When is eucharist received

Download Article Explore this Article parts. Tips and Warnings. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Become Catholic if you are not already. You must be of the Catholic faith to take Communion. Baptized children will be prepared to receive Sacraments in their regular classes, but if you are an adult you will most likely participate in a process called RCIA Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults , learning what the Catholic Church teaches, and preparing you for Reconciliation, first Communion, and Confirmation.

If you were Baptized in another Christian denomination you will make what is called a "Profession of Faith," to convert to Catholicism. Accept Communion in a state of grace. The Eucharist may not be received while a person has mortal sin in their soul. If you have committed a mortal sin a major sin which has seriously damaged your relationship with God , you must go to Reconciliation and repent before receiving Communion.

Believe in the doctrine of transubstantiation. You must believe in transubstantiation, which means that the bread and wine are actually transformed into the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ. The offerings only appear as bread and wine, but are believed to actually be parts of Christ himself. Participate in the Eucharistic fast. This means you cannot eat or drink anything for at least one hour before taking Communion.

Water and medicine are excluded from the fast. Those who are elderly or ill can be excused from fasting, with the priest's permission.

Ensure you are not under ecclesiastic censure. Those who are under ecclesiastic censure, meaning they have been excommunicated from the church or continually commit grave sins, cannot receive Communion. Part 2. Go to Mass. You will take Communion during Mass. Prepare yourself mentally during the Consecration of the Eucharist when the host is changed into the body and blood of Christ to participate in Communion.

You can do this by giving your thanks, appreciation, and reverence to Jesus Christ through prayer. Approach the altar. The priests and altar servers will prepare to give Communion by taking their customary places. Wait for the usher to guide your row to walk up. When leaving the pew there is no need to genuflect to kneel and cross oneself. Wait in line and do not skip people.

Receive the host. Depending on the church and your personal preference, you can either have the host fed to you or handed to you. In the Traditional Rite, the host is fed to you. Open your mouth and extend your tongue so that the host does not fall. The host will be placed on your tongue. Close your mouth and allow the host to dissolve on your tongue while thinking of the sacrifice made. Do not take the host from the priest, but rather allow them to place it in your hand. You proclaim your faith, both in word and in a gesture: as you say "Amen.

Receive the Precious Blood. After receiving the host, you may choose to receive the Blood of Christ. Take a small drink from the chalice that is offered to you. Walk back to your seat and kneel or stand depending on the custom in your parish. This is a time to reflect and thank Jesus for coming to you in the Holy Eucharist. Return to your pew and pray, until the priest is finished offering the Blessed Sacrament.

Follow the lead of more established church members if you are unsure what to do. Your left hand should be over the right when you choose to receive it in your hands.

Not Helpful 29 Helpful No, you can receive the blood of Christ as soon as you make your first Communion. While the worthy reception of Holy Communion is a great gift, it is not necessary for a Catholic to receive Holy Communion at every mass. Participation in the mass gives glory to God and can be of great spiritual value even when one does not receive Holy Communion.

At times it may be painful not to be able to receive Holy Communion. For Catholics, this may serve as an invitation to speak with a priest who can help them return to full communion. For non-catholics, it can be an inspiration to pray for greater union among Christians. The Catholic Church invites all people to communion, but full communion means a choice to embrace the teachings and way of life that the Church has received from Christ and continues to propose to the people of today.

This great gift calls for great preparation, and invites us to give the rest of our lives to Jesus, as well. Archdiocesan 24 hour Abuse Reporting Hotline. What Happens at Holy Communion? Who Can Receive Holy Communion? What if I can not Receive Holy Communion?

While waiting for the person in front of you to receive recollect yourself for a moment and bow your head as a gesture of adoration. Step up when it is your turn. Please note that it is important to extend the tongue, not just open the mouth. One has the option of receiving in the hand in some places. Communion in the hand is allowed in the United States by decision of the American Bishops.

If one is receiving in the hand the following is normative: upon approaching the minister of the Host extend the hands in the middle of the chest. The left hand is extended, with the right hand under the left in support left handed persons may wish to place the left hand under the right.