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Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana
Frequently Asked Questions - Eucharist
"... Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you."
John 6: 27a
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Q: At what age can children receive their First Communion? What steps do I need to take?
A: Holy Eucharist is the quintessential Sacrament. It is the heart of Catholic life and worship because Christ is truly present as food for us. Preparation for First Communion usually takes place in the second grade, around the age of 8. Parish policy states that that a student must attend classes (either Catholic School or Religious Education) for one year prior to acceptance into the sacramental preparation class. To get more information concerning First Communion, please contact the Director of Religious Education.
Also, in accordance with Quam Singulari (Pope Pius X, 1910) and the letter to bishops from Vatican Congregations for the Sacraments and Divine Worship and for the Clergy, children receive the sacrament of reconciliation prior to receiving the sacrament of the Eucharist.
Q: Is there a preference for taking the Body or Blood of Christ during Communion?
A: When receiving Holy Communion, one receives the whole “Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity” of Jesus Christ. Thus, one can receive the Precious Blood or receive the Sacred Host, or both, and receive the entire Christ Jesus who gives Himself completely in the Eucharist. Perhaps the reception of Holy Communion under both species has a fuller liturgical significance, but does not limit the sacramental presence of Jesus Christ.
Q: Why are members of other Christian faiths not supposed to take the Eucharist at Catholic masses?
A: The Catechism of the Catholic Church states,
The Eastern churches that are not in full communion with
the Catholic Church celebrate the Eucharist with great love. "These Churches,
although separated from us, yet possess true sacraments, above all—by apostolic
succession—the priesthood and the Eucharist, whereby they are still joined to us
in closest intimacy." A certain communion in sacris, and so in the
Eucharist, "given suitable circumstances and the approval of Church authority,
is not merely possible but is encouraged."
Ecclesial communities derived from the Reformation and
separated from the Catholic Church, "have not preserved the proper reality of
the Eucharistic mystery in its fullness, especially because of the absence of
the sacrament of Holy Orders." It is for this reason that, for the Catholic
Church, Eucharistic intercommunion with these communities is not possible.
However these ecclesial communities, "when they commemorate the Lord's death and
resurrection in the Holy Supper . . . profess that it signifies life in
communion with Christ and await his coming in glory." (Part 2, Section
2, Chapter 1, Article 3, 1399-1400)
At some Catholic churches, including The Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, non-Catholics or children that have not received their First Communion or Catholics that may be unable to participate in the Eucharist may receive a blessing (but not partake in the reception of the Eucharist) as Catholics in the congregation are receiving the Eucharist. In this situation, they should approach the priest or extraordinary minister of the Eucharist with their arms folded across their chest to let the priest or extraordinary minister know that they wish to receive a blessing. Check with your local priest or pastor to see if your church also offers a blessing for non-Catholics.
Q: Can I receive Holy Communion more than once a day?
A: Yes, but with some restrictions. Canon 917 says, "One who has received the Blessed Sacrament may received it again on the same day only within a Eucharistic celebration in which that person participates ..."; however, reception is not permitted more than twice in a twenty-four hour period. For example, say you attended the morning Mass on Saturday morning, then attended the Sunday vigil Mass (Saturday night). This would be permissible as 1) you only received the Eucharist twice in a twenty-four hour period and 2) you participated in a complete Mass each time.
