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Frequently Asked Questions |
| How long is the Eucharistic Fast ? |
| The current norms were established by Pope Paul VI in 1964 and replace
the former ruling which required one to fast from midnight.
Out of reverence for what one is to receive, we are asked, the Church
says, to refrain from taking food or drink for one hour before receiving
Communion (this means the time of receiving Communion itself, not the time
when the Mass begins). Note that 'food and drink' does not include water, or
any kind of medicine. Note also that the elderly, and those who are ill in
any way, as well as those who care for them, are not bound by this one hour
of fast.
The Spirit of the law is to give shape to our respect for the Eucharist.
But we should use the law in an intelligent and mature fashion. There is no
definition of what is, or is not, 'elderly' or 'sick'. And we should not be
anxiously scanning our watches ("Is it 59 minutes? ....) |
| Can one receive Communion more than once a day?
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| Yes; one may receive Communion twice, provided it is during a Mass (i.e.
not a 'Home Communion'). If a life threatening situation arises, Communion
may be received again on the same day even outside of Mass. |
| What is the correct manner for receiving Holy Communion? |
| Different traditions do this in different ways. In the Orthodox Churches
(Greece, Russia, etc) the priest, administering Holy Communion with a spoon,
says: "The servant of God N....(name) receives the precious and holy body
and blood of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, for the remission of
his/her sins and for eternal life." This is certainly a very solemn formula.
Our Catholic practice is simpler but no less full of meaning. The priest
or minister present before ones eyes the Host or Chalice and declares: "The
Body of Christ", "The Blood of Christ". The one receiving replies: Amen,
meaning 'I recognise that indeed it so is' and then receives the Host in
hand or mouth, or takes the Chalice and drinks. So please try to remember to
say "Amen". The whole Church is strengthened in faith by this
acknowledgement of belief on behalf of each communicant, you and me. |
| What does the current Church look like? |
| A few emails have been received asking what the Sacred Heart church at
Waterlooville looks like. The drawing above shows the church as it looks as
one approaches down the church drive. Unfortunately it is not possible to
show you a picture of it's unusual three aisle arrow head shape. However I
can show you a few interior views. |
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