The Eucharist
What is the Eucharistic fast?
This is observance of a Church law intended to helps us give greater respect
to the Holy Eucharist. Before receiving Holy Communion, a Catholic is obliged
to abstain from all food and drink for one hour. Water and medicine, however,
do not violate the Eucharistic fast. If a person is sick, he or she is not
obligated to observe the Eucharistic fast. Particular questions about the
Eucharistic fast are being answered by your parish priest or by the priest
who hears your confession.
Reprinted from September 27, 1996
If a person goes to Holy Communion and receives two hosts, is it all right
to consume both of them?
Certainly, it is all right.
Reprinted from December 7, 1997
Are divorced people permitted to receive Holy Communion?
Catholics who are divorced and remarried may not receive Holy Communion unless their previous marriage is found to be invalid by a Catholic Church court, since they are in an invalid and illicit union in the eyes of God. Jesus Christ, and thus, the Catholic Church which He founded, generally forbid divorce (Mark 10:2-12). Civil divorce does not end a marriage in the eyes of God or of the Church. Secular governments do not have any authority to dissolve valid marriages. For a most serious reason, a Catholic married person may obtain a civil divorce, for instance, because of adultery, by the other spouse, physical or spiritual abuse of spouse or children, or desertion, but this does not entitle a divorced person to date or remarry. Catholics who are divorced but not remarried should consult their confessors or a parish priest as to whether they may receive Holy Communion. In certain circumstances they are allowed to do so.
Reprinted from January 17, 1997
Do vitamin pills violate the Eucharistic fast?
For one hour before receiving Holy Communion we are not to eat or drink anything. However, medicine and water can be taken at any time before Holy Communion. If the vitamin pills are taken as dietary supplements (as is most likely), then they should be considered food. If they are taken as therapy or medication, then their use in the hour before receiving the Holy Eucharist would not violate the Church law about the Eucharistic fast. Priests can sometimes dispense from this Church law. If in doubt about any Church laws, consult your pastor.
Reprinted from January 17, 1997
May a Catholic receive Holy Communion
more than once a day?
Yes. A Catholic lay person may receive Holy Communion twice a day. The second time, however, that one receives Holy Communion, according to current Church Law, it must be received during a Mass and not outside of Mass. Of course, if a Catholic is dying, he or she may receive Viaticum outside of Mass and no matter how many times he or she may already have received Holy Communion.
Reprinted from September 20, 1996