Stone & Incense Search
Start hereCurious, or no faithEvangelical, Pentecostal or ProtestantFrom another faithSomeone I love is CatholicBecoming CatholicI was Catholic once Today in the ChurchLibraryHard questionsVoices of the revivalTake the next stepAboutSources & methodSupport the site

Questions / The Mass and the Eucharist

Can I receive Communion before I go to confession?

Church teaching

Answered on video by Fr. Mike Schmitz

Video: Do NOT Receive Communion Until You’ve Seen This (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz), Ascension Presents, published Oct 29, 2025. Checked 10 October 2026. Loads from YouTube (privacy-enhanced mode) only when you press play. Watch on YouTube

In short: If you’re aware of a mortal sin, go to confession first, unless there’s a grave reason and no chance to go. CCC 1457

The answer, in writing

Church teaching

Anyone aware of having committed a mortal sin must not receive Communion, even with deep sorrow, without first receiving absolution. CCC 1457

The exception: a grave reason for receiving and no possibility of going to confession. CCC 1457

Our words

If it’s everyday stuff, you can receive; Communion itself forgives venial sins. If it’s serious, go to confession first. Most parishes have it every week, and you can always call and ask.

Next step: How confession works now

Honestly? The best answers come from people, not websites. Take the next step: find a parish near you

Related questions

Can I receive Communion if I am not Catholic? Ascension Presents · 9 minWhy do Catholics go every Sunday? Ascension Presents · 8 minCan I receive Communion? Catholic Answers · 3 minIs missing Mass a sin? Catholic Answers · 2 min

Sources on this page

How we know · 1 Catechism paragraph
  1. Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1457 (official text on vatican.va).

Stone & Incense restates Church teaching in plain words and cites every teaching claim. Our own wording is not an official Church text. Found a mistake? Report an errorCorrections.