Faith

Priest Who Denied Communion to Lesbian Breaks His Silence: ‘An Awkward Situation’

Fr. Marcel Guarnizo Responds to Barbara Johnsons Claims After Communion Flap

Fr. Marcel Guarnizo

Fr. Marcel Guarnizo, the Catholic priest who has come under fire after withholding communion from a lesbian woman during her mother’s funeral, has broken his silence. In a release published on CNSNews.com, Guarnizo defended his actions, refuted details and attempted to provide his side of the story.

As The Blaze has reported, the woman, Barbara Johnson, has publicly called for Guarnizo, of St. John Neumann Catholic Church, to be removed. Now, following these pleas and the national outrage that followed, he has officially been placed on leave. In his written statement, he says that he ”did the only thing a faithful Catholic priest could do in such an awkward situation.”

(Related: Priest Accused of ‘Intimidating Behavior’ & Placed on Leave After Refusing Communion to Lesbian)

He began his letter with condolences for the Johnson family, then he launched into his version regarding what happened at the funeral on Feb. 25. According to Guarnizo’s recap of the events, his refusal to provide communion was done quietly and without fanfare. Additionally, Johnson ended up getting communion from a Eucharistic minister after he declined to offer it, the priest says. Guarnizo also clarified that he, like other priests, is not anxious to withhold communion, but that the circumstances led to — and in his view warranted — such an action:

In the past ten days, many Catholics have referenced Canon 915 in regard to this specific circumstance. There are other reasons for denying communion which neither meet the threshold of Canon 915 or have any explicit connection to the discipline stated in that canon.

If a Quaker, a Lutheran or a Buddhist, desiring communion had introduced himself as such, before Mass, a priest would be obligated to withhold communion. If someone had shown up in my sacristy drunk, or high on drugs, no communion would have been possible either. If a Catholic, divorced and remarried (without an annulment) would make that known in my sacristy, they too according to Catholic doctrine, would be impeded from receiving communion. This has nothing to do with Canon 915. Ms. Johnson’s circumstances are precisely one of those relations which impede her access to communion according to Catholic teaching. Ms. Johnson was a guest in our parish, not the arbitrer of how sacraments are dispensed in the Catholic Church.

In all of the above circumstances, I would have been placed in a similar uncomfortable position. Under these circumstances, I quietly withheld communion, so quietly that even the Eucharistic Minister standing four feet from me was not aware I had done so.  (In fact Ms. Johnson promptly chose to go to the Eucharistic minister to receive communion and did so.) There was no scandal, no “public reprimand” and no small lecture as some have reported.

Details matter. Ms. Johnson was not kneeling when she approached for communion, she did not receive the cup as the press has reported she has stated. It is the policy of St. John Neumann parish never to distribute under both species during funerals.

Fr. Marcel Guarnizo Responds to Barbara Johnsons Claims After Communion Flap

Barbara Johnson

As The Blaze reported in an earlier piece, Johnson has allegedly admitted allegiance to the Buddhist faith in the past. This, in itself, would provide reasoning — at least by Guarnizo’s own words — for the refusal to provide communion to her. Now, there’s no evidence the priest knew of her faith, as he doesn’t mention it as a reasoning for withholding. But the revelation of her beliefs as it pertains to Catholic law is interesting nonetheless.

Also, Guarnizo goes on to refute the notion that he walked out on the funeral due to the couple’s sexuality. Instead, he says he took some time away from the event (about 25 minutes) to recover from a migraine he felt coming on. He continues:

I finished the Mass and accompanied the body of the deceased in formal procession to the hearse, which was headed to the cemetery. I am subject to occasional severe migraines, and because the pain at that point was becoming disabling, I communicated to our funeral director that I was incapacitated and he arranged one of my brother priests to be present at the cemetery to preside over the rite of burial.

Furthermore, as the testimony of the priest that was at the cemetery conveys, he was present when the Johnson family arrived, and in fact mentioned that being called to cover the burial rite is quite normal, as many priests for reasons much less significant than mine (rush hour traffic, for example) do not make the voyage to the cemetery. He routinely covers for them. This change in plans, was also invisible to the rest of the entourage. Regrets and information about my incapacitating migraine were duly conveyed to the Johnson family. [...]

I did not and would not refuse to accompany Barbara Johnson and her mother to the cemetery because she is gay or lives with a woman. I did not in any way seek to dishonor her memory, and my homily at the funeral should have made that quite evident to all in the pews, including the Johnson family.

The priest goes on to say that his removal from official activity has everything to do with the communion incident and nothing to do with “intimidating behavior” claims that were announced by Bishop Barry Knestout. Read the rest of his response here.

(H/T: NPR)

Comments (142)

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  • izukiddin
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 4:36pm

    Well, it appears that Bishop Barry is lying through his teeth in violation to “Thou Shalt Not Bear False Witness”. But, American Bishops are very practiced liars from their coverups of pedophiles.

     
    • KickinBack
      Posted on March 16, 2012 at 6:07am

      I didn’t know Michael Moore had offspring.

      Report Post » KickinBack  
    • KickinBack
      Posted on March 16, 2012 at 6:08am

      I’m referring to that pic of course…

      Report Post » KickinBack  
    • RonSr
      Posted on March 16, 2012 at 2:41pm

      Were you there, if no you have no idea what happened, or whether this priest is telling the truth or not, but you would rather condemn the priest for doing his job, and No I am not Catholic.

      Report Post »  
    • RonSr
      Posted on March 16, 2012 at 2:42pm

      Perhaps this person who i living in sin is also lying.

      Report Post »  
    • MDDAWG
      Posted on March 16, 2012 at 5:33pm

      The Priest was totally appropriate to refuse to give communion to a person in mortal sin. Any church has the right (and obligaton) to decline religious services to any person whom they perceive to be unworthy of that ordinance.

      This is just another example of the LGBTE’s puching their agenda on everyone else, including churches. Do the lesbians think that this is some kind of right (not rite) owed to them??

      Report Post » MDDAWG  
  • dlivelli
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 4:12pm

    I’m sorry, but doesn’t the priest have an obligation to do this? If you are in the state of mortal sin and you receive you are committing another mortal sin, right? So if the priest knows should he not help you out? If you are pro abortion you should not receive either. No matter what BS you give abortion is killing a voiceless, defenseless little baby…period. The liberals want to give your dog a lawyer to defend itself, but they wont give a little baby even half a chance. What twisted logic do you call that? Also, there are many reasons you should not receive. You are supposed to be mature enough to know when you have to redeem yourself to be able to receive.
    Why are they making such a big deal out of this anyway….I’m sure there are more important things to be discussing. There are also of course NO examples of muslims doing things hurtful to people…right? But you hear nothing…why? Are they afraid or do they just have it in for catholics and jews?

    Report Post »  
    • JimL
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 4:18pm

      Food to the dead. Grow on it?

      Report Post »  
    • JimL
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 4:21pm

      Hint: China appoints bishops.

      Report Post »  
    • tkazee
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 4:48pm

      I am politically conservative and theologically liberal. Here’s my take on this, and it’s biblical. The priest will not suffer for the sins of another. Only his own. So, it’s not up to this priest, or the catholic church to tell someone whether they can or cannot take communion. That is between the person and God. I really cannot stand the stance of the catholic church taking the place of “Vicar of Christ”. It’s not right, and it’s not at all biblical. The priest was wrong, no matter what his Canon says. The canon is NOT the bible, nor does he speak or act as Christ. Let her reap her own judgement upon herself for taking communion while in sin. The blood is on her hands.

      Report Post »  
    • mycomet123
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:02pm

      JIML, Could you please clarify Your comments? Food for the dead? (The Eucharist is the Bread of Life for those who believe) China appoints bishops?(The Vatican is the only one that appoints bishops). Your comment also in regards to the Sacrement of Reconciliation? (??????).

      Report Post »  
    • BrianSTC
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:12pm

      @Tkazee The Catholic Church put together the Bible. If you insist on sola scriptura, then you should actually find out where the Bible came from first ;) Also, who are you tell say a CATHOLIC priest is wrong for following CATHOLIC teaching?

      Report Post »  
    • rev44
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 6:11pm

      @ TKAZEE, your position is not biblical in the least. 1 Corinthians chapter 5 makes it clear that communion is not an entitlement but a privilege of church membership, and that the church may refuse communion and even exclude from membership those who are openly and blatantly living contrary to the moral guidelines of Scripture. I am not a Catholic, nor do I agree with much of what the Catholic Church believes or practices, but in this case the refusing of communion to a lesbian was well within biblical parameters.

      Report Post » rev44  
    • Servant Of YHVH
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:26pm

      @tkazee
      “I am politically conservative and theologically liberal. Here’s my take on this, and it’s biblical. The priest will not suffer for the sins of another. Only his own. So, it’s not up to this priest, or the catholic church to tell someone whether they can or cannot take communion.”

      You are correct that the priest will not suffer for the sins of another, BUT they will suffer for their own sins, totally ignoring the canons but going by God’s Word. The person could have communion and it would be between them and God, but that is if the person does the communion by themselves. The priest would have committed sin by doing it according to the catholic faith. This is where the problem with being “theologically liberal” comes in, the common liberal belief is that sin is not sin because the people don’t like it being sin. (This is a very intentionally crude way of saying it). People can worship the way they want but just personal to me, I don’t see why anyone would follow the catholic faith except that it is an easy way to “get of going to hell because a man says that you say a few rosaries or whatever and then they are sinless. It‘s an easy way to avoid the responsibility of not having to follow God’s commandments. I know some people will be offended about what I just said but I am only saying what I feel about it, if I’m wrong then I am wrong even though I believe that I am right. Just remember that all of you have your own opinions too.

      Report Post » Servant Of YHVH  
    • snooop1e
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:38pm

      Priests are obligated not to provide the Eucharist to those who are living a lifestyle that is contrary to the Catholic faith whether it be a sexual or religious in nature. As Catholics we take Jesus literally when he says that the Bread and Wine are His Body and Blood. We believe Jesus when He says that His Body is REAL (not symbolic) food and His Blood is REAL (not symbolic) drink. We believe Jesus when He tells us if we eat His Body and Drink His blood He abides in us and we in Him and He will raise us up on the last day. We believe Jesus when he tells us unless we eat His Body and Drink His blood we have no life within us. St Paul warned ”whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of SINNING against the BODY and BLOOD of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For ANYONE who eats and drinks WITHOUT RECOGNIZING THE BODY OF THE LORD eats and drinks JUDGEMENT on himself. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. (1 COR 11:26-30) Paul is VERY clear that those who deny Jesus BODY and BLOOD when partaking of the bread and wine eat and drink JUDGEMENT upon themselves. This is a fundamental belief of Catholics and the reason that this Priest denied this women holy communion. God Bless

      Report Post » snooop1e  
    • snooop1e
      Posted on March 16, 2012 at 12:07am

      @TKAZEE – 1 Corinthians 2:15 “The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment” That’s biblical. Galatians 6:1 “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently” 1 Corinthians 10: 15-17 “I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?” That’s biblical. 1 Corinthians 10:21-22 ” You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons. Are we trying to arouse the Lord’s jealousy? Are we stronger than he?” God Bless

      Report Post » snooop1e  
    • JimL
      Posted on March 16, 2012 at 11:04am

      MYCOMENT123: Sorry about not responding earlier.
      See, http://www.ewtn.com/library/CANONLAW/zleshanord.HTM for the China catholic church versus the underground Catholic Church; you may also find discussion of the guidelines of Dallas National Conference of Catholic Bishops’ and their implementation insightful.
      See Scripture concerning the parable of the wedding feast—“all invited; some declined; some came but didn’t come wearing…”
      Sacrament of Reconciliation– walking/stumbling/walking with the Lord

      Report Post »  
  • JimL
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 4:09pm

    Sacrament of Reconciliation?

    1.) Trust in me; 2.) reject responsibility; 3.) work at nothing, everyday; 4.) reject history and wisdom; 5.) fly into a fit of rage when the light is against me; 6.) pay to view; 7.) vote for “take it from him and hand it over to me government”; 8) mass mail stuff about folks you have never met, and 9.)complain that your neighbor’s good fortune was ill-gotten.

    Not here but that Publican.

    Report Post »  
  • Free2speakRN
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 4:06pm

    The reciever recieves according to their mode. This is one reason why priests normally don’t refuse Holy Communion. eg) Pelosi, or any other government public figure fighting for pro-abortion rights. The priests could if they want. But, they usually don’t. A person, in himself, ‘excommunicates himself’, by his practice of advocating the laws for pro-abortion.

    With things being how they are with Obamacare vs the Church, maybe things will be more public in refusals. This is a very hard, very difficult thing for priests to go through. If a priest knows something, he can act according to the Church Cannon. He did nothing wrong as a priest, (as far as I know). And along with that, in the case of Fr. Marcel, by Catholic Teaching, he would have to say, “Only God knows the heart.”

    He didn’t condemn Barbara to hell. Let this be known. As a Catholic, we are simply not allowed to. And he didn’t. Nor do I condemn her. He refused her Holy Communion.

    Report Post »  
    • RonmeyPaulBotsrOdd
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 7:26pm

      Well lets see – I am catholic and my wife and I are seeking an annulment for my first marriage out of the church so that we can receive communion. We attend mass and know we cannot receive communion. We also know – that if we have not gone to confession…we cannot receive communion. My uncle was a couple of weeks away from becoming a priest and would not vow that he would give up his homosexuality ( a fact we did not know until his funeral – our parents kept us away from the fact he was gay) and subsequently was excommunicated and when he died – they would not allow his funeral within the catholic church. I still support the church and see the change from liberalism back to conservatism…but it takes time to change organizational culture.
      What does pi$$ me off are all these politicians and supposed people of calling within the church pass/support laws that are heretical. Pelosi, Biden, nearly all the Kennedy Clan etc should be all excommunicate and then you will see a resurgence within the faith.

      Report Post »  
    • snooop1e
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:40pm

      Precisely, well put. God Bless.

      Report Post » snooop1e  
    • YAHSHUARULES
      Posted on March 16, 2012 at 2:43am

      Bravo for this priest. There need to be more that take a moral stand and stop making excuses for immoral behavior. The homosexual agenda is a political one based on the lie of “born gay” so they can ignore the moral consequences of deviant behavior. It began taking an act – sodomy and redefining it to a protected class of an oppressed minority so called “gays” This agenda got its start in Germany and here in the US the leader was a member of a occult organization O.T.O. The radicals that wanted to wallow in filth went after the American Psychiatric Association proudly declaring when the status of homosexuality was moved out of a deviant behavior that it was a POLITICAL victory, they acknowledged it had nothing to do with science. Among themselves they don’t believe the “born gay” ruse – no “gay” gene – studies debunked. Sexual identify they find is fluid, many find themselves in relationships with the OPPOSITE sex and the homosexual community is fine with that as long as they continue to CALL THEMSELVES “GAY”. The lament is if they don’t they will lose POLITICAL power. They are vicious against “reparative therapy” which works. It angers them because it forces them to look at the immorality. We are to mortify the deeds of the flesh not identify with it and define ourselves by our gentials.
      Here is a link to a great overview of this twisted perverse movement. Well worth reading the whole thing.
      http://www.massresistance.org/docs/gen/08a/born_gay_hoax/TheBornGay

      Report Post » YAHSHUARULES  
  • welovetheUSA
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 4:06pm

    Taking a stand on principles is the right thing to do………queers are a abomination.

    Report Post » welovetheUSA  
    • lukerw
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 4:42pm

      Belief & Action results in Faith Confirmed… on the other hand, GayDom seems like a Mental Disorder!

      Report Post » lukerw  
  • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 4:05pm

    At first, I thought that was a guy, then, I thought that was Pat, from SNL. She not only ugly, she’s Ugly (pronounced “yougly.”)

    Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • SoupSandwich
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 4:56pm

      Fugly. F in ugly and damn proud of her specialness. All should bow in the presence of her specialness.

      Report Post »  
    • RonSr
      Posted on March 16, 2012 at 2:45pm

      I think the word to use here is Fugly.

      Report Post »  
  • ccrabill
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 4:04pm

    The Priest and any believer administering Communion has a DUTY to prevent those in admitted sin from receiving Communion. To eat or drink it UNWORTHILY as BIBLICALLY defined is to eat and drink DAMNATION as stated below:

    I Corinthians 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.

    30For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.(ARE DEAD)

    31For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

    32But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

    Report Post » ccrabill  
  • vnachi77
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:47pm

    I would like to see more priests take this stand. Nancy Pelosi is a practicing Catholic and continues to recieve the Rite of Communion, all the while supporting abortion rights. If the Bishops what the faithful to support their call to action in regards to the contraception mandate, than the least we can expect is for them to support parish priest’s acting in good faith while delivering the Sacraments.

    Report Post » vnachi77  
    • antiepa
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:50pm

      VNACHI77 says Nancy Pelosi is a practicing Catholic but Nancy Pelosi is not a FAITHFUL Catholic.

      The US Conference of Catholic Bishops reported the number of baptized Catholics in America is about 70 million. Only about 50% of those are actually registered in a parish, and of those only about 30% actually attend Mass every Sunday and Holy Day, and of those about 50% reject some of the Church’s teachings (such as they reject the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, they reject the Church’s teaching on the intrinsic evil of contraception and sterilization, they married outside the Church without the permission of their Bishop, they are divorced and remarried without an annulment, they think women should be priests, they think homosexuals should be allowed to be married, they think faith without works merits salvation, they don’t think they need to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least once per year, they reject an immutable truth established by Church dogma, etc.).

      Doing the math (70 Million x .5 x .3 x .5) shows that there are only about 5 Million Faithful Catholics in the United States, or put another way, only 5 of every 70 baptized Catholics are Faithful Catholics.

      This sure gives meaning to Mathew Chapter 7, Verse 14: “How narrow is the gate, and strait is the way that leadeth to life: and few there are that find it!”

      Report Post » antiepa  
    • snooop1e
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:48pm

      @ANTIEPA – Many are called but few are chosen. God Bless

      Report Post » snooop1e  
  • spirited
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:46pm

    WHY COMMUNION IS SO IMPORTANT

    Our Lord left His Church with two sacraments, or ordinances: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Baptism is usually a one time experience in the life of the believer, done soon after conversion. Communion is a recurring sacrament that Christians partake of numerous times throughout their lives. Both of these sacraments were given in the form of commands from our Lord. Although they do not confer salvation, they are “means of grace,” meaning that through their observance, believers receive spiritual benefit.

    The Lord’s Supper is important and should be held in high regard by all believers. The three synoptic gospels all record the inauguration of the Lord’s Supper. It is referred to in Acts. It is taught in 1 Corinthians. It was a major topic addressed by the Reformation. These facts are reminders of the importance of Communion. ~Errol Hale

    Report Post » spirited  
    • TH30PH1LUS
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 4:20pm

      well said.

      Report Post » TH30PH1LUS  
    • quovadis
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 7:29pm

      To know that this “woman” went to the Eucharistic minister, after being refused communion by the priest, is important. She was going to “get it” anyway she could, and scandalize the congregation in the process. But what she most wanted–and didn’t get–was communion from the priest.
      A Catholic priest is … in persona Christi—in the person of Christ. He literally represents Christ, especially in administering the sacraments. She wanted communion from the priest himself,
      “from Christ Himself”, so to speak…a mockery. “I will not comply, I will not serve.” She knew the rules of receiving the Holy Eucharist, and chose not to comply. Now she wants the priest’s job….
      his “head on a platter”. We’ve experienced this story before…..

      Report Post »  
    • snooop1e
      Posted on March 16, 2012 at 12:39am

      @SPIRITED – Baptism is “usually” a one time experience? Where in the Bible does it say that Baptism is “usually” a one time experience and that Baptism doesn’t really do anything? (1 Peter 3:19-21) “….eight in all were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you” (ACTS 2:30-38) “When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” also (Ephesians 4:5) “one Lord, one faith, one baptism”…..God Bless

      Report Post » snooop1e  
    • antiepa
      Posted on March 16, 2012 at 2:10am

      Our Lord left His Church not 2 but 7 Sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Penance, Extreme Unction, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.

      http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13295a.htm

      Report Post » antiepa  
  • The_Jerk
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:41pm

    There is no right to receive communion. Lesbos should not.

    Report Post »  
  • momrules
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:40pm

    The only honorable one in this whole debacle is Fr. Guarnizo. He stood on principle and the teaching of the Catholic Church.
    The dishonor belongs to Bishop Knestout and to Barbara Johnson, He, for not standing up and doing the right thing and she, for being a liar.
    I’m not Catholic but even I can see how Fr. Guarnizo has been stabbed in the back by the very church he believes in.

    Report Post »  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:48pm

      Mom I agree with you.

      Report Post » Stoic one  
    • spirited
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:54pm

      Perhaps Bishop Knestout did what he did in order to evidence (to the Catholic Church attackers) that Barbara’s claim was NOT ignored; as were –the– many sex abuses. Also, this may aid Catholic (and other religious) institutions and organizations with regards to the conscience clause as it pertains to Obama‘s women’s “health care” (contraception, sterilization, abortion: population control)

      >Now, Father Marcel Guarnizo may continue on unscathed; and the Catholic Church (period, amen).

      Report Post » spirited  
    • mickie4
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 4:20pm

      I also agree with you. Your statement was clear and right on.

      Report Post »  
    • snooop1e
      Posted on March 16, 2012 at 12:46am

      1 Peter 3:12-17 “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer,but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened. But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil”

      Report Post » snooop1e  
  • hi
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:35pm

    My kids are Christian and not allowed Communion at their Catholic school.

    Report Post » hi  
    • spirited
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:40pm

      “But let no one eat or drink of this eucharistic thanksgiving, but they that have been baptized into the name of the Lord”. -Didache 9:10-12

      Report Post » spirited  
    • Chaco Burger
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:06pm

      Hi – there is a reason for this. When one receives communion in a Catholic Church the recipient is saying that they are in a state of grace AND agree with the teachings of the Catholic Church. To give communion to you children (or any non-Catholic) is to invite that person to lie. It is for this reason that communion is limited to Catholics. I know that this practice rubs other Christians the wrong way – but the real motivation is preserving the meaning of the sacrament – not one of exclusion. Hope that helps – and that your kids are drawing closer to Christ through their school.

      Report Post »  
    • snooop1e
      Posted on March 16, 2012 at 1:04am

      When the Eucharist is administered the Priest or the Eucharistic Minister holds up the Eucharist looking into the communicants eyes and declares (the Eucharist) “The Body of Christ” to which the communicant replies “Amen” affirming that he/she believes that the Eucharist is indeed the Body of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Anyone who is not Catholic and/or who is Catholic and responds Amen while not truly believing and not being in a state of grace (free from sin unto death) as stated in 1 John 5:16, is partaking of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in an unworthy manner and eats and drinks condemnation upon himself. This is a very serious matter, what could be more serious? This is the reason that people are not allowed to receive the Eucharist until they fully understand and affirm the teachings of the Catholic church. To some people this is seen as uncharitable but Matthew 7:6 warns about giving holy things to those who are not holy. “Take note of those who hold heterodox opinions on the grace of Jesus Christ which has come to us, and see how contrary their opinions are to the mind of God … They abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ, flesh which suffered for our sins and which that Father, in his goodness, raised up again. They who deny the gift of God are perishing in their disputes” St Ignatius 110 AD…..

      Report Post » snooop1e  
  • spirited
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:35pm

    Take off the head dress in a Mosque Barbara –

    Report Post » spirited  
  • spirited
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:32pm

    Boy oh boy (! ) ….did Barbara Johnson come out of her closet.

    >Sounds like another case of entitlement; deliberate disrespect for other’s beliefs

    Report Post » spirited  
  • Fiscallytead
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:32pm

    Fr. Marcel Guarnizo was right to withhold communion for Barbara Johnson. She was not a member of the faith, lived contrary to the faith and she was the one who created the incident by requiring that she partake in communion. Having been raised by a her mother, a catholic, whe would have known that she would not be eligable for communion because of her beliefs, budism, and her lifestyle. Additionally, according to this article, Ms Johnson after being told she could not have communion and the reason from the priest definantly when to a lay person for communion anyway.

    As a believer, who is not a catholic, I would not disrepect anyone religion, let alone my mothers, by partaking in a sacrament that i was told i could not participate in. Frankly, Ms Johnson need to apologize the the priest and the church for her behavior.

    Report Post »  
  • urrybr
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:31pm

    Well, another bleeding heart for the demolibtards. She’s the rainbow poster child.

    Report Post » urrybr  
  • SREGN
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:30pm

    So as always, liberal non-catholics want to dictate the religious practices of catholics. I think the priest should be quite publically commended. And leadership needs to grow a set and start defending their faith more publically. And the Pope should grow a set and start excommunicating CINOs in public office like Pelosi & Sebilius.

    Report Post »  
  • USAMEDIC3008
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:27pm

    To give is not a sin
    To take,could be
    All have sin,and fall short. But dont worry,If you read the
    instruction BOOK.It can be fixed

    Side note;Miss= single Mrs= married
    Ms =looks in their undies and has no idea what it is………….

    Report Post » USAMEDIC3008  
    • kaydeebeau
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 6:32pm

      So by that reasoning, if I drive the get away car because I didn’t actually rob the bank I get a pass? It is called aiding the commission of the primary crime. The priest would have been guilty of promoting what he knew to be a sin had he given the sacrament. He was right. I cannot assist you in your sin and be found blameless or sinless for that

      Report Post » kaydeebeau  
    • gdogle9155
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 7:05pm

      USAMEDIC3008

      I liked your side note.

      Report Post » gdogle9155  
    • gdogle9155
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 7:10pm

      USAMEDIC3008

      I’m Still Laughing.

      Report Post » gdogle9155  
    • USAMEDIC3008
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 7:53pm

      Kay is not….

      Report Post » USAMEDIC3008  
  • Bro. Chuck
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:25pm

    If the Priest let her take of the Sacrament, he would have been remiss for letting her condemn herself to hell by not pointing out her need for “self-examination”……

    Bro. (Fr.) Guarnizo….

    Be Bless’d for standing up and doing what was right in The Spirit, sir!

    I may have issue with the “church”, but I will still give you encouragement in your conviction, brother.

    Putting all “doctrinal issues” aside then, we should keep Bro. Guarnizo in our prayers….

    Adonai,
    we lift up our brother to you in our prayers and thoughts….
    he has done rightly in his action -

    May those who try to pervert Your Truth…
    that assume upon Your Grace & Mercy for their own purposes -
    justifying their actions against you,
    while heaping coals upon their own heads,
    to advance their own agendas…..
    and
    (whether knowingly or unknowingly)
    bring confusion, and derision to that which is Holy……
    May You deal with them according to Your Will, Lord.

    They mock You, Lord….
    and our brother Guarnizo stood firm.

    Bless, him, Father….
    hold him in Your Hand and protect him from the assault which will march forth….
    Open his eyes and his heart to Your Ruach HaKodesh….
    give him Your Wisdom & Understanding so that he may resist the slings & arrows already launched & on their way….

    Father, in Yeshuah’s Precious Name, we humbly ask …..
    Amen, and Amen….

    Be Bless’d Brother……

    Report Post »  
  • Infidel49
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:24pm

    A man of God gets kicked out because of a freak? She should have known she was not permitted to receive due to her lifestyle. She is now the new poster freak for the left. Go ahead honey, get your 15 seconds of fame. Enjoy it now while you can.

    Report Post » Infidel49  
  • Dinkiecb
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:21pm

    Somehow I don’t think God would have minded if she was a lesbian or not. I’m not a Catholic or even a church goer in any religion..and that’s one of the reasons why … because the “people” in churches always seem to think they know .. what God has in mind…

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    • Gonzo
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:32pm

      Uh, maybe because He’s told us what He has in mind? Pick up a Bible and read it.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • thevillager
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:35pm

      How would you know what God wants. You don’t go to church to find out. Read the Bible! Seewhat God says about Men laying with men, women laying with women.

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    • opinionista
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:39pm

      Yes, we do, in many cases becaue we read the Bible. Can you say “abomination”?

      Report Post »  
    • girlnurse
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:42pm

      Maybe you shouldn‘t really comment on things you don’t understand. That is why the bible says do not throw your pearls before swine…why would I hand a bible to a known devil worshiper who was going to burn it? Would I give an American flag to a Muslim who I knew was just going to turn around and burn it?
      For those of us who are Christian-Communion has meaning…it isn’t some empty ritual like thorwing a penny in a fountain. It IS the flesh and blood of Jesus and symbolizes what he did on the cross for us. He gave his LIFE. Communion is serious and not to be taken lightly by someone who doesn’t even believe Jesus is God OR that he died for all of our sins. Why would anyone want someone like that to take Holy communion? Why would she (a buddhist) want to take communion???

      Report Post » girlnurse  
    • namron019
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:52pm

      1 Corinthians 11

      23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread,24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is fort you. Do this in remembrance of me.”t 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

      27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord.28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.

      The priest was showing her mercy.

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    • itdadof3
      Posted on March 16, 2012 at 11:04am

      @Dinkiecb – Your logic completely stymies me. If you don’t practice any religion how would you ever believe to know what God thinks? And it is easy to know how God thinks. The bible is His book to share what His thoughts are. Since you are concerned with His thoughts, He made the book available to all so they could possibly know Him. I would be happy to send you a copy.

      Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:21pm

    If you don’t believe or follow what the church teaches, why would you want their communion anyway?

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • USAMEDIC3008
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:34pm

      GON…
      My Grandfather had a theory about long hair on men.
      Hair could only get so long,then the roots started growing into
      their brain and would make them stupid.
      I never got to worried Evolution just a theory too…

      Report Post » USAMEDIC3008  
    • Jenny Lind
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:36pm

      That is how I feel. If you don‘t live your religion you have no right to it’s formalities. I am tired of the people in all churches who seek to change what they teach. If you disagree, leave and find a church that you agree with. It seems the catholic church is making very clear it’s teachings, and this priest is in the right of it. Don’t even bother to say I love it but, the but says you don’t.

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    • FL_Catholic
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:41pm

      that’s what “communion” means! It’s all about “oneness of belief, in union with the community of believers”.

      This is not some restaurant that you can just walk into and demand service – it is a body of believers. If you don’t believe likewise, you are not of that body. Period!

      Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:47pm

      That’s great Medic, did grandpa ever tell you that an avatar is most likely not a picture of the actaul poster? Why do you hate Ted Nugent?

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • USAMEDIC3008
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 4:00pm

      Not a better American than Ted.Unless maybe You and Me
      Just made me think of long ago
      Im still smiling
      Grandpa was allright Just a little old corp

      Report Post » USAMEDIC3008  
  • Locked
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:17pm

    I find his words quite plausible and acceptable. From what I’ve researched on Catholic doctrine, it is indeed up to the priest to withhold or grant Communion based upon the actions of the recipient. Sounds like he’s a victim of the press.

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    • @leftfighter
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:24pm

      Sounds?

      He’s *definitey* a victim of the Party Line toting far Left press.

      I sent him an email and congratulated him on not compromising on the tenets of his faith.

      Report Post » @leftfighter  
    • Locked
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:42pm

      @Left

      Yes, sounds. By his own words, he was removed for other reasons. The timing could be a coincidence, but it doesn’t seem like it, especially with the words from the bishop.

      Report Post »  
  • ChildofJesus
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:16pm

    God bless you father.thank you for standing up

    Report Post »  
    • wilsonj72
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:35pm

      Right on! We have a bible reader. The priest was following the bible, she was an unbeliever that did not want change her life style in accordance with the bible. The Priest did it quietly. Paul in the bible had a man put out the church for inappropriate sexual behavior.

      Report Post » wilsonj72  
    • shimauma
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 4:18pm

      Wish we could get the whole Catholic ministry to stand up against perversion like this man has. I could see nancy pelosi and john f-ing kerry getting refused for their pro-abortion stance would make some BIG public strides for people of morality to stand up against the libturd doctrine.

      Report Post » shimauma  
    • Servant Of YHVH
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:35pm

      @wilsonj72

      You are correct about that, in fact the Bible states absolutely that even if it is someone that is a member of a church who refuses to stop sinning after being approached by someone regarding their sinning, they are to be kicked out of the church and the church leaders will be held accountable if they allow that person to stay in the church. Biblically, the church is for believers to study and learn about God as well as fellowship with like minded believers, not for sinners. The believers are supposed to go out into the world, and cause people to believe thereby they will start going to church to study and learn and fellowship. This is a big problem with the church nowadays, they believe that people are just supposed to come into a church on their own to “get saved”. This absolves them of having to go out into the world to bring sinners to God on their own.

      Report Post » Servant Of YHVH  
  • 13th Imam
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:11pm

    As a Buddhist, does Pat (SNL) have the right to demand communion. Ehhhhhhhhhhh

    Report Post » 13th Imam  
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