What should happens if a homeless guy goes to church only for receiving the Eucharist?

Ad Infinitum · #1 Jul 31, '12, 7:56 pm

I mean like If he wants food and he's not Catholic and the only reason he receives the Eucharist if for free food and abuses Jesus? So then what might happen or can be done about this problem?

BettyBoop416 · #2 Jul 31, '12, 8:07 pm

There's not much nutrition in a communion host. After trying this once, I doubt that your hypothetical hobo will be back.

Ad Infinitum · #3 Jul 31, '12, 8:09 pm

However, some homeless people are extremely desperate for food (e.g in third-world countries) and some may come back.

CatholicTrekkie · #4 Jul 31, '12, 8:11 pm

First of all, unless you know for certain the man is not Catholic, you shouldn't bar him from receiving Communion. Catholics, although we do what we can to let non-Catholics know they are not admitted to Holy Communion, don't "card" someone on the Communion line (unless we know for sure they are not Catholic, publicly excommunicated, or in grave sin).

Secondly, perhaps you shouldn't see this as a problem, but perhaps as an opportunity to offer this man a substantial meal. If he seems hungry, then partaking of the Eucharist is hardly a good way to satiate him. Instead, offer him a meal, a shower, a change of clothes, something like that. Who knows, he may be touched by your Catholic generosity and witness and wish to convert.

Hope it goes well.

Corki · #5 Jul 31, '12, 8:29 pm

I have been in parishes where this has happened. It is pretty obvious when someone doesn't understand what is going on at Communion. What our pastor did was direct the ushers to take the person over to the rectory to get some real food.

Ad Infinitum · #6 Jul 31, '12, 8:35 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corki

I have been in parishes where this has happened. It is pretty obvious when someone doesn't understand what is going on at Communion. What our pastor did was direct the ushers to take the person over to the rectory to get some real food.

So, this is a real problem happening currently?

Corki · #7 Jul 31, '12, 8:41 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ad Infinitum

So, this is a real problem happening currently?

This was several years ago, when I attended a more down town parish. My current parish is very rural and not in walking distance for most homeless people. But I would expect it happens in most urban parishes. Sometimes the homeless just come in and sit in the back just to get warm. It's not really a problem.

Allegra · #8 Jul 31, '12, 8:44 pm

He shouldn't recieve the Eucharist, but he should recieve some food and possibly some gift cards for the grocery store, the address of the food bank, and if he is willing, a ride to the homeless shelter.

Ad Infinitum · #9 Jul 31, '12, 8:44 pm

Some non-Catholics are not sure about the protocol during Mass, also, and may receive communion without knowing it's bad. Can we do anything about this?

Bill Martin · #10 Jul 31, '12, 8:46 pm

I'd see if the parish can give him a job. Doesn't have to be much; sweeping floors, general cleaning, etc., even at minimum wage will be much better than what he has now.

Facite · #11 Jul 31, '12, 8:50 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ad Infinitum

Some non-Catholics are not sure about the protocol during Mass, also, and may receive communion without knowing it's bad. Can we do anything about this?

Hmm, that's a hard one. It's not as if there is a visible sign on their soul stating their religion.

ConstantineTG · #12 Jul 31, '12, 10:18 pm

Anyone here actually lived in a third world country?

In the Philippines, beggars have a better chance of getting something to eat by begging at the church door than lining up for Communion.

Stylites · #13 Jul 31, '12, 10:28 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ad Infinitum

I mean like If he wants food and he's not Catholic and the only reason he receives the Eucharist if for free food and abuses Jesus? So then what might happen or can be done about this problem?

"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." -Matthew 6:34

Carefree T · #14 Aug 1, '12, 12:51 am

I hope our Lord God will not blame these people for their desperation in ignorance, but rather will begin to heal their soul with the Eucharist, for we pray that we be not condemned by our partaking for the sins we commit in ignorance. It is incredibly sad that these people are so hungry that the simple wafer and sip of wine is what they come for, but the healing power of our Lord works in strange ways and I pray that in these instances they aren't partaking to their condemnation but to the healing of their souls.

I always offer a dollar if I have one to the people on the corners; they may not "deserve" it because of their vices, and they might be fakes, but that is not my business. Christ asked us to recognize Him in the naked, the hungry, the sick, the imprisoned...and I try to see Him in the man with the sign on the corner. If he spends my offering on alcohol, that is his prerogative. I fully wished him an improved situation with my donation and my prayer. God will take care of the rest.

ElizabethLucy · #15 Aug 1, '12, 12:56 am

I came to this website, looking for hope and lots of posts made me lose it. Then I read your reply Carefree T and I could've sang. I wish all Catholics could be like you