Click on the question of your choice to be taken to the answer.
Q. 1. Can a person receive the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist more than once a day?Return to Table of ContentsA. 1. Yes, a Catholic can receive the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist more than once a day.
Q. 2. How many times can a person receive Communion in one day?Return to Table of ContentsA. 2. A Catholic can receive the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist each time he participates in the Mass, to a maximum of 2 times per day. This is based on the following teachings of the Catholic Church:
"One who has received the blessed Eucharist may receive it again on the same day only within a eucharistic celebration in which that person participates, without prejudice to the provision of can. 921 §2." (Canon Law # 917)
It is in keeping with the very meaning of the Eucharist that the faithful, if they have the required dispositions, receive communion each time they participate in the Mass. [Cf. CIC, can. 917; AAS 76 (1984) 746-747] As the Second Vatican Council says: "That more perfect form of participation in the Mass whereby the faithful, after the priest's communion, receive the Lord's Body from the same sacrifice, is warmly recommended." [SC 55] (Catechism of the Catholic Church # 1388)If a Catholic has already received the Sacrament of Holy Communion during the day and he is facing the danger of death, during the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick (Last Rites), he can once more receive the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist on the same day. But, he cannot receive the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist twice on the same day through the administration of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
"Christ's faithful who are in danger of death, from whatever cause, are to be strengthened by holy communion as Viaticum." (Canon Law # 921 §1)
"Even if they have already received holy communion that same day, it is nevertheless strongly suggested that in danger of death they should communicate again." (Canon Law # 921 §2)
"While the danger of death persists, it is recommended that holy communion be administered a number of times, but on separate days." (Canon Law # 921 §3)