What would stop you from taking communion?

[beansmum]

Anything?

I'm asking because a weird thing happened in church today, I just couldn't get up for communion. I felt that I shouldn't take it this week but I don't know why.

I wouldn't go up for communion in a RC church because I know it would be offensive to them.

The only other thing that would stop me is if I could not say sorry properly or had a relationship problem with someone else in church. I would still go for a blessing though.

Are you angry about anything?

I had confirmation classes not long ago and they were saying that sometimes this happens but it hasn't happened to me. One of the leaders said that she had had a row with somebody and did take communion as she was still wound up.

Sorry that should have said didn't not did.

I know my MIL won't go because she's divorced and now living with a new man. I always feel very sorry for her as she's been a 'good' Catholic all her life. NOw she just takes a blessing, but I think that can be alienating and you can feel rejected.

What happened beansmum?

I just sat in my chair when everyone else in my row got up, I wanted to get up but I felt like I really shouldn't and then by the time I had decided that I would ignore my feelings and go anyway it was too late. I can't think of anything wrong really, nothing has changed since the last time I took communion. There's nothing obvious like relationship problems or anger. I have an eating disorder but I don't believe a medical problem should stop me from taking communion, especially as I have only recently started to try and get help with it. It's very strange, I felt a bit tearful too and kind of rushed away from church.

I often feel quite emotional after church beansmum. I would imagine an eating disorder would seriously interupt your feelings about taking communion (I was anorexic then bulimic in my late teens and early 20s).

Don't worry about missing communion. Just look after yourself. Give yourself time to sit and have a think, or walk, or whatever works for you to connect with yourself inside. Maybe you need a good cry. I think I do, but it's not easy with the children around is it?

I wouldn't take communion because I haven't been to confession for many,many years...

I also think it does no harm at all to NOT take communion now and again. If it feels wrong you can listen to yourself. I think many people just get up automatically and go through the motions without really feeling it. I'm not judging them or saying that's wrong, I'm just saying it can lose meaning perhaps.

I think I was a bit worried that I had done something wrong but was too stupid to realise what it was! But today has definitely made me think more about what it actually means than all the other weeks when I did take communion. I do need a good cry though! I'll have to wait until ds is in bed then have a bit of quiet time to myself, and have a break from all the stuff that usually fills up my evening (mainly washing up and watching big brother tbh).

Just bear in mind that you are very, very precious to the Lord and don't allow any thoughts that you have done anything 'wrong'. Maybe the Lord stopped you in your tracks 'cause there is something He wants to say to you and next time yougo up it will be all the more special.

If you feel you're "out of communion" with God, or the people in your church, or other people who matter to you, that might explain it. I know what you mean about feeling there's something wrong but not knowing what it is - hopefully a bit of quiet time will help you work out what it is, then you can deal with it if it's "real", or just accept it's ok if it's not your fault but just something else upsetting you.

Beansmum. I know what you mean. I fill up my evening with net surfing etc when I should really turn it off, sit quietly and have whatever thoughts are back there waiting to come on out, no matter how tough.

Best wishes. x

A sister at our church gave me a great idea which I have yet to put in to practise but am looking for ways. She said make yourself a prayer corner. Some kind of alter like table with stuff on which gets you in the mood for meditation, calmness, peace and deep thought. Fresh flowers perhaps. Pictures of loved ones or Our Lady if you prefer. Maybe a rosary. I like to have a Buddha and of course some candles.

For me it's just finding a space as every inch of space is spoken for but I think it would be worth trying to do it.

ditto

As usual I had loads to do last night, finally got a moment to myself just before bedtime and was too tired to think. A prayer corner sounds like an idea. Just having a physical reminder to stop and be quiet for a minute would probably help, even if I can't find space for a whole corner, there are always so many distractions. It doesn't help that I am in the middle of clearing out my house ready to move next year and I have boxes everywhere, empty shelves exposing the dust (and mould) and a million things on my to do list.

Just had to say I think Dutchoma's advice is gorgeous, and right.

I miss communion if I'm taking grudges with me to church. I use the period of penitence/absolution at the beginning to put myself "right with God", I hope! But if I can't, then I don't go.