How to Accept Communion in a Catholic Mass
The Mass is the summit of Catholic worship. Catholics believe that during the Mass, by the actions of the priest, the bread and wine are transubstantiated, or changed, to become the body and blood of Jesus Christ. In other words, when Catholics receive Holy Communion at Mass they believe they are receiving Christ himself. Given the intensely sacred character of this sacrament, the Catholic Church restricts Holy Communion to practicing Catholics who are spiritually prepared to receive this sacrament.
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Instructions
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Make a full confession of all your serious, or mortal, sins to a Catholic priest. Also confess all of the lesser, or venial, sins you can remember. In addition to confessing your sins, you must be truly sorry for having committed them and resolve not to repeat those sins again.
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Fast from all food and drink, except water, one hour before you receive Holy Communion. The elderly or the infirm are excused from this pre-Communion fast. In addition, the fast does not apply to any necessary medications.
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Approach the priest or other minister of the Eucharist with your hands folded. Catholics may receive Communion standing or kneeling; they also have the option to receive the Host---the consecrated Communion bread---on their tongue, or have it placed in their hands.
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Tips & Warnings
During Mass, keep your mind focused on the prayers and what is happening at the altar. Do not let yourself be distracted by anything happening around you; instead, pray that you may be worthy to receive Christ in your heart.
If you opt to receive the Host in your hand, you must consume it immediately in front of the priest or minister before returning to your seat.
