"The holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation participate with the whole community in the Lord's own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist" (CCC 1322)

     Holy Communion may be received at home, in a nursing home, or in the hospital. If you find yourself unable to attend Mass and want to receive Communion, either you or an immediate family member may call the office to make the necessary arrangements.

Preparation:

• Younger than age 7: Baptized children enroll in CCD and prepare for First Communion and First Confession (during Lent) and particpate in the First Communion Mass (1st Sunday in May)


• Older than 7: Unbaptized and baptized children enroll in OCIC/ OICN and are baptized and/or receive First Communion at the Easter Vigil.


• Baptized and catechized Catholic Adults in a state of grace may receive Holy Communion  at the Liturgy when it is offered. 

• have fasted for one hour.

• not be conscious of grave sin.  A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord without prior sacramental confession except for a grave reason where there is no opportunity for confession.
       In this case, the person is to be mindful of the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition, including the intention of confessing as soon as possible (canon 916).

• A frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance is encouraged for all.

   The Eucharist and the unity of Christians. Before the greatness of this mystery St. Augustine exclaims, "O sacrament of devotion! O sign of unity! O bond of charity!" (St. Augustine).  The more painful the experience of the divisions in the Church which break the common participation in the table of the Lord, the more urgent are our prayers to the Lord that the time of complete unity among all who believe in him may return. 

• 1399 The Eastern Churches that are not in full communion with the Catholic Church celebrate the Eucharist with great love. "These Churches, although separated from us, yet possess true sacraments, above all - by apostolic succession - the priesthood and the Eucharist, whereby they are still joined to us in closest intimacy." A certain communion in sacris, and so in the Eucharist, "given suitable circumstances and the approval of Church authority, is not merely possible but is encouraged." (Unitatis Redintegratio, 'On Ecumenism,'  15 § 2; cf. CIC, can. 844 § 3).  The Orthodox may receive Holy Communion with us; please consult the priest before Mass.

• 1400 Ecclesial communities derived from the Reformation and separated from the Catholic Church, "have not preserved the proper reality of the Eucharistic mystery in its fullness, especially because of the absence of the sacrament of Holy Orders" (Unitatis Redintegratio 22 § 3). It is for this reason that, for the Catholic Church, Eucharistic intercommunion with these communities is not possible. However these ecclesial communities, "when they commemorate the Lord's death and resurrection in the Holy Supper . . . profess that it signifies life in communion with Christ and await his coming in glory." (Unitatis Redintegratio 22 § 3).  As our communion with Protestants is brokeen, we cannot share Holy Communion as we do not share the same doctrine nor communion with Rome.  If you choose to, you may come forward for a blessing from the priest or deacon with your arms crossed over your chest.

• 1401 When, in the Ordinary's judgment, a grave necessity arises, Catholic ministers may give the sacraments of Eucharist, Penance, and Anointing of the Sick to other Christians not in full communion with the Catholic Church, who ask for them of their own will, provided they give evidence of holding the Catholic faith regarding these sacraments and possess the required dispositions ( Cf. CIC, can. 844 § 4).

-- Catechism of the Catholic Church (§1398 - 1401)