Frequently Asked Questions about the FASTING BEFORE HOLY MASS
Q. 1. What does the Catholic Church teach about fasting
before receiving the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist?
A. 1. The Canon Law of the Catholic Church states:
Canon 919 §1 "Whoever is to receive the blessed Eucharist is to abstain for at
least one hour before holy communion from all food and drink, with the sole
exception of water and medicine."
Q. 2. What about the elderly and those who are suffering
from illness? Must they also wait one hour before receiving Holy Communion?
A. 2. No. On that matter, the Canon Law states:
Canon 919 §3 "The elderly and those who are suffering from some illness,
as well as those who care for them, may receive the blessed Eucharist even
if within the preceding hour they have consumed something."
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