A. Remember that receiving the Eucharist at Mass is a gift of Christ. The Church wishes for all who attend Mass to receive Communion, but it is necessary that we examine our conscience to make sure we are truly prepared to receive Jesus.

The “required dispositions” of which the Catechism of the Catholic Church speaks include:

1. That we are in a “state of grace,” not conscious of any unconfessed grave sin. (If you are conscious of grave sin, you should arrange to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation as soon as possible. If it is a serious situation such as not being married in the Church, you should make an appointment with the priest of your church and discuss this with him.)

2. That we have observed the one hour fast from food and drink (except for water and medicine) before receiving Holy Communion.

Those who are advanced in age or are infirm, as well as those who care for them, are exempt from this fast.