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If it is a 401k (i.e., employer-sponsored fund), there isn't really anything you can do to get away from the banksters.

Leave the money in there and let it grow.  When the time comes to receive penalty-free distributions upon retirement, be generous in having Masses said for your deceased family members, priests, and the poor souls.  Help the poor.  

Going forward, you have the option to cease making future contributions to this fund, and instead, with the money you would have contributed to the 401k, start investing with post-tax dollars in things like real estate (land), physical metals, Gold/Silver IRA's which are backed by physical silver/gold; etc.

PS: Also important to keep in mind the difference between productive and non-productive loans: The former has never been condemned; the latter has been condemned.  In other words, one way to invest is to become a financier of ventures (i.e., you finance someone with a good business idea, and receive a percentage of the profits earned).  That is called a productive loan, and is distinct from interest.  See Dr. Davis Allen White's talk in Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" for a good discussion of WHY interest/usury was condemned.

And if you are taking comfort that you have this big nest egg -- in the Stock Market or cash no less! -- but have no other "preparations" for the future, you're being a fool to be honest.

Being prepared ("prepped" as it were) for the future takes a lot more than a pile of cash, and certainly more than a bunch of e-cash or stock market 1s and 0s!

How about the 8 Gs?

God - your spiritual house in order, this would also count having a chapel nearby that you have supported for missionary priests to say Mass, spiritual books, etc. Your home should be a mini church of sorts
Gold - Financial resources - includes silver, some physical cash, and barter items
Guns - any means of security and self-defense. Besides things bought at a gun shop, there's cinder blocks, plywood in storage in case you need to cover windows, etc.
Grain - food, water, and medicine
Goods - supplies to produce more of these by hand - water filters, garden equipment, wood chipper, composting equipment, survival books, etc. Plus repair supplies to maintain everything by yourself -- including your family, house, garden, vehicles, etc.
Ground - owning land. This includes moving to and/or living in the right geographic location, and being debt-free wherever you are.
Grasp - Knowledge and hands-on experience of practical things. Not just a stack of books, but internal, tested knowledge and muscle memory. They can never take knowledge from you. Invest money in training, not just physical stuff. 1000 rounds in storage and 9000 rounds put downrange* is better than having 10K rounds in storage that will do you no good!
Group - getting to know your neighbors, forming relationships and groups BEFORE the collapse. Working with others will be vital in any collapse scenario. Even a Bingo club would be better than having no pre-existing social net.


*Note: I haven't gone to the range yet myself, but I just learned this and it's certainly true.

Thanks everyone for your advice... I think it’s clear now that I should cash it out so as to avoid making money through usury.  Thank you Matthew for your advice too I think your post pushed me over the edge to stop worrying about the penalty and what others will think.  God bless you all.

Epic imprudence!!

May I advise you to speak with a priest before squandering 40% of your savings based of armchair advice???

Foolish!!