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Question Title Posted By Question Date
Fasting before communion Joe Thursday, January 6, 2011

Question:

Dear Brother,

Can you clarify for me if the Church's teaching on fasting for one hour before receiving communion is still in place? And if yes, does the one hour requirement need to be one hour before the Mass begins or One hour from when we actually receive the Eucharist (usually about 20-40 mins after mass begins)?

Joe



Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OMSM(r)

Dear Joe:

Yes, the one hour fast is still law. The fast is to be one hour before receiving the Eucharist. Thus, if the distribution of the Eucharist is 40 minutes into the Mass, then the clock starts one hour before that point (not one hour before Mass begins).

If one is ill and should not fast, then the rule is a 15 minute fast, which unless one eats during the Mass itself, is not a problem for those for whom their medical condition does not allow a longer fast.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary


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