Msg Base:  AREA 3  - ASK FATHER (AMDG)
  Msg No: 134.  Mon 11-02-92 22:33  (NO KILL)
    From: Father Mateo
      To: Benjamin Willett
 Subject: Holy Communion

ÚÄ
³ Father Mateo--from what I've understood through the years, a priest can
³ refuse someone communion ONLY if he is certain that the person in
³ question is a public sinner...is this true?  Thanks!!
ÀÄ[BW=>FM]
 
Dear Benjamin,
 
Canon 915 (New Code) reads: "Those who are excommunicated or
interdicted, after the imposition or declaration of the penalty, and
others who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin are not to be
admitted to Holy Communion."
 
The Code Commentary of the Canon Law Society of America reads:
"Canon 915 ... prohibits giving the Eucharist to anyone who
obstinately perseveres in manifest, serious sin.  A manifest sin is
one which is publicly known, even if only by a few; obstinate
perseverance is indicated when a person persists in the sin or sinful
situation and does not heed the warnings of church authorities or
adhere to church teachings...."
 
"Those who are excommunicated or interdicted ... are regarded by the
Church as grave and manifest sinners.  Other categories of manifest
and grave sins are not so neatly discernible....  Any prudent doubt
about either the gravity or the public nature of the sin should be
resolved by the minister in favor of the person who approaches the
sacrament" (page 653).
 
Canon 912 reads: "Any baptized person who is not prohibited by law
can and must be admitted to Holy Communion."
 
I wonder where you are coming from with this question? I have read
"horror stories" of people being forced to receive Communion in the
hand though they wish to receive on the tongue. Also, I have heard of
churches from which kneelers have been removed to force people to
stand all during Mass and to receive Communion standing although they
wish to kneel. There is no basis in church law for this kind of
clerical fascism. If any minister refuses Communion to anyone
whomsoever, except for the persons mentioned in Canon 915, that
minister is guilty of violating Canon 912.
 
                                        Sincerely in Christ,
 
 
                                                Father Mateo
 
 
 
   *** I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God. ***