Grace Thompson
Catholics are required to fast before receiving Holy Communion, and the rules regarding fasting are set by each church. The duration of the fast has changed over time, from fasting since midnight the night before, to three hours, and now to one hour. Canon Law states that one must abstain from food and drink, except water and medicine, for at least one hour before receiving Holy Communion. The fast creates a physical and spiritual hunger and thirst for the Lord, and prepares individuals to receive Him. The elderly, the sick, and those who care for them are exempt from the fast and may receive Holy Communion without observing the one-hour fast.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fasting Requirements | Catholics are required to abstain from food and drink (except water and medicine) for at least one hour before receiving Communion. |
| Historical Changes | The Eucharistic fast has changed over time: it used to be from midnight, then changed to three hours, and now it is one hour. |
| Exceptions | The elderly, the infirm, and their caregivers are exempt from the one-hour fast and can receive Communion even if they have eaten within the preceding hour. |
| Purpose | Fasting creates a physical and spiritual hunger and thirst for the Lord, enhancing the spiritual disposition needed to receive Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. |
| Discipline for Eastern Catholics | Eastern Catholics generally require a longer period of fasting, and some Latin Catholics observe the pre-1955 discipline of fasting from midnight. |
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What You'll Learn
- Canon law requires a one-hour fast before communion
- The elderly, infirm, and their caregivers are exempt from the one-hour fast
- The fast was reduced from three hours to one hour in 1964
- The fast was originally a complete fast from midnight
- Fasting is a form of bodily mortification for sins and weaknesses
Canon law requires a one-hour fast before communion
Canon Law requires a one-hour fast before receiving Communion. This rule, known as Canon 919, states that:
> One who is to receive the Most Holy Eucharist is to abstain from any food or drink, with the exception only of water and medicine, for at least the period of one hour before Holy Communion.
This law applies to both Latin Church and Eastern Catholics, with Eastern Catholic canon law having the same rule regarding the obligation to receive the sacrament of Penance or Reconciliation before taking Communion. The requirement to fast for an hour before Communion was introduced by Pope Paul VI in 1964, reducing the previous requirement of a three-hour fast that had been implemented by Pope Pius XII in 1957. The changes were intended to encourage Catholics to receive Communion more frequently.
The one-hour fast before Communion is a recent development in the long history of Eucharistic fasting in the Catholic Church. Before 1964, the Eucharistic fast began at midnight. While the current law requires only a one-hour fast, some Catholics continue to observe the earlier discipline of fasting from midnight until Communion. This ancient tradition is rooted in Judaism and is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles (13:2).
The fast before Communion is intended to create a physical hunger and thirst for the Lord, which augments the spiritual hunger and thirst that Catholics ought to have. Fasting is seen as a form of bodily mortification that converts the body and soul to the Lord, strengthening and healing the individual. However, the Church has also shown flexibility in accommodating those who may struggle to follow the rule due to their circumstances. For example, the elderly, the infirm, and those who care for them are exempt from the one-hour fast and can receive the Eucharist even if they have eaten within the preceding hour. Similarly, the diocesan bishop can dispense with the fast altogether if he deems it appropriate.
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The elderly, infirm, and their caregivers are exempt from the one-hour fast
Canon Law states that Catholics must fast for at least one hour before receiving Communion. This rule has been relaxed over the years, with the fast previously required from midnight the night before, then three hours, and now just one hour. This change was implemented by Pope Paul VI in 1964 to encourage Catholics to receive Communion more frequently. The rule states that:
> One who is to receive the Most Holy Eucharist is to abstain from any food or drink, with the exception only of water and medicine, for at least the period of one hour before Holy Communion.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. The elderly, the infirm, and their caregivers are exempt from the one-hour fast. This is to accommodate those who may be unable to conveniently observe the fast due to their circumstances. For example, people in hospital may have just eaten when visited by a priest. In such cases, the period of fasting is reduced to "approximately one quarter of an hour". Similarly, the elderly confined to their homes or a nursing home are also exempt from the one-hour fast.
The rules regarding fasting are set by each church, and the faithful should follow these rules when taking Communion. The Church has balanced the need to approach Holy Communion with reverence and the desire to allow members to receive Communion, even in difficult physical circumstances. This is reflected in the changes to the fasting rules over the years, making it easier for Catholics to receive Communion.
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The fast was reduced from three hours to one hour in 1964
The Catholic Church teaches that all people are obliged by God to perform penance for their sins, and that these acts of penance are both personal and corporeal. Fasting is one such act of penance.
The rules for fasting before Communion have changed over the centuries. Before 1964, Catholics wishing to receive Holy Communion had to fast from midnight onwards. In 1953, Pope Pius XII changed this rule, reducing the fasting period to three hours from solid foods and one hour from liquids. This was to accommodate the changing working conditions of the people and to allow for the celebration of evening Masses. In 1957, the fasting requirements were further relaxed, with Pope Pius XII reducing the fast to three hours. Finally, in 1964, Pope Paul VI reduced the Eucharistic Fast to one hour before Communion, with less time required for priests celebrating multiple Masses on the same day. These changes were intended to encourage Catholics to receive Communion more frequently.
The current rules for fasting before Communion were introduced by Pope Paul VI on 21 November 1964. They are found in Canon 919 of the Code of Canon Law. According to this law, a person who is to receive the Most Holy Eucharist must abstain from any food or drink, except for water and medicine, for at least one hour before Communion. This rule does not apply to the elderly, the infirm, or those who care for them, who can receive the Eucharist even if they have eaten within the preceding hour. Similarly, a priest who celebrates the Eucharist multiple times in one day can take something before the second or third celebration, even if there is less than one hour between them.
The Congregation of Mary Immaculate Queen (CMRI), a sedevacantist religious group, teaches that the Eucharistic Fast consists of fasting from food and alcohol three hours before receiving Holy Communion. Although not obligatory, members of the sect are "urged to observe the Eucharistic fast" from midnight until they receive Communion.
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The fast was originally a complete fast from midnight
The fast before receiving Holy Communion is intended to create a physical hunger and thirst for the Lord, which augments the spiritual hunger and thirst that Catholics ought to have. This idea is rooted in the Old Testament, where fasting was done to prepare individuals to receive the action of God and to be placed in His presence. For instance, Moses fasted for 40 days atop Mount Sinai as he received the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28), and Elijah fasted for 40 days as he walked to Mount Horeb to encounter God (1 Kings 19:8).
The current canon law requires a one-hour fast before receiving Communion, as stated in Canon 919: "One who is to receive the Most Holy Eucharist is to abstain from any food or drink, with the exception only of water and medicine, for at least the period of one hour before Holy Communion." This regulation reflects an ancient tradition in the Church, rooted in Judaism, as evidenced by the Acts of the Apostles (13:2). While the law has become more lenient and easy to follow, it is still a law that Catholics must obey.
There are some exceptions to the one-hour fast rule. For example, a priest who celebrates the Most Holy Eucharist two or three times on the same day can take something before the second or third celebration, even if there is less than one hour between them. Additionally, the elderly, the infirm, and those who care for them can receive the Most Holy Eucharist even if they have eaten something within the preceding hour. In unusual situations, the diocesan bishop can dispense with Canon 919 altogether if deemed fit.
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Fasting is a form of bodily mortification for sins and weaknesses
The Catholic Church requires its followers to fast for at least one hour before receiving Communion, with abstinence from food and drink except for water and medicine. This practice of fasting is rooted in bodily mortification, which aims to bring about the death of the old self and its disordered passions, refusal to follow the Lord, and unhappiness.
Fasting is a form of bodily mortification that helps Catholics mortify their bodies, bringing them into compliance and building self-control and mastery. This self-denial is seen as a precondition for true freedom. By depriving the body, fasting also reminds individuals of their mortality and dependence on God, making prayers more genuine and fuelling acts of charity.
Historically, the Eucharistic Fast required abstinence from food and liquids, including water, from midnight until the reception of Holy Communion. Over time, this has been reduced to a one-hour fast, with the elderly, infirm, and their caregivers exempted from this rule.
Fasting is also seen as a form of penance, expressing sorrow for offending God and others and helping to redress wrongdoings. It is a means of atoning for sins and taking responsibility for them before God. While fasting does not confer forgiveness, it is an act of penance that complements repentance and the sacrament of confession.
In addition to fasting from food, Catholics may also choose to fast from electronic media such as television and the internet, or even condiments, which add pleasure to the eating experience but have no nutritional value. These forms of bodily mortification help individuals focus on spiritual growth and self-improvement.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, canon law requires a fast of at least one hour before receiving communion. This rule has changed over time, with the pre-1964 requirement being a fast from midnight until communion.
The fast requires abstention from food and drink, except for water and medicine.
Yes, the elderly, the infirm, and those who care for them are exempt from the rule and can receive communion even if they have eaten within the preceding hour.
Fasting is a form of bodily mortification that converts our whole lives – body and soul – to the Lord. It is also said to create a physical hunger and thirst for the Lord, which augments our spiritual hunger and thirst.
