How long do you fast before you may receive Holy Communion?

Answer 1

You are supposed to fast for one hour prior to communion. Most Catholics are unaware of that requirement, so it is not often practiced. Also, since Communion is late in the mass, as long as you weren't eating or Chewing Gum in church, you probably accomplish that just by being there.

Roman Catholic AnswerBy not eating or drinking (save water) for one hour prior to Holy Communion. This is much mitigated. Before it used to be three hours, and before that it was a total fast (even water) from midnight until one received Holy Communion. There is an exception for the sick being giving Holy Communion outside of Mass, in this case, the fast is only fifteen minutes. The fast is to show respect for receiving the Body and Blood of Christ. You should not receive during that Mass if you haven't fasted for at least one hour, but make a spiritual Communion.
As a sacrifice and to maintain the sacredness of the sacrament, fasting means no food or drink one hour before receiving communion. Water is OK.

It used to be fast after midnight on the Sunday you receive communion, but that was changed over 40 years ago to the current practice

Answer 2

To prepare your body, as a "temple" for the reception of the Real Body of Christ into it.

Roman Catholic AnswerThe fast before Holy Communion is one hour from all food or drink (except water and medication) for a period of at least one hour before Holy Communion. Code of Canon Law, Can. 919 section 3: Those who are advanced in age or who suffer from any infirmity, as well as those who take care of them, can receive the Most Holy Eucharist even if they have taken something during the previous hour.

As noted above in the Code of Canon Law, the Communion fast is a disciplinary measure to show respect for Our Blessed Lord, from the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

1387 To prepare for worthy reception of this sacrament, the faithful should observe the fast required in their Church. Bodily demeanor (gestures, clothing) ought to convey the respect, solemnity, and joy of this moment when Christ becomes our guest.

Answer 3

You may be fasting for at least one hour prior to receiving Holy Communion, unless you are sick at home or in the hospital. Under those conditions, the fast is reduced to fifteen minutes. There is no fast required for Viaticum.

Answer 4

Roman Catholic AnswerOut of respect for receiving Our Blessed Lord's Body and Blood into our sinful bodies and because the Church absolutely requires a one hour fast before receiving Our Blessed Lord. Which is a great grace, the fast used to be complete - even from water - from midnight until you receiving Holy Communion. If you break this fast, you should not receive Holy Communion.

Answer 5

You should fast for one hour before receiving Communion, though you can drink water in that time.