Take
the Eucharist Test
Who
May Receive the Eucharist?
Catholics who have received their First
Sacraments, who are not conscious of grave sin, and who have
fasted for at least one hour are encouraged
to devoutly and frequently receive Holy Communion.
This
is very important:
To respond to this invitation
we must prepare ourselves for so great and so holy a moment.
St. Paul urges us to examine our conscience: "Whoever,
therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in
an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and
blood of the Lord. Let a man examine himself, and so eat of
the bread and drink of the cup. For any one who eats and drinks
without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment upon
himself." Anyone conscious of a grave sin must receive
the sacrament of Reconciliation before coming to communion.
(CCC 1385)
Translation:
taking this Sacrament with serious, unconfessed sin on the soul
brings condemnation rather than salvation!
We are also required to fast for just
one hour before receiving. Water and medicine do not break a
fast. Catholics are obliged to receive this sacrament at least
once per year, if possible during Easter (CCC 1388).
Non-Catholics are not ordinarily admitted
to Holy Communion and are asked to pray that the action of the
Holy Spirit will draw us closer together and begin to dispel
the sad divisions which separate us (see CCC 1398-1401).
Why Can't Non-Catholics Receive Holy Communion?
Contrary to popular belief, the reason
non-Catholics are asked to refrain from receiving Holy Communion
is not because the Church wants anyone to feel excluded. The
Church, in fact, has a certain responsibility to non-Catholics.
Because what makes us Catholic is our
belief of Jesus’ True Presence in the Eucharist, it would
be a disservice to allow non-Catholics to partake in this extraordinary
union when they do not know or understand that which they are
joining in. Why? Because they would not have
been able to properly prepare themselves.
Please also see Mass
and the Eucharist.
