“Ask a Priest: Did I Sin by Telling a Baptist Is Was OK to Receive Communion?”

Regnum Christi Spirituality Center Ask a Priest
Q: I told my Baptist friend that it was OK if she took the sacrament of communion even though she isn’t Catholic. I thought it wasn’t a big deal since she believed in God and was baptized even though I knew she wasn’t supposed to (which I said as well). Then when I told someone, they explained to me that that was in fact a really big deal that I said that. I already told my friend that she shouldn’t have and it was my fault, but was it a sin? I now know that it was wrong, and I would never do that again. I’m also afraid of going to confession because I’m afraid the priest will be angry that I let someone disobey the rules. – M.S.

Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC

A: Your note seems to indicate you were sending mixed signals to your friend.

On the one hand, you told her that it was OK to receive Communion; on the other, you seemed to tell her that she wasn’t supposed to do that.

It wasn’t correct to tell the Baptist that she could receive Communion. Reception of Communion is for those who embrace the faith and who are in a state of grace.

That your friend is a Baptist means that she probably doesn’t embrace all the truths of the Catholic faith. If she did, it would be logical for her to seek official entrance into the Church.

As for telling her to receive Communion: It sounds like culpable negligence on your part, since you acknowledge that you knew that she shouldn’t receive.

Given that we are dealing with the Eucharist, it would be a good idea to mention this in confession.

If you are afraid of confession, it would be good to get over your fear. The priest won’t be likely be angry. And God’s mercy awaits you.

 

Have a question?

Today’s secular world throws curve balls at us all the time.

Ask A Catholic Priest is a Q&A feature that anyone can use.  You can ask about anything: liturgy, prayer, moral questions, current events. Our goal is to provide a trustworthy forum for dependable Catholic guidance and information. So go ahead and ask your question…

Need an answer?

Be in the know

Sign up to receive the latest questions and answers by email biweekly.

Have a Question about the Faith? Get the answer here!

Scroll to Top

Ask a Priest a Question

Please note:

Questions regarding details of abuse of minors or vulnerable adults (including pornography) could be the subject of a mandated report to civil authorities. Mandated reporters are persons identified by law who have an obligation to report suspected child abuse and neglect. 

Sign Up to Receive Ask A Priest

* indicates required

Looking for another country?

RC Near You

News & Resources

News & Resources

The Regnum Christi Mission

The Regnum Christi Identity

Alex Kucera

Atlanta

Alex Kucera has lived in Atlanta, GA, for the last 46 years. He is one of 9 children, married to his wife Karmen, and has 3 girls, one grandson, and a granddaughter on the way. Alex joined Regnum Christi in 2007. Out of the gate, he joined the Helping Hands Medical Missions apostolate and is still participating today with the Ghana Friendship Mission.

In 2009, Alex was asked to be the Atlanta RC Renewal Coordinator for the Atlanta Locality to help the RC members with the RC renewal process. Alex became a Group Leader in 2012 for four of the Atlanta Men’s Section Teams and continues today. Running in parallel, in 2013, Alex became a Team Leader and shepherded a large team of good men.

Alex was honored to be the Atlanta Mission Coordinator between 2010 to 2022 (12 years), coordinating 5-8 Holy Week Mission teams across Georgia. He also created and coordinated missions at a parish in Athens, GA, for 9 years. Alex continues to coordinate Holy Week Missions, Advent Missions, and Monthly missions at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Cumming, GA.

From 2016 to 2022, Alex also served as the Men’s Section Assistant in Atlanta. He loved working with the Men’s Section Director, the Legionaries, Consecrated, and Women’s Section leadership teams.

Alex is exceptionally grateful to the Legionaries, Consecrated, and many RC members who he’s journeyed shoulder to shoulder, growing his relationship with Christ and others along the way. He knows that there is only one way, that’s Christ’s Way, with others!