What is Communion in a Catholic Church?
Catholics believe Holy Communion is morally necessary for salvation. It is believed to help resist temptations and sinful behavior.
How often are you supposed to receive Communion?
Providing they are in a state of grace and have met all the requirements of the Code os Canon Law Catholics should receive Communion frequently. Their Devine precept requires them to receive communion at least some times during their lifetime. According to their requirements the faithful are obliged to receive Communion once a year within a particular time frame.
Who can receive Communion?
The Church has specific guidelines regarding preparation to receive Communion. You must in a state of grace, have made a good confession since your last mortal sin, believe in transubstantiation, observe the Eucharistic fast, and finally, not be under an ecclesiastical censure such as excommunication. Scripture warns that it is very dangerous for one not believing in the Real Presence to receive Communion: "For any one who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died" (1 Cor. 11:29–30).
Are there any instances which allow you to forego any of the guidelines?
The requirement for sacramental confession can be dispensed if four conditions are fulfilled: (1) there must be a grave reason to receive Communion (for example, danger of death), (2) it must be physically or morally impossible to go to confession first, (3) the person must already be in a state of grace through perfect contrition, and (4) he must resolve to go to confession as soon as possible.
How to receive Communion?
Communion is received either by hand or on the tongue. On July 25, 1977 the Congregation of the Sacraments and Divine Worship allowed the U.S. Bishops’ Conference to authorize reception of Communion in the hand.
What are the effects of Communion in the Catholic Church?
The Catholic Church teaches that Holy Communion preserves the supernatural life of the soul by giving the communicant supernatural strength to resist temptation. Holy Communion increases the life of grace already present by vitalizing our supernatural life and strengthening the virtues and gifts of the Holy Spirit we possess. Holy Communion cures the spiritual diseases of the soul by cleansing it of venial sins and the temporal punishment due to sin. Holy Communion gives us a spiritual joy in the service of Christ, in defending His cause, in performing the duties of our state of life, and in making the sacrifices required of us in imitating the life of our Savior.
