Prevent infinite loop due to mutually recursive module init functions

[jabraham17]

Prevents error handling code from getting into a cycle of following mutually recursive functions.

Resolves #26029

Testing:

• Tested that original issue is resolved
• Full paratest with/without comm for a sanity check

[Reviewed by @]

[bradcray]

Thanks for this fix, Jade! (I have not reviewed it, just the description and motivating issue)