Is there an exception to the fast?

[jenncolucci]

I am a nurse on an (name removed by moderator)atient psychiatric ward. The Eucharistic minister comes at different times everday to administer Communion to the patients and staff who are interested. I would like to know if I can receive if I have not fasted the hour prior as there is no way to know what time the Eucharistic minister will arrive. I find it very important to receive with the patients (it is done in a common room, not at the bedside) and for us to be together as one united by prayer in Gods presence, I believe the patients find this comforting as well. Does the fast apply to them being that they are sick and in the hospital? Thank you. Jennifer

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

Since the patients cannot get to church, they may certainly receive whenever the Eucharist is available. But the staff members are mobile and should receive in church. Only the local bishop has the authority to exempt an individual from the Eucharistic fast. (I only learned this myself when I came to Catholic Answers.)

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.