With respect to Holy Communion, it is up to the communicant to decide whether they are in a state of grace and worthy to receive the Eucharist. Each one of us makes that decision.

Mahony described the abuse as a "terrible sin and crime" after a series of trials into sex abuse claims since the 1940s were to begin. He was then appointed Bishop of Stockton in 1980. Early life and priesthood
Roger Michael Mahony was born in the Hollywood area of Los Angeles California the son of Victor and Loretta (née Baron) Mahony.

On January 31 2013 Archbishop Gómez relieved Mahony of his public and episcopal duties in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles following the release of personnel files documenting priest sexual-abuse cases during part of Mahony's tenure. He was then appointed Bishop of Stockton in 1980. He was appointed auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Fresno in January 1975 and consecrated bishop in March 1975.