Questions / The Mass and the Eucharist

Can I receive Communion?

Church teaching

Answered on video by Catholic Answers

Video: Can non-Catholic Christians receive communion in the Catholic Church?, Catholic Answers Live, published Feb 17, 2011. Checked 10 October 2026. Loads from YouTube (privacy-enhanced mode) only when you press play. Watch on YouTube

In short: Communion is for Catholics who are prepared and in a state of grace. Everyone else: you’re still fully welcome. CCC 1415

The answer, in writing

Church teaching

Anyone who wants to receive Christ in Communion must be in the state of grace. CCC 1415

Anyone aware of having sinned mortally must not receive without first receiving absolution in confession. CCC 1415

Our words

If you’re not Catholic yet, or not ready, you’re still fully welcome at Mass. Come forward with your arms crossed for a blessing, or stay in the pew and pray. Both are good.

Short on time? Quick answer · 2 min

Play video: When Should a Catholic NOT Receive Communion?, Catholic Answers, from Catholic Answers Live, 2 min. Loads from YouTube when pressed.

Video: When Should a Catholic NOT Receive Communion?, Catholic Answers Live, published Aug 30, 2022. Checked 10 October 2026. Loads from YouTube only when you press play.

Watch another on this

Play video: Why Non-Catholics Can't Receive Communion, Ascension Presents, from Ascension Presents, 9 min. Loads from YouTube when pressed.

Can I receive Communion if I am not Catholic?

Play video: Do NOT Receive Communion Until You’ve Seen This (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz), Fr. Mike Schmitz, from Ascension Presents, 6 min. Loads from YouTube when pressed.

Can I receive Communion before I go to confession?

Play video: Do Diabetics Need to Fast Before Communion?, Catholic Answers, from Catholic Answers Live, 3 min. Loads from YouTube when pressed.

Why fast before Communion?

Next step: Going to Mass with them

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Related questions

Can I receive Communion if I am not Catholic? Ascension Presents · 9 minCan I receive Communion before I go to confession? Fr. Mike Schmitz · 6 minWhy do Catholics go every Sunday? Ascension Presents · 8 minIs missing Mass a sin? Catholic Answers · 2 min

Sources on this page

How we know · 1 Catechism paragraph

1. Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1415 (official text on vatican.va).

Stone & Incense restates Church teaching in plain words and cites every teaching claim. Our own wording is not an official Church text. Found a mistake? Report an errorCorrections.