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Eucharist / Holy Communion Preparation
In the Second Vatican Council document on the Sacred Liturgy
it states: “The liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the
church is directed; it is also the source from which all its power flows”
(Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, 10). It further states: “In order that
the liturgy may be able to produce its full effects it is necessary that the
faithful come to it with proper disposition” (11). In 1996, the National
Conference of Catholic Bishops approved guidelines on the reception of
Communion. For Catholics these guidelines are: “participants should be
conscious of no grave sin and normally should have fasted for one hour. A
person who is conscious of grave sin is not to receive the Body and Blood of
the Lord without prior sacramental confession except for a grave reason
where there is no opportunity for confession. In this case the person is to
be mindful of the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition, including
the intention of confessing as soon as possible (Code of Canon Law, canon
916). A frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance is encouraged for
all.” These guidelines are printed in the front inside cover of the
missalette. At one time the fast before communion was from midnight and
later changed to 3 hours. The one hour fast is the current practice and is
a needed and helpful reminder of the great gift we are preparing to
receive. Cardinal Mahony also encouraged the faithful to prepare for the
Eucharistic celebration by reading the scriptural readings prior to coming
to Sunday Mass. Let us come to the Eucharist celebration prepared so that
the “liturgy may be able to produce its full effects.”
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