Posted on 07/19/2016 10:11:31 AM PDT by marshmallow
Of course people bring these things up in Confession, but what is said in the confessional takes place in another galaxy, another universe. The priest can never mention or act upon anything he knows from a Confession. It’s totally irrelevant to this discussion.
The issue everyone is talking about is the refusal of Communion to people who are living together outside of Matrimony.
The overarching norm is: They must not be given Communion.
Exception: If they are living chastely, they may receive Communion. But, to avoid scandal, they must receive where they are not known, or let it be known that they are living chastely.
Obviously, if a couple live in a parish where 20 people know their business, and 1,000 people don’t, they have no reason to discuss any of this outside their circle of friends and family.
In my experience, third parties in the parish NEVER bring up any questions about this sort of thing with the pastor.
Thank you.
Freegards
I have been reading your replies after people have painstakingly, and with crystal clarity, explained what the issue is, and why it does NOT involve making any judgments about anybody.
You keep going on about “judging people.”
You need to know that you are just too stupid to understand this issue. Therefore, you should stop discussing it.
Your questions get stupider and stupider, so I know you’re a troll.
The priest asks the couple if they have an annulment, and even ask to see the decree. Or, he can pick up the phone and ask the chancery.
If my calling you stupid offends you, I retract it. The alternative is that you just enjoy annoying people.
I think it is time for me (and the others) to shake the dust from our feet.
And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words: going forth out of that house or city shake off the dust from your feet. Matthew 10:14
First, the priest should make it a priority that his congregation knows and understands the restriction. Good, basic catechesis is needed and often desperately lacking. The homily is a good time to hit on those subjects, though I have also experienced in eastern rite churches the priest calling the community together after the liturgy to hold a Christian Formation class as a refresher every so often.
If the priest doesn’t know and has no reason to suspect, he isn’t responsible. But if he is given reason to suspect he should ask and if there is a condition then he should council them and carefully explain why they shouldn’t take communion and why he will not give it to them. The spiritual state of his congregation is the priest’s responsibility.
How can ONE priest be responsible for the spiritual state of an entire congregation? Or for the spiritual state of even ONE person? Each person is responsible for his own spiritual state.
But, I get your drift and don't disagree.
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