How should a Catholic prepare to receive Holy Communion?
To receive Holy Communion worthily and fruitfully, a person must meet three essential requirements set by the Church.
First, one must be in a state of grace. Anyone who is conscious of having committed a mortal sin must first receive sacramental absolution in the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) before approaching the altar. Saint Paul warns that whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup unworthily profanes the body and blood of the Lord.
Second, one must observe the Eucharistic fast, abstaining from all food and drink (except water and essential medicine) for at least one full hour prior to receiving Communion.
Third, one must approach with living faith, modesty of dress, and interior reverence, recognising the infinite gift of Christ's body and blood.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1385
- 1 Corinthians 11:28
Awaiting review by the chaplaincy. Written in our own words; the Church's own texts are the authority.