Receiving the Eucharist

The numbers in parenthese that follow the questions refer to related paragraphs in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Receiving the Eucharist

1. Why does Jesus come to us in the Eucharist?
2. Do we need the help of the Eucharist?
3. How should we prepare ourselves to receive the Holy Eucharist?
4. How long must one fast before receiving Holy Communion?
5. Are there any exceptions to the Eucharistic fast?
6. How should a person receive the Eucharist?
7. What are the rights and privileges of Catholics who have made their first Communion?
8. What are the duties and responsibilities of Catholics who have made their first Communion?
9. May a non-Catholic receive Communion?
10. What is Viaticum?

1. Why does Jesus come to us in the Eucharist?
Jesus comes to us in the Eucharist to give us new spiritual energy so that we can continue leading good Christian lives. (1391-1392)

Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so too, whoever feeds on me will live because of me (Jn 6:57).

2. Do we need the help of the Eucharist?
The Eucharist fortifies and sustains us. Temptations and difficulties can "wear us down" in spirit. Communion helps us to go ahead with new strength and courage. Receiving the Eucharist, we are more united to Christ and we also grow in love for all God's people. The Eucharist joins the whole Church more closely together, for through it each member grows in grace and overcomes sin. (1393-1398)

3. How should we prepare ourselves to receive the Holy Eucharist?
We must believe that Jesus is really present in the Holy Eucharist, be free from serious sin, and observe the fast before receiving Holy Communion. In addition, we should desire this union with Christ and try to grow in our love for God and others. (1385-1387)

Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but just say the word and my servant will be healed (Mt 8:8).

4. How long must one fast before receiving Holy Communion?
The Church requires a fast of one hour from all solid foods and liquids, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic (with the exception of water, which can be taken at any time, and medicine).

5. Are there any exceptions to the Eucharistic fast?
The elderly and the ill, as well as those who care for them, need only fast for fifteen minutes before receiving Communion.

6. How should a person receive the Eucharist?
A person should receive the Eucharist with faith, reverence and love. We show our faith by answering "Amen" after the priest, deacon or lay minister has said, "The Body of Christ." We show our reverence by the respectful way we receive Communion. We show our love by our prayerful union with Jesus and by carrying his love into our daily actions. (1378, 1387)

7. What are the rights and privileges of Catholics who have made their first Communion?
Catholics who have made their first Communion have become active members of the worshipping community. They may receive Communion often-even daily-provided they are properly disposed. (1388)

8. What are the duties and responsibilities of Catholics who have made their first Communion?
Catholics who have made their first Communion are to take part in the Mass every Sunday (or Saturday evening) and receive Communion at least once a year (usually between the first Sunday in Lent and Trinity Sunday). This is known as the Easter duty. For a good reason the precept may be fulfilled at another time during the year. (1389)

9. May a non-Catholic receive Communion?
Because the Eucharist is the premier sign of our unity in Christ, receiving Communion testifies to unity of faith and worship. The Catholic Church cannot invite non-Catholics to receive Communion, since they do not share the same faith. However, in certain circumstances the bishop may permit some other Christians to receive Communion if they truly believe what Catholics do about the sacrament and sincerely ask for it. (1398-1401)

10. What is Viaticum?
Viaticum is Communion given to a person in danger of death. It should be given when the sick are fully conscious. (1517)