Former Catholics in the Communion Line - Why would that be?

Questions about former Catholics taking communion at Catholic churches:

Can former Catholics  but current converts to Evangelicals/Baptist/Methodist receive communion in the Catholic church since they were baptized Catholic, and for some confirmed as well?  Similarly, can former Catholics who are now Secular/none still receive communion at weddings and funerals etc.? 

I was trying to figure this one out when I attended a Catholic wedding/funeral with many former Catholic members in the communion line, and I was wondering why. I went on the internet to search for an answer wondering why they go up if

They don’t believe, and if they do believe, why are they not reverts or returnees to the Catholic faith or join RCIA if they do believe?

I’ve concluded that perhaps the former Catholics don’t even know enough about their former faith.  How many of them are really aware that Jesus is in the Eucharist?   I decided they didn’t know. They were ignorant of their former faith in the first place, and this doesn’t surprise me that they left if they don’t really get it.  Whatever they were taught in religious classes in their earlier years, it didn’t get passed on – the core of Catholicism.  

I  found a good answer here that seems to apply to many situations with a similar question asked first: 

Someone said in this source - https://www.quora.com/Do-I-take-communion-at-a-funeral-of-a-relative :

Do I take communion at a funeral of a relative?

An aunt with whom I am close died, and I am delivering the eulogy.  I was baptized Catholic but confirmed Methodist and am a person of faith but not a member of a church.  My stepmother and her other sister are devout Catholics.  Do I take communion at the mass?  I have no objection to taking it, but would this be inappropriate?

Good response below at same source link above:

Erik Mojica, Amateur Catholic.

Written Aug 26, 2014

My prayers and condolences.

No, you should not take Communion. It is not appropriate since you identify as no longer being a member of the Church.

To partake in the Eucharist is to make a public profession of faith stating that you hold to all the Church believes and teaches in addition to stating that you are free from mortal sin. This is best left between you and God but being baptized Catholic and confirmed Methodist and not remaining Catholic is a negation of the Faith and this you are not in communion with the Church.

Apologies for the long answer but I was hoping to provide you a bit of context in the event someone wonders why you decide not to take Communion.

Remember that Catholics believe the Eucharist IS the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Blessed Lord.

God bless.

I also found a good link to explain this  Yes to Jesus - amazing altar call to Jesus in the Holy Communion in the authors own words at http://www.catholicbridge.com/catholic/eucharist.php

Check it out!  

AND this too at 

 http://www.catholicbridge.com/catholic/mass.php#joincommunion

Catholic Bridge web site is a wonderful site for learning more about Catholicism and is Evangelical Protestant friendly.   Check out Catholic Bridge website for other links to understand the Catholic faith.

This is a great site for former Catholics too, many whom know little about Catholicism.  Check it out!

Article about Former Catholics:  http://www.hprweb.com/2014/02/catholics-some-of-our-members-are-wandering-away/

Good advice on what to do at weddings and funerals for Non Catholics:

I joined the church a few years ago, and went through the RCIA (basically an intro to the Catholic church for adults). When everyone goes to get communion, it's much easier (both for you, since it's less awkward, and for everybody else, since they aren't tripping over you) to go up with everybody else, and place your right hand (or both hands, forming an X) against your chest when you approach the priest. This is a sign that you want a blessing rather than communion, and anybody is welcome to receive a blessing whether they are Catholic or not.

For the rest of the service, standing, sitting, and kneeling when everybody else does the same is the usual protocol.
posted by gwenzel at 9:05 AM on April 2, 2006 (source:  http://ask.metafilter.com/35547/Catholic-mass-etiquette-for-nonCatholics)

The Word of God in real time captioning at http://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/os-church-court-reporters-any-given-1101-20151101-story.html

Reach Catholics and Former Catholics who are hard of hearing and deaf by providing real time captioning so they can be active participants at the Mass.  If you are using video's at your churches or websites, be sure to have closed captioning on them as well.

Catholics Come Home:  http://www.catholicscomehome.org/your-questions/church-teachings/the-eucharist/

I  found this interesting at http://www.hprweb.com/2014/02/catholics-some-of-our-members-are-wandering-away/

As you see the church struggling with adult faith formation when you read this article, I’m reminded as well how important it is to make the church accessible to the deaf and hard of hearing whether its sign language, CART/real time live captioning or audio induction loops/assistive listening devices.  The connection is important for all of them and being diverse in their needs, all three should be in place -real time live captioning, audio  induction loops and sign language because not everyone who is deaf and hard of hearing can use all three accommodations .