How do I know if I can receive Communion?

[mikmac09]

I have trouble determining if I’m in a state of grace or not in order to receive Communion. Most times, if I decide not to receive and stay behind in the pew, I notice that I’m the only one and it is very awkward. It seems as if most people just receive the Eucharist regardless. It’s hard to believe that everyone at a packed Mass is in a state of grace.

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

Two rules of thumb may help:

• First, unless you are certain that you have committed a mortal sin that you have not yet confessed, then you can assume that you are in a state of grace and may receive Communion. In other words, when in doubt, receive.
• And, two, it is prudent to avoid paying attention to who else receives. Each person’s decision is his own and no one should be subject to scrutiny in the Communion line by fellow parishioners. Whether or not he may receive Communion is, generally speaking, between himself and God (although in extraordinary circumstances a priest or bishop may be called upon to review whether or not an individual may receive Communion).