Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who may receive Communion at a Catholic Mass?
The National Conference of Bishops offers these stipulations for practicing Catholics: “In order to be properly disposed to receive Communion, participants should not be conscious of grave sin and normally should have fasted for one hour. A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord without prior sacramental confession except for a grave reason where there is no opportunity for confession. In this case, the person is to be mindful of the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition, including the intentions of confessing as soon as possible (canon 916)”.

For all practical purposes, non-Catholics are excluded from taking Communion at a Catholic church. Explaining their reasoning, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops teaches that reception of the Eucharist by Christians not fully united with us would imply a oneness which does not yet exist, and for which we must all pray.

Making decisions regarding organ donation.
Organ donation is consistent with Church teaching on charity, as long as the body is handled respectfully (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2296). In many places, medical personnel may routinely ask the survivors for permission to use healthy organs. If possible, it is best to know in advance how to respond and abide by the wishes of the deceased.

What is the RCIA?
There are four stages in the RCIA (Right of Christian Initiation of Adults): the Precatechumenate, or period of inquiry and evangelization; the Catechumenate, which is a time of serious and dedicated formation; the Period of Purification and Enlightenment, which coincides with Lent; and Mystagogy, which lasts from Easter to Pentecost.

What are the Church’s teachings regarding marriage?
According to Catholic marriage law, “A valid and consummated marriage of baptized persons cannot be dissolved by any human authority or any cause other than the death of one of the persons” (Our Sunday Visitor’s 2004 Catholic Almanac, p.196). This firm Church teaching on the permanence of marriage accounts for many of the policies and practices relating to weddings. Despite the sometimes casual way that contemporary Americans treat marriage and divorce, the Catholic Church maintains that entering into marriage is a serious lifetime commitment…the Catholic Church still considers them married until a recognized Church authority declares otherwise.