Obligations of the Recipient in Reference to the Minister

Reception of a Sacrament from an Unworthy Minister.—May a Sacrament be received from a minister who, to one’s certain knowledge, cannot give it without sin on account of unworthiness (such as a state of sin or censure)?

(a) Per se, this is unlawful, for it is cooperation with sacrilege and is often attended by scandal and danger of perversion to self.

(b) Per accidens, this is lawful, for material cooperation is justified when a proportionately grave reason exists (1515 sqq.). Moreover, often the minister can put himself in the state of grace before he gives the Sacrament, or can be excused from sacrilege on account of the necessity. The less the irreverence or danger of scandal, the less need be the reason for asking or taking a Sacrament from an unworthy person. If the minister is a sinner or is under ordinary suspension or other censure, a serious reason of spiritual advantage suffices (e.g., the opportunity to make the Easter duty); if the minister is under sentence (Canon 2261 n. 3), only danger of death suffices; if the minister is a heretic or schismatic, only extreme need suffices, and the danger of scandal and perversion must be avoided.