220 PREPARATION FOR RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION

YOUCAT Lesson 220

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

220  What sort of preparation do I need in order to be able to receive Holy Eucharist?

Someone who would like to receive Holy Eucharist must be Catholic.  If he has a serious sin on his conscience, he must first make a confession.  Before approaching the altar, one should be reconciled with his neighbors.  [1389, 1417]

Photo: …..Standing behind the altar, lay ministers are about to assist the priest and deacon in distributing  the Holy Eucharist Liturgy at Our Lady Queen of the Universe Catholic Church, Woodruff, WI. .....220

Until a few years ago, the practice was to eat nothing for at least three hours before Mass; that was how people prepared to encounter Christ in Holy Communion.  Today the Church requires at least one hour of fasting.  Another sign of reverence is to wear one’s finest clothing—after all, we have a rendezvous with the Lord of the world.

“Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof: but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.”  Matthew 8:8  --  An adaptation of these words that the centurion spoke to Jesus is recited before receiving Holy Communion: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”

THE PASCHAL BANQUET

……."Take this and eat it, all of you": communion

……..1389   The Church obliges the faithful to take part in the Divine Liturgy on Sundays and feast days and, prepared by the sacrament of Reconciliation, to receive the Eucharist at least once a year, if possible during the Easter season.(Orientalium Ecclesiarum 15; Codex Iuris Canonici, can. 920)²²⁴    But the Church strongly encourages the faithful to receive the holy Eucharist on Sundays and feast days, or more often still, even daily.  –Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

…….IN BRIEF

…….1417   The Church warmly recommends that the faithful receive Holy Communion when they participate in the celebration of the Eucharist; she obliges them to do so at least once a year. --CCC