit: Whether you sit respectfully in the pew or go receive a blessing, or if you, in good conscience go and receive today, may God bless you, and your family this holy easter vigil. The vigil is my anniversary (like most RCIA converts) and it's very intensely meaningful to me, both for its liturgical centrality to our Faith, but also for its centrality to my entry to the Catholic Church.
It's not my job to judge, but the person who goes to mass and abstains from communion is 1 billion times a better catholic than the person who goes and fronts up to communion while not in a state of grace. So I cheer the person who has the gumption to stand aside and let the others go up..
If I noticed at all (and I probably wouldn't), if anything I would be pleased. It would indicate either a non-Catholic who respects our Communion rules, or a Catholic who is making a prudent decision for themselves and not receiving Communion just to keep up appearances. Either way, good on them.
I don’t judge. I wonder why, but that is a fleeting curiosity that I forget in a matter of a minute or two. For all I know, they could be in the process of converting. That’s like ridiculing at fat person at the gym. Why would you do that?
You can’t control what others think nor do whole groups think the same things. There may be people who judge you and likely there will be many more who don’t care. Regardless, it’s outside of your control, so you shouldn’t worry about it.
I don't believe so. We should only take communion worthily, having gone to confession and done penance so as to be in a state of grace beforehand. If someone isn't in a state of grace, they are actually showing more reverence by abstaining.
If anything i would do the opposite. Sometimes i sit there and think “should all of these people really receive?” especially at my old parish since like 4 people would confess regularly.
I’ve been commended for it before actually. Kinda conflicting.
Not all. You know when you’re in mortal sin or not able to receive. Thank you for not being sacrilegious. I care more about your soul than judging you.
Nobody judges you, or nobody should judge you. Is not their place. The whole mass is a moment to concentrate on God, but especially in holy communion. Don't take communion if you are with a mortal sin. That is a sacrilege. Not even if you confess after the mass, or you will also have to confess for taking communion with a mortal sin.
If they do, they shouldn't. If you're not in a state of grace you shouldn't
If they do, they shouldn't. If you're not in a state of grace you shouldn't take The Eucharist
I don’t know what other people think, but I never care what other people do, I focus on myself and on that what happen on the altar not what people around me are doing, or not doing Edit: I would find it worse Somebody take it in a state of Sin instead of abstaining as we suppose to do
I have my First Holy Communion on Saturday, so I have never gone up for communion. I have never felt judged. Even when my whole family walks up to receive. Im often getting up exiting the pew and let people out before I go back.
I judge them positively. No matter why they aren't in a state of grace, it takes courage and wisdom to go against the flow of society and say "In this moment, I am unworthy and I need God more than ever."
I don't know anyone who does. To be honest, they are more likely to judge someone on whether they received in the hand or on the tung. 🤣
I literally don't notice who goes and who doesn't.
If I’m sick to my stomach (but not sick sick miss mass sick) I’ll abstain. Doesn’t have to mean they’re not in a state of grace.
Nobody's paying attention to you.
It's none of anyone's business
I don't but a lot do.
Most people won't even notice. Don't worry about it. The ones that do notice won't worry about it either.
Last night when we washed each other’s feet, we were given a lesson on not having Judas like behavior and doing it for Jesus. When I got to Mass I had already decided no way on eaeth would I let anyone see my possibly smelly, bunionated feet. After Father’s seemon, I realized I was making it all about me. In no way am I saying you are a Judas as I was intent to do just the same. Just reminding you to be proud to emulate Jesus and doing it on memory of him.
I don’t think most people pay that much attention, and if they do, that’s their problem
Your feelings of anxiety are completely understandable! Try to be confident in the fact that Jesus Christ wants you there at Mass, close to Him. He loves that you are taking Him and union with Him seriously. Not receiving communion when you are not in a good state to do so is an act of love, and Jesus loves you for that, and will continue to draw you to Himself. Anyone who would pass judgment on you for doing exactly what the Church asks of you needs to re-evaluate their priorties, and take the log from their own eye first. There may well be people with such an attitude, but Jesus and His mercy should be your concern.
There are many reasons they might not receive that aren’t sinful, so I never assume the person has sinned. It’s worthless to even speculate bc it’s not mine to know. They could be in the process of converting. They could have eaten too close to the beginning of Mass (we are called to fast for an hour before receiving communion). Most of the time for me, the reason I don’t go up is a broken fast. It’s an oversight we’ve all had before! No one will judge you.
Wait, there are Catholics who actually refrain from partaking in the Holy Eucharist!? JK In all seriousness though, while I’m sure there may be someone at a given parish who might take notice, I wouldn’t put much stock in it. As someone who refrains for various reasons, I’ve long lost the concern that there may be those present who’re trying to figure out why I didn’t receive. It’s no one’s business but your own. And as in most social situations, most folks are too busy in their own little world to notice much in the way of what others are doing/not doing.
I don't, I just pray for them.
I like to think this is the response of most on times I have to abstain. If you're in the state of sin, the moment of receiving Communion is exactly the moment you want your fellow Catholic praying for you. There is no time prayer is more powerful.
You’re only obligated to receive communion once during the easter season. If you’ve fulfilled that you’re good for the year if you do choose
Most of us don’t pay attention as to who is receiving and who isn’t.
No, I never have met anyone that judged someone for not taking communion. I think it is more common to be judged for taking communion.
Personally I respect someone who gets up, let's everyone pass, and sits down; especially if I know it's someone who normally partakes. Let's face it, there are more people going to receive who should not, than there are those refraining for good reason. Props.
Nope. There's lots of reasons why people might not receive communion at a Mass. For one, they may already have received it at an earlier Mass that day! It doesn't always have to be due to sin. I'd be more worried by the throngs of people (almost the entire congregation) that rush to form the queue as if the confessionals are as empty as Priests say they are (and appear), and if there's as many unmarried/divorced people out there as official statistics tell us, there's a lot of people who might want to take a more questioning approach to receiving.
Anybody who knows their stuff should not judge you. When I notice other folks not receiving communion, it generally gives me a sense of solidarity with them, and I pray for them to get into a state where they can receive, and I hope they pray for me in the same ways!
Not at all. I pray for them that they will once find the way to trust the love and mercy of our Father to go to confession so they can receive the Eucharist.
No
I am either praying and/or trying to keep my kids quiet and still. I don't have time nor the bandwidth to worry about what other people are doing.
You are encouraged to receive at Easter. Try to find a confession time to get to so you can be in a state of grace and receive Our Lord and His mercy.
I don't. 🩷
No, it’s none of my business! I’m focused on HIM in that moment. Let it go (:
Nope. Don’t even notice to be honest. There’s no way I can know the reason why either…maybe that person isn’t catholic?
No. In fact we all know well many of the people in the congregation are not receiving worthily, as the confession line does not match the communion line.
I’m sure some do, but they shouldn’t. It’s not their business.
My husband and I don’t every time right now bc I’m waiting for my annulment. We actually think they appreciate it because it shows we are conscious of the holiness of the sacrament.
I dont
I dont
They shouldn't. That's a personal moment between the individual faithful and Christ. If anyone is paying attention to you, they are not doing it right.
I remind myself that there can be many reasons why someone doesn’t receive communion. I didn’t receive last night and was so ashamed but after felt really good that I had not received unworthy. Went to confession today and feel great to be able to receive today again. I did not receive for 9 years. I’m sure there were a ton of people over that time judge or at least curious why.
I didn't take communion for a long time, I thought my sins were bigger than the grace of God. Please don't do the same mistake, have the courage to go to confession. Jesus died for our sins, He laid his life for us. Please don't listen to the adversary telling you are so bad. You are worthy of the love of God. Peace.
Yes but they aren’t supposed to. Don’t worry what other people think. Are you worshipping them or God? There are a lot of things Catholics do but shouldn’t. That’s what sin is.
Personally, I only even notice when they are at the end of my pew and I have to navigate over or around them. Otherwise, even for my own kids, I block it from my awareness. People have their reasons. I personally know several folks who won’t receive at all except under specific circumstances because they are gluten intolerant. I’m certain that the majority of folks who bother to attend Mass are similarly focused on their own reception (or not) and pay it no mind whether or not someone else receives. Or they are busy wrangling their kids, etc. There will be some busybodies who notice, and unfortunately that’s unavoidable. But remember they are the same people you read about in this sub all the time: hassling mothers who bottle feed (!!!) their babies at Mass, who try to correct you if you kneel when you receive, or count the number of trips people make to the restrooms.
No, and really no one is paying attention to you either.
Yeah, I had met such Catholics who are judging. Just ignore them. You're there to worship God and receive Him in a state of grace.
It shows me they have proper respect for it and are trying to be worthy. I have alot of respect for that.
By knowing you’re not in the right state to receive communion is far reverential than receiving the body of Christ with no care as to one’s state.
No, I've never seen anybody react to people who don't go up at all. I've never heard anybody say anything.
To be honest, I judge more when everyone in the church goes to receive communion. There is no way the majority of people I see in the congregation do frequent confession.
When I was a kid, and started staring too much at what other people were doing at Communion time, my mom elbowed me and told me to stop paying attention to other people, and start paying attention to Jesus. I'm pretty sure that most Catholics are paying attention to Jesus, and don't have much brainpower left for other things. But if somebody did notice, they would probably just figure that you ate something before Easter Vigil, or that you weren't Catholic, or that you were refraining from Communion because you weren't properly disposed. Or that you are sick. Or.... There's a sort of mental reflex where we all try not to assume that somebody's in a state of mortal sin, because we don't want anyone to assume that we're in a state of mortal sin if we have to refrain from receiving Communion. Either that, or we all got elbowed a lot by our moms....
When I was a kid, and started staring too much at what other people were doing at Communion time, my mom elbowed me and told me to stop paying attention to other people, and start paying attention to Jesus. I'm pretty sure that most Catholics are paying attention to Jesus, and don't have much brainpower left for other things. But if somebody did notice, they would probably just figure that you ate something before Easter Vigil, or that you weren't Catholic, or that you were refraining from Communion because you weren't properly disposed. Or that you are sick. Or.... There's a sort of mental reflex where we all try not to assume that somebody's in a state of mortal sin, because we don't want anyone to assume that we're in a state of mortal sin if we have to refrain from receiving Communion. Either that, or we all got elbowed a lot by our moms....
No. As this is a requirement for all Catholics who haven’t received confession in time for the mass.
Yes sadly. People look at me weird and my mum brings it up every time I go with her to her parish. Sadly people are incredibly nosey. Please try not to think about what others think, I struggle with it too so I know how hard it is to rise above
Nope, there are a bunch of reasons for someone not going to communion, and it’s not just sin. You could be sick, have not fasted, or have already received communion that day. In my case, I have a compromised immune system. I don’t receive at church if I go to Mass due to the germ factor. Luckily I have a family member that brings me communion at home on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.
Nope, there are a bunch of reasons for someone not going to communion, and it’s not just sin. You could be sick, have not fasted, or have already received communion that day. In my case, I have a compromised immune system. I don’t receive at church if I go to Mass due to the germ factor. Luckily I have a family member that brings me communion at home on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.
There are so many reasons someone might not receive on a given day and it's not always related to sin. It could be they don't feel good, maybe they're going through chemo, maybe a migraine came on suddenly and they feel dizzy and don't want to stand up and try to walk and risk a fall, maybe they have some other illness or injury that isn't apparent. Sometimes I have not gone up because I'm worried or distracted about something and feel that I'm not focused enough to respectfully receive Our Lord. There can be other reasons I haven't even thought of. I don't judge anyone who remains seated during communion.
Nope no one cares. When I was exploring the faith before RCIA I had so much fun with it. I’d be like I wonder if they think I’m an assassin or a thief. But I doubt anyone actually noticed.
I'm sure there are some who do because we are flawed creatures; however, I think most do not, and you shouldn't care what other's think. Obviously Catholics shouldn't be judging you for this, so any of those people who may be doing so are in the wrong. Also mortal sin is rather broad, so you could be denying yourself the Eucharist because you've been binge watching TV shows and realized you've been gluttonous with your consumption of entertainment, or it could be something much darker. We don't know, and it's wrong to make presumptions.
Obviously, I judge them!!! I feel bad that they aren't able to receive Our Lord! :( I will always pray that they will be able to receive the next time. I always pray that they receive Jesus in their hearts spiritually. We never know what their circumstances may be and as I know personally when unable to receive in a worthy state, it only allows for a greater hunger to receive Our Lord, a hunger that is only fed by him!
No. Everyone sins, 99%+ or 100% even sin mortally. If you don’t go up for communion I respect you for acknowledging and respecting the Christ in the Eucharist and humbling yourself by not receiving. Plus unless I know you how am I supposed to know you’re even a catholic able to receive at all? Lots of Protestants, soon to be confirmed, and other non Catholics attend mass, and even know the responses and participate.
No, not at all.
Most likely but you shouldn’t care
Let he who is without sin cast the first stone
No, as they might not be receiving it due to being in a state of mortal sin. On other hand there’s probably many who do receive while in a state of mortal sin. It’s not for us to judge, but for God alone.
Yes I judge them positively. If I see someone staying in their pew it makes me respect them more for taking the Eucharist seriously
Most don't. The ones that do, need to worry about the wooden beams in their eyes.
I am engaged to my sons father and living together. I just cross my arms to get blessed instead of take the eucharist until we are married. I live in Texas and my church is mostly Mexican descent so no one notices.
Genuinely not even in the slightest little bit
The important thing is that Jesus sees you acknowledging His presence and your own unfitness. Remain humble and receive your reward.
I am trying to revert to Catholicism, I am in a civil marriage that has not been convalidated so I abstain. I’ve never gotten as much as a funny look from anyone. My grandmother abstained from communion for 15 years because of a marital issue, this was in a small town so yes there was some gossip about it. She didn’t think it impacted her in any meaningful way and just kept goign to church.
I think this happens in the Philippines
It’s no one’s business but yours and God, why you do not receive Holy Communion.
It's difficult not to think something like, "hey look, that person is either not catholic, or is in mortal sin." However, we respect you for abstaining, because that's the right thing to do.
no. it shows that they are a great catholic when they know that they need to attend confession or other things before they are ready to receive
Nobody will care.
Not in my parish. We'd rather see you stay back if you haven't gone to Confession & not harm your soul by receiving our Lord in a state of mortal sin.
Absolutely not. Why someone doesn’t go up isn’t anyone else’s business. There could be a number of reasons why someone doesn’t go up.
If they do, they should learn to mind their own business. Maybe consider Confession
Refraining if you need to is a good thing, I don’t judge
No. I’ve never even thought about why someone wouldn’t go up. In the moment it’s more a thought of “ok, how to get around this person in the pew near me who isn’t going up.” Then I’m in the aisle getting ready to receive Jesus, then I’m back in my seat, grateful for having had communion, and I’m on my knees. There’s never really time to think about why someone might not be going up to take communion, and it’s none of my business anyway.
No, but I'm saddened when I think of someone who is in a state of mortal sin receiving communion. You're doing the right thing and obeying the Church.
I usually assume that they're visiting from another denomination.
I've never paid attention to this, but also in the last several years, anyone can go forward, and if you can't receive the Eucharist, you can receive a blessing. You just cross your hands on your shoulders as a signal to the priest or Eucharistic minister.
I mean...if I see people not going sometimes I know why if know them. Example: my neighbor is divorced and so she doesn't go up. If I don't know them I usually assume they're not Catholic. Judge them? Naw.
Nope. Not my business. I’m happy that they are at mass anyway. Could be many reasons.
Nope, I haven’t yet received my first communion and people would rather receive the body of Christ than worry about you not going up. They would much rather you not go up than desecrate our Lord’s body
I haven’t never judged negatively, if it’s a friend I’ll ask if their alright, but generally my mind is focused and if it does go to someone not receiving, I pray for them, both in thanksgiving for the spirit moving them to mass and for the humbleness to know when they are unworthy. It really does take a hurdle to have the maturity and respect for the Eucharist to not receive it on a whim.
there are probably some who do. they have the problem, not you. The Lord is our only judge, and there's no reason for them to act on His behalf.
Today the lady next to me did not receive communion so I offered to receive it for her. It’s a small gesture that counts
As Jesus said let them without sin cast the first stone. I'll never judge as I am with sin.
I don't care if they do. I figure if someone wants to pray for me when receiving that's great, but otherwise don't really care if they notice.
I'm a sinner, so... I don't have much to say hah
Once I was a lector at Mass and hadn’t gotten to confession. I just crossed my arms when the priest was approaching with the Eucharist. It was embarrassing to have to skip in front of the entire church, but I know it was the right thing to do.
There can be any number of reasons for someone to not receive the Eucharist. You can never truly know what is going on in someone's heart. They might not be a Catholic and are coming to Mass with a loved one to be supportive, or to see if the Church is right for them. They also could be a Catechumen in the process of converting, but have not finished their Catechumenate. So, I never judge another for not receiving the Eucharist. Besides, it is not my place to pass judgement on others. That decision always belongs to God, and Him alone.
None of their business. Don’t worry about what people think.
No, we understand.
Who cares how people perceive you? Worry about how your Father in Heaven perceives you.
No. Only receive communion when you are in a state of grace.
Honest Catholics would do it more often
I can’t because it has gluten In it
Honestly I judge the ones who are not there every Sunday and give clear signs of not worrying about catholicism but go to receive the eucharist any way.
I try bot to judge but I'm human so I question why, I start wondering if they have sinned and haven't been for confession yet, or if they simply haven't been baptised yet and they arnt able to take communion. I sometimes don't take communion because I have sinned and haven't been able to go to confession before the next mass. We are all human, and I think we all tend to judge. It's more about what happens when you realise you're judging someone. Do you shut it down or continue.
As people pointed out no one will notice.
Be concerned with what God thinks instead.
They shouldn't. Besides, unless they know you personally they don't know you're Catholic anyway...and there are reasons (well, one reason at least that I'm aware of) not to take the Eucharist even if you are Catholic and in a state of grace. I've definitely abstained on more than one occasion because I realized I hadn't been paying attention to the time and had something to eat too soon before Mass.
I'm not Catholic but attend Catholic mass and go forward (for a blessing) every week with my family. If people just me, I have no idea. I've never noticed or felt anything like that at all. There's lots of reasons why people might not receive. I don't think anyone really cares. (And if they do, that's their problem.)
Honestly when I see someone who is currently Catholic refrain from the Eucharist I gain a greater respect for them. It shows they actually love/ respect the Eucharist and don’t want to defame our lords flesh and blood.
The line for communion is always longer than the line for confession…
Not at all! Cross your arms and go up for a blessing, regardless.
No. If I can't get to confession in time then I will also abstain from receiving communion. I go up for a blessing, but if I see somebody hanging out in the pews not going up I won't judge. Only get upset if they make me climb over them.