Questions / The Mass and the Eucharist

Why do some Catholics stay in the pew at Communion?

Church teaching

Answered on video by Ascension Presents

Video: Why We Have to Attend Mass and Receive Communion in a State of Grace, Ascension Presents, published Jan 9, 2019. Checked 10 October 2026. Loads from YouTube (privacy-enhanced mode) only when you press play. Watch on YouTube

In short: Sometimes it’s a grave sin they need to bring to confession first. Nobody should guess why. CCC 1385

The answer, in writing

Church teaching

St. Paul urges us to examine our conscience before receiving. CCC 1385

Anyone conscious of a grave sin must receive the sacrament of Reconciliation before coming to Communion. CCC 1385

Our words

They might be preparing for confession, or not Catholic, or fasting wrong, or just not ready. Don’t guess. It’s between them and God.

Watch another on this

Play video: Why Non-Catholics Can't Receive Communion, Ascension Presents, from Ascension Presents, 9 min. Loads from YouTube when pressed.

Can I receive Communion if I am not Catholic?

Play video: Do NOT Receive Communion Until You’ve Seen This (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz), Fr. Mike Schmitz, from Ascension Presents, 6 min. Loads from YouTube when pressed.

Can I receive Communion before I go to confession?

Play video: Can non-Catholic Christians receive communion in the Catholic Church?, Catholic Answers, from Catholic Answers Live, 3 min. Loads from YouTube when pressed.

Can I receive Communion?

Next step: The Mass

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Related questions

Can I receive Communion if I am not Catholic? Ascension Presents · 9 minCan I receive Communion before I go to confession? Fr. Mike Schmitz · 6 minWhy do Catholics go every Sunday? Ascension Presents · 8 minCan I receive Communion? Catholic Answers · 3 min

Sources on this page

How we know · 1 Catechism paragraph

1. Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1385 (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.