Topic:  Can a person receive Communion if they are in state of sin?

Source of this posting: Moderator response

Date originally posted: October 15, 2003

Moderator who originally posted this source: Michael Chepul

Question:   A friend mentioned the idea that a Catholic should not receive Communion at Mass if they feel they have sin on them. My thought was that a Catholic should always take Communion while at Mass. Could use some help in this one. Thanks.

Answer: 

BD,
Thank you very much for your question. In some ways both you and your friend are right. The Eucharist is one of the most central pieces of our faith as Catholic Christians and it is very important for us and our faith. It is also important to know that Catholics are asked to refrain from taking communion when they are in a state of "Mortal" sin.
The important thing to realize here is when you are in a state of "mortal" sin and the difference between "venial" and "mortal" sin.
For a sin to be mortal, three requirements must be met. 1. The sin must be a serious offense between God and neighbor. 2. You must understand that the sin is a serious offense against God and Neighbor. 3. The sin must have the full consent of your will. There is a very good explination of all three of these requirements in the FAQ library under the main heading of "Confession" and in response to the question labeled "What is a mortal sin?"
A Catholic person who has met this criteria and is in a state of mortal sin should be compelled to, as your friend says, refrain from taking communion until he or she has given a full and complete sacramental confession to a priest.
-Michael Chepul