Can a person receive Communion if his penance is not yet performed?

[Karen_Anne]

Can a person who has comitted a mortal sin, confessed, received absolution but is supposed to take certain steps to rectify the mortal sin receive Communion? Should not a person be able to walk out of confession ready to receive Communion?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

A person who has been absolved of a mortal sin and thus restored to sanctifying grace can receive Communion again as soon as he is absolved. If he has been given a penance to perform to rectify his mortal sin, it is presumed that he will do it as soon as he is reasonably able to do so, but he may certainly receive Communion in the meantime.