Can someone with a mortally sinful addiction, who rarely gets to confession, receive Communion?
The short answer
Be cautious about assuming addiction removes guilt. Ordinarily addictive behavior can be controlled with honesty, grace, motivation and common sense; most of us are freer than we think. In severe cases culpability may be reduced, which a confessor will judge. And you can ask a priest to hear your confession outside the scheduled times.
A common opinion
Some say that because addictive behavior makes culpability questionable, one may receive Communion and confess as soon as possible. That conclusion should not be accepted so readily.
Freer than we think
Addictions are not like the flu. Ordinarily addictive behavior can be controlled through honesty, God's grace, proper motivation and common sense. For most people, addiction threatens freedom far less than our permissive, victim-oriented culture suggests.
Severe cases
In severe cases culpability can be partly or even wholly diminished, and a confessor will tell the penitent if no sin was committed. A regular confessor or spiritual director is truly necessary in such situations.
Practical help
Being unable to receive the Eucharist in mortal sin can be added motivation to avoid occasions of weakness. You can also ask a priest to hear your confession outside the usual times.
Continue exploring
- Can someone in mortal sin receive Communion after a perfect act of contrition?Q&A
- Can mortal sins be forgiven without confession?Q&A
- If I smoke, must I confess it every time I go to confession?Q&A
- If there is a "baptism of desire," is there a "reconciliation of desire"?Q&A
- Is it necessary to confess how many times one has sinned?Q&A
- What if I forgot to confess a sin and remembered it later?Q&A