When can you receive Holy Communion?

Answer 1

Since St. Pius X, who was pope from 1903-1914, Catholic children have been encouraged to approach the sacrament of the Eucharist as soon as they reach the age of reason and are able to understand the points of catechism relevant to the Eucharistic doctrines pertinent for their level of understanding. This usually is around the age of 7 years old. Many parochial schools conduct classes for the reception of the sacrament as part of the school curriculum for Grade 2. Converts to the Catholic Faith who already possess the mature faculty of reason may receive Communion as soon as they are baptized, provided they have displayed an understanding of the catechism concerning It.

Answer 2

This is what the Scripture has to say on this issue. 1 Corinthians 11:23-32 :

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.

What this is basically saying is that taking Communion is a special act to be done in remembrance of the Lord and his death for us. It is not something to be taken lightly. The reason Paul wrote this passage was because the way the Corinthian churches had been taking Communion was not with the right reasons. They just saw the act as a time of free food. So they treated it with no respect and simply ate what they wanted, with some getting filled, and others going away empty.

This was not the purpose that the Lord had in mind when he was having the Last Supper with his disciples and told them to continue the habit. Communion is only to be taken by those who are in a relationship with Christ and thus can truly respect what the time means. It is to be a time of self reflection. Paul said that anyone who eats and drinks communion without recognizing its significance and without respecting Christ is simply eating and drinking the Lord's Judgement on himself.

So in conclusion, the answer is, when they have received Christ and understand the significance of communion for believers.

Answer 3

First off, Catholics do not 'take' communion, that is a Protestant term. Catholics 'receive' communion and communion may be received at any Mass if the person is a Catholic who has no serious sins that have not been confessed.

Answer 4

In the Catholic Church, you may receive Holy Communion once a day (under certain circumstances, twice) if you have made your first Holy Communion, have been to confession recently, and are in a state of grace, AND have been fasting for one solid hour, unless you are ill or some other extenuating circumstance exists.

Answer 5

A Catholic in the state of grace (no unconfessed serious sins) may receive communion as often as two times each day, 365 days per year. However, all Catholics must receive communion at least once each year during the Easter season.

Answer 6

Catholic AnswerYou may never "take" Holy Communion, you may only receive it. If you are over the age of reason, are a Catholic in good standing, have made your first Holy Communion, are in a state of grace (have been to Confession recently), and have been fasting for one hour, you may receive Holy Communion at any Mass you attend, even a second time in one day, if you have been at the entire Mass the second time.

Answer 7

You can receive Holy Communion if you are in a state of grace (You don't have any mortal sin on your soul) and you have fasted for one hour before Communion.