Catholic Life · Confession and Communion

Who Can Receive Communion, and How?

Why the Church Has Guidelines

For Catholics, Holy Communion is not a symbol or a simple shared meal. It is Jesus Christ Himself, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, truly present under the appearance of bread and wine (CCC 1374). (See What Is the Real Presence?)

Because of this, the Church asks that Communion be received with faith, reverence and proper preparation. St Paul warned that anyone who eats the bread or drinks the cup “in an unworthy manner” will be “guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 11:27). The Church’s guidelines are not about excluding people, but about honouring Christ and protecting those who receive Him.

Who Can Receive?

A Catholic may receive Holy Communion if they:

Have made their First Communion.
Are in a state of grace, that is, not conscious of any unconfessed mortal sin. A person aware of a mortal sin must go to Confession before receiving Communion (CCC 1385; canon 916). Venial sins do not prevent Communion; in fact, Communion forgives them (CCC 1394).
Have kept the Eucharistic fast (see below).
Believe that it is truly the Body of Christ.

The Eucharistic Fast

Catholics are asked to fast from all food and drink for one hour before receiving Communion (canon 919). Notice that it is one hour before Communion, not before Mass begins.

Water does not break the fast.
Medicine does not break the fast.
The elderly, the sick and those who care for them are excused from the fast.

The fast is a small sign of reverence and preparation, reminding us that this is no ordinary food.

What If I Am Not Catholic?

The Catholic Church warmly welcomes everyone to Mass. But in general, those who are not Catholic are asked not to receive Communion.

This can feel hurtful, especially to other Christians. The reason is not a judgement on anyone’s faith or sincerity. Receiving Communion in the Catholic Church is a sign of full communion with the Church: sharing the same faith, the same sacraments and the same leadership. Receiving it when that unity does not yet exist would be to make a sign that is not yet true. The Church sees the pain of this division as a reason to work and pray for Christian unity.

There are some exceptions:

Orthodox Christians and members of some other Eastern Churches may receive Communion in a Catholic church if they ask on their own and are properly disposed (canon 844 §3), though their own Churches may discourage it.
Other baptised Christians may receive in certain grave circumstances, such as danger of death, if they share the Catholic faith in the Eucharist and cannot reach their own minister, with the bishop’s guidance (canon 844 §4).

What can a non-Catholic do at Communion time? You may stay in your seat and pray, or come forward with your arms crossed over your chest to receive a blessing from the priest. Many people do this. Catholics who are not able to receive, for example because they need to go to Confession first, can do the same.

How to Receive Communion

When you approach the minister, make a sign of reverence: the Church asks for a bow of the head before receiving. Some people genuflect or kneel instead.

The minister will hold up the Host and say: “The Body of Christ.” You answer: “Amen.” That “Amen” is a profession of faith: “Yes, I believe this is Christ.”

You may then receive in one of two ways.

On the tongue

Open your mouth and extend your tongue slightly. The minister places the Host on your tongue. Close your mouth and consume it. This is the traditional way, and every Catholic has the right to receive this way.

In the hand

In many countries, including Australia, the bishops permit Communion in the hand. Make a “throne” for the Lord: place your left hand on top of your right, palms up. The minister places the Host on your left palm. Step to the side, pick up the Host with your right hand, and consume it immediately before returning to your seat.

Never walk away with the Host, and check your hand for any small particles.

Receiving from the Chalice

In many parishes, the Precious Blood is offered from the chalice. You may choose whether to receive from it. Christ is wholly present under either form, so receiving the Host alone is a full Communion (CCC 1390).

If you do receive: the minister says, “The Blood of Christ”; you answer “Amen”; take the chalice in both hands, drink a small sip, and hand it back.

Coeliac Disease and Allergies

The Church requires that hosts be made of wheat. People with coeliac disease can usually receive low-gluten hosts approved by the Church, or receive only from the chalice. Speak to your parish priest before Mass so arrangements can be made.

How Often?

Catholics are required to receive Communion at least once a year, during the Easter season (canon 920). But the Church strongly encourages frequent Communion, even daily, for those who are properly disposed. You may receive Communion a second time on the same day, but only within a Mass you are attending (canon 917).

After Communion

When you return to your seat, take a few moments of quiet to thank Jesus, who has come to you. Many people kneel and pray silently. This is one of the most precious moments of the Mass. Do not rush it.

Spiritual Communion

If you cannot receive Communion, whether because you cannot get to Mass, you need to go to Confession, or you are not yet Catholic, you can make a spiritual communion: a prayer expressing your desire to receive Jesus and inviting Him into your heart. St Alphonsus Liguori’s prayer is well known: “My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul…”