she claims the Church used to REQUIRE a person to confess before EVERY reception of the Eucharist... even venial sins

I said this is a good and pious practice, but I can find nothing by way of documentation for the Church ever REQUIRING such

There's a lot of misinformation out there, and sometimes they won't listen, no matter what you say

Just pray for her. she'll be more tenacious than a pitbull with a child in its teeth if you press the issue

I think there may have been a widespread impression among the laity that something like that was required

Many people prior to VII even attending mass regularly, didn't go to communion very often because of the fast and emphasis on proper recptn

Not totally a bad thing. But now we are much too far the other way.

I still remember my Dad and Mom going to confession almost every Sat. - course now they go once a year

Anyway, I wouldn't be too surprised on your friends misunderstanding. Just correct her by explaining how SERIOUSLY people were taught to

take the Eucharist in those times.