Guidelines for the Reception of Holy Communion

For Catholics
As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion.  We are encouraged to receive Communion devoutly and frequently.  In order to be properly disposed to receive Communion, participants should not be conscious of 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.

For Christian non-Catholics
We welcome our fellow Christians to celebrate the Mass as our brothers and sisters.  Because Catholics believe in the Real Presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, members of those churches with whom we are not yet fully united are ordinarily not admitted to Holy Communion.  Eucharistic sharing in exceptional circumstances by other Christians requires permission according to the directives of the diocesan bishop and the provisions of canon law (canon 844 § 4). Members of the Orthodox Churches, the Assyrian Church of the East, and the Polish National Catholic Church are urged to respect the discipline of their own Churches.  According to Roman Catholic discipline, the Code of Canon Law does not object to the reception of communion by Christians of these Churches (canon 844 § 3).

If you have any questions about who may or may not receive Holy Communion, please contact the parish office.

Low-Gluten Hosts

Low-gluten hosts are available for people who are gluten intolerant.  These hosts are made from wheat starch and water with a gluten content of less than 0.01%.  Those who need low-gluten hosts should notify the parish office as soon as possible so we can make sure to have enough on hand.  We hope the availability of these hosts will make it possible for those with Celiac-Sprue disease or other gluten intolerance conditions to receive Holy Communion.  Please let Father know before Mass begins that you would like to receive communion with a low-gluten host so that he can prepare one for consecration.  The hosts will be distributed by Father or an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion with an altar server in attendance.  If you have any questions about low-gluten hosts, please contact the Parish Office at 697-8716 or Stella at skulp@skdparish.com.

Eucharistic Books and Resources

Looking to learn more about this topic of the Eucharist, the Bread of Life that we have been learning about in Mass? Check out the following books, studies, articles and audio files. Many are found on FORMED. FORMED is a Catholic media platform with all sorts of Catholic resources like books, studies, movies, and kids shows.

Presence: a 3 part engaging study on the Eucharistic

https://watch.formed.org/presence

Lectio: The Eucharist w/ Dr. Brant Pitre: 10 part in depth study on the Biblical roots of the Eucharist in the Old and New Testaments

https://watch.formed.org/lectio-eucharist-with-dr-brant-pitre

Brother Francis video of the Eucharist: 30 minute cartoon video for kids https://watch.formed.org/brother-francis-1/season:1/videos/the-bread-of-life-celebrating-the-eucharist

Answering Common Objections to the Eucharist by Dr. Scott Hahn: 1 hr audio file https://watch.formed.org/videos/the-eucharist-by-dr-scott-hahn

Eucharistic Miracles: Article explaining 5 Eucharistic Miracles with physical evidence https://www.churchpop.com/2015/06/28/5-extraordinary-eucharistic-miracles-with-pictures/