Every Christmas many lapsed Catholics show up for Mass and the churches are packed to standing room only for any late arrivers. This is a yearly phenomena. Now, the Catechism of the Catholic Church states this teaching: "The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason." Therefore, deliberately skipping the Sunday Mass is a serious sin. I believe that all priests have the obligation to explain this before giving out Holy Communion at Christmas Masses. Those who are not in a state of grace can always go up to receive a blessing. Paul in 1 Corinthians 11 wrote, "Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. A person should examine himself, and so eat the bread and drink the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drink judgment on himself." In view of the seriousness of receiving Holy Communion, we owe all receivers the explanation for their benefit. It is completely wrong to think that you should not offend any lapsed Catholics in hoping that they would return to the church. Our only concern should be to make sure that the Lord God is not offended!
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