Can a Catholic living in concubinage (aka “living in sin” or “common-law marriage”) receive Communion?
• Can a pro-choice Catholic receive Communion? • Can potential converts receive Communion? • Can a woman who has obtained an abortion receive Communion? What is the definition of Communion? Communion refers to two things. First it refers to the unity of faith of Catholics. If someone is in “communion” with the Catholic Church, that means they are baptized in the Church, or have been received into the Church, uphold all the doctrines of the faith, and are not separated from her through schism (i.e. outward rejection of church authority, such as her bishops).(CCC. 949). Secondly, and more commonly, it refers to the sacrament of the Eucharist. (CCC 1331). Are these two related? Yes. The Eucharist is the sacrament of Catholic unity. The Church teaches that unity consists of: • Charity As well as visible signs such as: • Profession of one faith received from the Apostles (i.e. the Catholic Faith). • Common celebration of worship, especially the sacraments (i.e. if two churches recognize eac
