Procedure to Receive Holy Communion
Receiving the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is one of the seven sacraments for the Roman Catholic Church. According to the Instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum, the instruction to celebrate Mass, Holy Communion is reserved only for Catholics in order for them to be, "Freed from daily faults and preserved from mortal sins."
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Be Catholic
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Become Catholic by receiving the sacraments of initiation -- Baptism, then First Holy Communion. According to the Catholic Church, baptism removes original sin. The Catholic Church validates most baptisms in other Christian churches. Prior to the First Communion, children over the age of 7, or according to the Canon Law, "The age of reason," are encouraged to take a class where they learn about the Act of Contrition and the importance of the Eucharist.
Prepare with Confession
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Accepting the Holy Eucharist, or Communion, in a state of grave sin is not permitted. Each person intending to receive Communion should examine themselves according to the Canon Law, or Catholic law of list of grave sins. The Ten Commandments are the guidelines for grave sins. Go to confession before taking Communion.
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Receive Communion Only at Mass
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Communion should be received only at Mass and by a priest or deacon in the church. The First Communion is reserved to be given solely by the priest. It is discouraged to take Communion in any other Christian church or at a time other than Mass.
Receive Communion
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According to Instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum, at the moment of Communion, approach the altar and receive Communion kneeling or standing. Receiving Communion on the tongue from the hand of the priest is encouraged. However, Canon law also authorizes the priest or deacon to hand the host to the person receiving Communion as long as she consumes it in his presence.
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