If you're already Catholic, this section provides questions and answers covering a wide range of topics pertaining to living the Catholic life. Being Catholic 24/7/365 is a necessity and not something we set aside at work, at home or at play. In other words, it is never right to compartmentalize one's Catholic faith and even for faithful Catholics who reject a compartmentalized faith, being Catholic 24/7/365 is the essence of what spiritual warfare is about.

What does it mean to "worthily" or "unworthily" receive holy communion?  Aren't we all unworthy?
By Steven O'Keefe, CAA Staff Apologist
Before we receive communion, the liturgy has us recite the prayer, "Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed."  In saying this, we acknowledge our unworthiness to receive the Eucharist.  However, the Church likewise speaks of the importance of receiving communion "worthily," and warns against the dangers of receiving in an "unworthy" way.  This can seem like a contradiction to some people.

The answer is that there is more than one way to speak of being "worthy" of something.  Imagine you received a full-ride scholarship from a charitable organization.  You have not done anything to earn this scholarship.  It’s a gratuitous gift.  So in that sense you are "unworthy" of it.  However, the scholarship may also be given on the condition that you maintain a passing GPA, and do not get in trouble with the campus police.  From that perspective we see an additional way in which a person can be "worthy" or "unworthy" of the scholarship.  Despite being unworthy in the strict sense, the person who maintains passing grades nonetheless receives it worthily. The person who fails his classes and is arrested for public intoxication does not.

In a similar way, we are all unworthy of receiving the Eucharist.  However, in 1Corinthians 11:27-30, Saint Paul informs us that there are still worthy and unworthy ways to receive it.  What's more, he says it is dangerous to receive the Eucharist in an unworthy state.  Basing itself on those passages, the Catechism states: "Anyone who desires to receive Christ in Eucharistic communion must be in a state of grace.  Anyone aware of having sinned mortally must not receive communion without having received absolution in the sacrament of penance." [CCC 1415]

How often am I required to go to Confession (Sacrament of Reconciliation)?
By Steven O'Keefe, CAA Staff Apologist
The Sacrament of Confession should be a regular feature of the spiritual life of every Catholic.  The Catechism says: "Individual confession and absolution remain the only ordinary way for the faithful to reconcile themselves with God and the Church. Christ is at work in each of the sacraments. He personally addresses every sinner: 'My son, your sins are forgiven.'" [CCC 1484]  

For this reason, Catholics have the obligation to attend Confession -annually- as one of the obligatory "precepts" - or basic expectations - established by the Church.  The Catechism states the following regarding these precepts: "The obligatory character of these positive laws decreed by the pastoral authorities is meant to guarantee to the faithful the very necessary minimum in the spirit of prayer and moral effort, in the growth in love of God and neighbor. [...] The second precept ('You shall confess your sins at least once a year') ensures preparation for the Eucharist by the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation, which continues Baptism's work of conversion and forgiveness." [CCC 2041-2042]  
However, one might compare this to a doctor saying you must exercise once a month to prevent muscle atrophy.  Any health-conscious person would surely go beyond the bare minimum.  Therefore, we should listen to what Pope Francis said in his February 19th 2014 Wednesday audience: "Everyone say to himself: ‘When was the last time I went to confession?’ And if it has been a long time, don’t lose another day! Go, the priest will be good. And Jesus, will be there, and Jesus is better than the priests.  Jesus receives you. He will receive you with so much love! Be courageous, and go to Confession.”