The Eucharist explained—who can receive and what you’re receiving

By Fr Robert Christo

Vicar for Communications

Q: Where was the Holy Eucharist instituted?

At the Last Supper in the Upper Room. Jesus did not offer a symbol; He gave Himself. “This is my Body… This is my Blood” (Mt 26). As St Justin Martyr wrote in the second century, “We do not receive these as common bread and drink.” This is not ordinary food. What God declares becomes reality.

Q: Why is there confusion about the Eucharist today?

Because it is often treated casually. The Eucharist is not something to ‘grab and go’. It is sacred encounter. In John 6, when Jesus said, “My flesh is real food,” all but Peter (“Lord to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life”)  walked away. Jesus did not soften the teaching. He meant it literally. Truth is not adjusted for comfort.

Q: Is the Eucharist symbolic or literal?

Literal, real, and substantial. The Church has always held this. St Ignatius of Antioch called it “the flesh of our Saviour.” The Eucharist is the Real Presence of Christ.

Q: Who can receive Holy Communion?

A baptised Catholic who has received First Holy Communion and is in a state of grace. This is not simply a personal feeling or worthiness.  It is full communion with Christ and His Church in belief, teachings, life, and mission.

Q: What does ‘state of grace’ mean?

Freedom from unconfessed mortal sin. A prepared heart and a clear conscience. Scripture shows us that preparation precedes communion. The Eucharist is not a blessing line; it is covenant.

Q: What is mortal sin?

Grave matter, full knowledge, and full consent. Such sin breaks communion with God. Confession restores that communion.

Q: Can someone receive Communion if they genuinely plan to go to Confession later?

Only in serious necessity, with genuine repentance and the intention to confess as soon as possible. This is not a loophole.

Q: Is deliberately missing Sunday Mass a mortal sin?

Yes, it can be. Sunday Mass (and Holy Days) is a serious obligation for Catholics. When a person knowingly and freely chooses to miss Mass without a valid reason, it involves grave matter and may be a mortal sin, which breaks one’s communion with God.

Q: Are there valid reasons for missing Mass?

Yes. A person is not bound to attend Mass when there is a serious reason, such as:

• illness
• caring for the sick or vulnerable
• unavoidable work or emergency
• lack of reasonable access to Mass

Q: Can non-Catholic Christians receive Holy Communion?

Not ordinarily. Holy Communion expresses full unity in faith and Church life. In rare cases of grave necessity, such as danger of death, a baptised non-Catholic may receive if they believe what the Catholic Church teaches about the Eucharist (that it is the Body/Blood of Jesus), are in communion with the teachings of the Church and cannot access a minister of their own community at that time.

Q: Can a non-baptised person receive Holy Communion?

No. Baptism is the gateway to the sacraments. Without it, one cannot receive the Eucharist.

Q: What about divorced persons or someone with an unwed pregnancy?

The determining factor is not a label but the state of grace. A person living in grace may receive. The Church accompanies pastorally and avoids public judgement.

Q: What happens if a child who has not made First Holy Communion receives?

It is not permitted due to the need for proper preparation. If accidental, there is no sin. If done knowingly and consistently, it should be corrected with gentle catechesis.

Q: If I miss the Liturgy of the Word or have  not fully participated in the Mass, can I still receive Holy Communion?

It depends on the reason. If you missed it/not fully participated for a valid reason—such as an emergency or unavoidable delay—and you are in a state of grace, you may receive. However, if you deliberately miss/not participate in a significant part of the Mass without a valid reason, you are not properly disposed, since the Mass is one complete act of worship—Word and Eucharist together. In that case, it is better to refrain, make a spiritual communion, and go to Confession before receiving again.

Q: Should anyone be refused Communion publicly?

The Church’s approach is pastoral first. Private dialogue is the norm. Public action is rare and must avoid humiliation. The sanctuary is not a courtroom or a battlefield.

Q: What happens if someone receives without proper disposition?

St Paul warns that one may “eat and drink their own judgement” (1 Cor 11). The Eucharist bears fruit when received worthily. The remedy is regular Confession and proper return.

Q: Why can’t Jesus dwell in a soul in mortal sin?

Because mortal sin destroys the life of grace. Christ does not force Himself where He is rejected. Repentance restores the soul for communion. Some imagine it as Jesus cannot live in a tomb.

Q: Can Catholics receive Communion in other churches?

Generally, no. Communion expresses ecclesial unity. In grave situations, the Church only permits reception from certain Orthodox Churches with valid sacraments.

Q: What should be our disposition before receiving?

Full, active, conscious participation. The Word prepares us; the Eucharist nourishes us. We do not separate the two.

Q: Does dress and behaviour matter?

Yes. The body expresses belief. Modesty, reverence, and attentiveness reflect the sacred reality of the Eucharist.

Q: What if I feel unworthy?

Feelings alone do not determine readiness. The Eucharist is medicine for the weak, not a reward for the perfect and holy. However, if you are conscious of mortal sin, Confession must come first.

Q: What should I do after receiving Holy Communion?

Remain in prayerful silence. This is a moment of encounter, not movement.

Traditional prayer:

O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine.

Classic prayer (shortened):

Soul of Christ, sanctify me;

Body of Christ, save me;

never let me be separated from You. Amen.

Altar prayer – A. L. T.A.R.

Adore – I adore You, Lord Jesus.

Love – I love You above all things.

Thanksgiving – Thank You for coming to me.

A – Ask ,seek, knock

Remember – Jesus, remember me in Your Kingdom.

Remain in silence. This is where grace deepens.

Q: Can we leave right after Communion?

No. Thanksgiving is part of the encounter. Remain, pray, and allow Christ to speak and receive the final blessing from the presider.

Q: What are we called to do after receiving?

Live it, become it, share it with the broken Body of Christ, defend it, and evangelise it. As St Augustine said, “Become what you receive.”

Q: What is the Eucharist?

Not a ritual or routine. It is Jesus Christ—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.

Q: How many times can I receive Holy Communion in one day?

Up to twice. The second time must be during a Mass in which you participate. In danger of death (Viaticum), you may receive again.

Q: If I sense an irregularity with a communicant—such as unworthiness, lifestyle concerns, or lack of full participation—what should I do?

Do not confront or embarrass the person at the Sanctuary. The proper approach is pastoral and discreet. Allow Communion to proceed and address the matter privately afterward through respectful conversation and guidance. Public refusal is rare and reserved for clear, serious, and persistent situations of public scandal, and must always be handled with charity, seriousness  and prudence with the direction of the clergy.