How to Receive Communion
Of the seven sacraments a practicing Catholic may receive, communion is the most sacred. Because the Holy Eucharist is considered to be the actual body of Christ, the moment of communion is their most intimate interaction with Jesus Christ. While other Christian religions offer communion to anyone baptized as a Christian, the Catholic religion adheres to stricter guidelines. In addition, Catholics attending mass at a non-Catholic parish must abstain from receiving communion there.
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Instructions
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Receiving the Holy Eucharist
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Be baptized not only as a Christian, but as a Catholic. The Catholic Church also allows members of Orthodox denominations--such as Eastern or Greek Orthodox and the Polish National, Old Catholic and Oriental Churches--to receive the Eucharist in a Catholic church. However, some of these religions prohibit the practice.
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Attend religious training in the Catholic faith. Before a child or adult can receive his First Holy Communion, he must accept the faith and understand the “mystery” of Christ. Catholics believe that they consume Christ’s actual body; this is not a metaphor.
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Receive the sacrament of reconciliation. Prior to receiving their First Holy Communion, Catholics must confess their sins to a priest and perform penance.
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Receive your First Holy Communion. This sacrament, received by children around 8 or 9 years old, can also be received by adults upon conversion. The priest, having consecrated the Eucharist, will extend the host and say, “The body of Christ,” to which the communicant responds “Amen” and performs the sign of the cross. You may receive the host by extending your cupped hands, or have the priest place it directly on your tongue.
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Maintain your faith. Once you have received your First Holy Communion, you may receive it at any mass. However, you must be a member of the church in good standing--you must have done nothing to be excommunicated, you must be free of grave sin since your last confession, and you must have abstained from food or drink for one hour prior to receiving.
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Tips & Warnings
Exceptions to the above rules are made for the sick and dying. Even those who are not of the Catholic faith are allowed to receive the Eucharist under extreme circumstances.
