What is the Holy Eucharist?

"The Holy Eucharist is a sacrament and a sacrifice. In the Holy Eucharist, under the appearances of bread and wine, the Lord Christ is contained, offered, and received.

"(a) The whole Christ is really, truly, and substantially present in the Holy Eucharist. We use the words "really, truly, and substantially" to describe Christ's presence in the Holy Eucharist in order to distinguish Our Lord's teaching from that of mere men who falsely teach that the Holy Eucharist is only a sign or figure of Christ, or that of mere men who falsely teach that the Holy Eucharist is only a sign or figure of Christ, or that He is present only be His power.

"(b) All Christians, with but few minor exceptions, held the true doctrine of the Real Presence from the time of Christ until the Protestant Revolution in the sixteenth century.

"(c) The word "Eucharist" means "Thanksgiving.""

Baltimore Catechism No. 3, The Text of the Official Revised Edition 1949, by Rev. Francis J. Connell, C.SS.R., S.T.D.

Importance of Instruction on the Eucharist

"As of all the sacred mysteries bequeathed to us by our Lord and Savior as most infallible instruments of divine grace, there is none comparable to the most holy Sacrament of the Eucharist; so, for no crime is there a heavier punishment to be feared from God than for the unholy or irreligious use by the faithful of that which is full of holiness, or rather which contains the very author and source of holiness. This the Apostle wisely saw, and has openly admonished us of it. For when he had declared the enormity of their guilt who discerned not the body of the Lord, he immediately subjoined: Therefore are there many infirm and weak among you, and many sleep.

"In order that the faithful, therefore, aware of the divine honors due to this heavenly Sacrament, may derive therefrom abundant fruit of grace and escape the most just anger of God, pastors should explain with the greatest diligence all those things which may seem calculated more fully to display its majesty."

The Catechism of Council of Trent, 1962 edition, Baronius Press, pp. 197

What is necessary to receive Holy Communion worthily?

"To receive Holy Communion worthily it is necessary to be free from mortal sin, to have a right intention and to obey the Church's laws on the fast required before Holy Communion out of reverence for the body and blood of Our Divine Lord. However, there are some cases in which Holy Communion can be received without fasting.

a) Venial sin does not make us unworthy of receiving Holy Communion; but it does prevent us from receiving the more abundant graces and blessings which we would otherwise receive from Holy Communion."

Baltimore Catechism No. 3, The Text of the Official Revised Edition 1949, by Rev. Francis J. Connell, C.SS.R., S.T.D.

Fasting Laws (for Communion)

All recipients of the Body and Blood of Our Lord must fast from food, alcohol, and nourishing beverages (such as shakes and smoothies) at least three hours prior to receiving Communion.*

Recipients must abstain from liquids at least one hour prior to receiving Holy Communion.

Water can be consumed any time prior to Communion.**

*Note 1: If one has a serious medical condition, such as hypoglycemia, hyperthyroidism, etc., which requires them to eat more often than within the three-hour period, that individual should consult with Father Campbell beforehand to determine if the fasting obligation can be lifted for that person without the pains due to sin.

**Note 2: Medicine does NOT count as food, nor does toothpaste, and can be consumed/used with water at any time prior to Communion.