What, exactly, is the rule on fasting prior to Communion as it pertains to liquids?

[Yeoman]

I’ve now heard so many version of this, I’m confused.

Growing up, I was taught, you could drink water, but nothing else, within the hour prior to Mass.

But some really knowledgeable Catholics who are really well informed tell me that you can drink any liquid. Our Deacon, last week, brought a cup of coffee (the kind you buy from a shop that comes in a travel cup) into the Sacristy.

What is the rule?

 

[thistle]

I’ve now heard so many version of this, I’m confused.

Growing up, I was taught, you could drink water, but nothing else, within the hour prior to Mass.

But some really knowledgeable Catholics who are really well informed tell me that you can drink any liquid. Our Deacon, last week, brought a cup of coffee (the kind you buy from a shop that comes in a travel cup) into the Sacristy.

What is the rule?

Assuming no medical issues then you must fast from ALL food and drink (excluding water) so tea and coffee are not permitted.

 

[Reuben_J]

I’ve now heard so many version of this, I’m confused.

Growing up, I was taught, you could drink water, but nothing else, within the hour prior to Mass.

But some really knowledgeable Catholics who are really well informed tell me that you can drink any liquid. Our Deacon, last week, brought a cup of coffee (the kind you buy from a shop that comes in a travel cup) into the Sacristy.

What is the rule?

Canon 919 - “One who is to receive the Most Holy Eucharist is to abstain from any food or drink, with the exception of water and medicine, for at least the period of one hour before Holy Communion.”

The rule has two exceptions: First, if a priest celebrates more than one Mass on the same day, as oftentimes happens on Sunday, he is only bound to the one-hour fast before the first Mass. The priest may eat and drink something to keep up his strength in between Masses even though a full hour will not occur before the next reception of Holy Communion.

Second, those who are elderly (at least 60 years of age) or sick as well as their caretakers can receive Communion even if a full hour fast has not been fulfilled.

More importantly, 2 Cor 4:10 reminds us, “Continually we carry about in our bodies the dying of Jesus, so that in our bodies the life of Jesus may be revealed” .

Moreover, the fast before receiving Holy Communion creates a physical hunger and thirst for the Lord, which in turn augments the spiritual hunger and thirst we ought to have.

In a sense, we fast so as not “to spoil our appetite” but to increase it for the sharing of the Paschal banquet. “Blest are they who hunger and thirst for holiness; they shall have their fill” (Mt 5:6). In all, fasting is an exercise of humility, hope and love—essential virtues in preparing ourselves to receive the Holy Eucharist.

This regulation, however, does not mean we have to be scrupulous and count off seconds.

However, we should also not be lax. Pope John Paul II lamented in “Dominicae Cenae” (1980) the problem of some people not being properly disposed to receive Holy Communion, even to the point of being in a state of serious mortal sin.

Therefore, the Eucharistic fast assists us in preparing to receive Holy Communion wholly—body and soul. This physical mortification strengthens our spiritual focus on the Lord, so that we may humbly encounter the divine Savior who offers Himself to us.

 

[Neofight]

Got me wondering if the last people receiving are looking down at a stopwatch to ensure its been exactly 60 minutes since their toast and coffee.

 

[CB_Catholic]

I’ve now heard so many version of this, I’m confused.

Growing up, I was taught, you could drink water, but nothing else, within the hour prior to Mass.

But some really knowledgeable Catholics who are really well informed tell me that you can drink any liquid. Our Deacon, last week, brought a cup of coffee (the kind you buy from a shop that comes in a travel cup) into the Sacristy.

What is the rule?

Your Deacon may be between Masses, or if it is in the Sacristy, an hour might pass before it’s Communion time. i can drink my coffee at home before I leave for Mass, if I want to, and still have an hour fast by Communion time, but usually I don’t do that. The rule is not an hour before Mass, but an hour before Communion.

 

[Upgrade25]

I’ve now heard so many version of this, I’m confused.

Growing up, I was taught, you could drink water, but nothing else, within the hour prior to Mass.

But some really knowledgeable Catholics who are really well informed tell me that you can drink any liquid. Our Deacon, last week, brought a cup of coffee (the kind you buy from a shop that comes in a travel cup) into the Sacristy.

What is the rule?

What about toothpaste, after brushing teeth?

 

[Irishmom2]

What about toothpaste, after brushing teeth?

You are not eating toothpaste.

 

[pensmama87]

Canon 919 - “One who is to receive the Most Holy Eucharist is to abstain from any food or drink, with the exception of water and medicine, for at least the period of one hour before Holy Communion.”

The rule has two exceptions: First, if a priest celebrates more than one Mass on the same day, as oftentimes happens on Sunday, he is only bound to the one-hour fast before the first Mass. The priest may eat and drink something to keep up his strength in between Masses even though a full hour will not occur before the next reception of Holy Communion.

**Second, those who are elderly (at least 60 years of age) or sick as well as their caretakers can receive Communion even if a full hour fast has not been fulfilled. **

More importantly, 2 Cor 4:10 reminds us, “Continually we carry about in our bodies the dying of Jesus, so that in our bodies the life of Jesus may be revealed” .

Moreover, the fast before receiving Holy Communion creates a physical hunger and thirst for the Lord, which in turn augments the spiritual hunger and thirst we ought to have.

In a sense, we fast so as not “to spoil our appetite” but to increase it for the sharing of the Paschal banquet. “Blest are they who hunger and thirst for holiness; they shall have their fill” (Mt 5:6). In all, fasting is an exercise of humility, hope and love—essential virtues in preparing ourselves to receive the Holy Eucharist.

This regulation, however, does not mean we have to be scrupulous and count off seconds.

However, we should also not be lax. Pope John Paul II lamented in “Dominicae Cenae” (1980) the problem of some people not being properly disposed to receive Holy Communion, even to the point of being in a state of serious mortal sin.

Therefore, the Eucharistic fast assists us in preparing to receive Holy Communion wholly—body and soul. This physical mortification strengthens our spiritual focus on the Lord, so that we may humbly encounter the divine Savior who offers Himself to us.

Would this exception also apply to women who are pregnant or nursing (basically, the same exceptions as exist for the fasting and abstinence rules for Lent?)

I typically do anyway because I can, same as I do during Lent, but now I’m just curious.

I have in the past used cough drops at Mass and then received (don’t worry, not ill, and I practice proper hygiene!). To me that falls under “medicine.”

 

[carefullytread]

Got me wondering if the last people receiving are looking down at a stopwatch to ensure its been exactly 60 minutes since their toast and coffee.

When I was a child, I would do this. I had a pretty good estimate of how long it would take to get communion from where we would normally sit. Generally, so long as I ate 20 minutes before official start of mass, I would be ok. But sometimes, the line moved a little too fast or we sat a little closer than usual and I would look at my little plastic watch and sweat a little.

 

[Arizona_Fat_Gir]

I did that yesterday. I had some chocolate milk and then went to Mass. I kept looking at my watch. I am sure the people around me thought I was admiring the little twinkling diamonds that surrounded the face of the watch.

I kept thinking “Go! Move!” and it did.

It was an hour or a little more. What happened was I took an allergy pill. It made me a little sleepy. I kind of forgot what time it was…

 

[Phemie]

Would this exception also apply to women who are pregnant or nursing (basically, the same exceptions as exist for the fasting and abstinence rules for Lent?)

I typically do anyway because I can, same as I do during Lent, but now I’m just curious.

I have in the past used cough drops at Mass and then received (don’t worry, not ill, and I practice proper hygiene!). To me that falls under “medicine.”

Only if they’re sick. There is nothing in pregnancy and lactation that would prevent you from fasting for an hour. I mean, that’s really not fasting. You could eat a full breakfast at 9 am and still meet the one hour minimum abstinence from food if Mass started at 9:30 or 10 a.m. And you don’t need to drink anything but water for an hour. Not quite the same as fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

The one exception I would think is the pregnant mom with morning sickness who might need to eat crackers to keep from vomiting during Mass. In that case I look upon crackers as medicine.

 

[Yeoman]

Assuming no medical issues then you must fast from ALL food and drink (excluding water) so tea and coffee are not permitted.

That’s exactly what I’ve thought was the case.

 

[pensmama87]

Only if they’re sick. There is nothing in pregnancy and lactation that would prevent you from fasting for an hour. I mean, that’s really not fasting. You could eat a full breakfast at 9 am and still meet the one hour minimum abstinence from food if Mass started at 9:30 or 10 a.m. And you don’t need to drink anything but water for an hour. Not quite the same as fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

The one exception I would think is the pregnant mom with morning sickness who might need to eat crackers to keep from vomiting during Mass. In that case I look upon crackers as medicine.

That makes sense.

I asked because barring another medical condition or scarcity of resources, most pregnant or nursing women would have no problem whatsoever with abstinence from meat during Lent, and yet they are excused (to my knowledge). Fasting makes more sense and I’ve never been able to accomplish it when pregnant or nursing a young baby, and I don’t think it’s wise to try. But one hour is a very small sacrifice, and I agree that it’s not really a “fast” at only one hour (though once you get past three you could run into trouble.)

 

[Yeoman]

I did that yesterday. I had some chocolate milk and then went to Mass. I kept looking at my watch. I am sure the people around me thought I was admiring the little twinkling diamonds that surrounded the face of the watch.

I kept thinking “Go! Move!” and it did.

It was an hour or a little more. What happened was I took an allergy pill. It made me a little sleepy. I kind of forgot what time it was…

During allergy season, which is now hear, I usually take an allergy medication every morning.

As silly as it is, I’ve always worried about that and the fast period. I know it doesn’t apply, and the fact that I worry about it probably means I incline slightly towards scrupulosity.

 

[Yeoman]

That makes sense.

I asked because barring another medical condition or scarcity of resources, most pregnant or nursing women would have no problem whatsoever with abstinence from meat during Lent, and yet they are excused (to my knowledge). Fasting makes more sense and I’ve never been able to accomplish it when pregnant or nursing a young baby, and I don’t think it’s wise to try. But one hour is a very small sacrifice, and I agree that it’s not really a “fast” at only one hour (though once you get past three you could run into trouble.)

It seems to be the case that anemia was once a concern with pregnant women, and indeed women in general.

I have rarely heard about that being a concern anymore, but only recently a co-worker of mine has been diagnosed with it and in her case it’s truly debilitating.

Anyhow, such concerns probably give rise to the Lenten exception.

 

[Phemie]

It seems to be the case that anemia was once a concern with pregnant women, and indeed women in general.

I have rarely heard about that being a concern anymore, but only recently a co-worker of mine has been diagnosed with it and in her case it’s truly debilitating.

Anyhow, such concerns probably give rise to the Lenten exception.

Anemia is still a thing in pregnancy, but it’s usually taken care of with iron pills. Had it with all my pregnancies. Not having meat for two days during Lent was not going to have much of an effect on my anemia, considering nuts and beans contain lots of iron and could easily be substituted for penance purposes.

 

[Reuben_J]

Would this exception also apply to women who are pregnant or nursing (basically, the same exceptions as exist for the fasting and abstinence rules for Lent?)

I typically do anyway because I can, same as I do during Lent, but now I’m just curious.

I have in the past used cough drops at Mass and then received (don’t worry, not ill, and I practice proper hygiene!). To me that falls under “medicine.”

Yes, that’s right, only if you’re sick/difficult pregnancy. Hyperemises may qualify. Similarly those over sixty, if they can fast, without gastric problem or hypoglycemic, why not? Bearing in mind the objective of Eucharistic fast - to prepare ourselves to receive the Lord.

Remembering the Lord your God is a loving Father, surely He would be extra gentle with His pregnant daughter.

 

[pensmama87]

Yes, that’s right, only if you’re sick/difficult pregnancy. Hyperemises may qualify. Similarly those over sixty, if they can fast, without gastric problem or hypoglycemic, why not? Bearing in mind the objective of Eucharistic fast - to prepare ourselves to receive the Lord.

Remembering the Lord your God is a loving Father, surely He would be extra gentle with His pregnant daughter.

Exactly.

 

[Generic_Name]

You are not eating toothpaste.

Well, maybe you aren’t…