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

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.

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