[k omalley]

Some Catholics justify receiving Communion in the state of mortal sin because they say they do not believe that what they are doing is sinful. For example, I have a close relative who lives with her boyfriend. She has told me that she doesn't believe it is a sin and she receives Communion.

[animoveritas]

Spot on K. The every growing tendency of Catholics to define doctrine on their terms has led to a congregation of egoists and anthropocentrists who weekly desecrate the Eucharist. Penance is the forgotten sacrament. If you can rationalize your sin in your personal Catholic theology (a la Joseph Martos, John Kerry, et al) then having to admit guilt and do penance is, in their thinking, so medieval it can't be true.

The sacred truths need to be reinforced from the top like this because unfortunately, they are given scant if any mention in American Catholic religion classrooms and Mass homilies.

[Salvation]

I agree with your point of view, not hers. Can you encourage her to talk with a priest?