The Blessed Virgin Mary receiving Holy Communion from St. John the Apostle
Based on the Traditional Teachings of the Church:
• Non-Catholics are not permitted to receive Holy Communion.
• The faithful receiving Communion should observe the Eucharistic Fast *:
– No solid foods and alcoholic beverages may be taken for three hours before Communion;
– For other/non-alcoholic beverages, one hour before Communion;
– Water may be taken at any time.
• Communicant should be in the state of grace (confessed and been absolved from any mortal sins).
• You must be modestly dressed.
Important Notes:
• If one is unable to receive the Holy Eucharist for any reason outlined above, one may (and should) pray the Act of Spiritual Communion (a meritorious act in itself).
• Communion on the tongue, and kneeling down, is the only discipline allowed to receive the Lord. Communion in the hand is strictly forbidden; no one is allowed to touch/hold the Sacred Host except the priest.
• One does not say “Amen” when receiving Holy Communion. Rather, the communicant is advised to close his/her eyes, open the mouth sufficiently wide, and stick the tongue out – so it will be easier for the priest, and more secured for the Host, when distributing Holy Communion.
• Let the Holy Eucharist soften in the mouth, and then swallow It. By doing this (and not chewing the Host), we avoid having the smallest particle stuck in the teeth where It might be desecrated later by coming into contact with the profane.
* To learn more about the Eucharistic Fast, please read here.
For any questions or clarifications, please discuss with the priest.
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Chapel of the Most Holy Trinity 