Questions / The Mass and the Eucharist

Why fast before Communion?

Church teaching

Answered on video by Catholic Answers

Video: Do Diabetics Need to Fast Before Communion?, Catholic Answers Live, published Apr 14, 2017. Checked 10 October 2026. Loads from YouTube (privacy-enhanced mode) only when you press play. Watch on YouTube

In short: It’s a small way to get ready, body and soul, for something huge. CCC 1387

The answer, in writing

Church teaching

To prepare to receive worthily, the faithful should keep the fast their Church requires. CCC 1387

Even our bodies should show the respect, solemnity and joy of the moment when Christ becomes our guest. CCC 1387

Our words

In the Latin Church it’s one hour without food or drink (water and medicine are fine). A little hunger reminds you what you’re hungry for.

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: Can non-Catholic Christians receive communion in the Catholic Church?, Catholic Answers, from Catholic Answers Live, 3 min. Loads from YouTube when pressed.

Can I receive Communion?

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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 minCan I receive Communion? Catholic Answers · 3 min

Sources on this page

How we know · 1 Catechism paragraph

1. Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1387 (official text on vatican.va).

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