"No other sacrament has greater healing power. To receive Him is not merely to remember Him — it is to become one with Him."
— St. Thomas Aquinas
Doctor of the Church
"When you have received Him, stir up your heart to do Him homage; speak to Him about your spiritual life, gazing upon Him in your soul where He is present for your happiness."
— St. Francis de Sales
Doctor of the Church
"The Eucharist is the secret of my day. It gives strength and meaning to all my activities of service to the Church and to the whole world."
— St. John Paul II
Pope, 1978–2005
The heart of the matter
What the Church Teaches
The Catholic Church teaches that at the moment of Consecration during Mass — when the priest repeats the words of Jesus at the Last Supper — the bread and wine are truly transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ. This is not metaphor. It is not symbol. Catholics believe it is real.
This teaching is called transubstantiation — a word that simply means the substance of the bread and wine is changed, even though the appearance remains the same. What looks like bread is no longer merely bread. What looks like wine is no longer merely wine.
This is why Catholics genuflect before the tabernacle, why there is silence after Communion, why the Eucharist is treated with extraordinary reverence. It is, in Catholic belief, the actual presence of Jesus Christ.
Luke 22:19–20
"This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me... This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood."
Practical guidance
How to Receive Communion
Be in a state of grace
Catholics are asked to be free of serious unconfessed sin before receiving Communion. If you have been away from the Church and have unconfessed mortal sins, go to Confession first. After Confession, you are fully ready to receive.
Fast for one hour
The Church asks that you abstain from food and drink (except water and medicine) for one hour before receiving Communion. This is a simple act of reverence.
Approach with reverence
When the time comes, follow the people around you to the front. You may receive the host in your hands or on your tongue — both are valid. A minister will say 'The Body of Christ.' You respond 'Amen.' That single word is your act of faith.
Return to your seat in prayer
After receiving, return to your pew and spend a few moments in quiet prayer. This is one of the most sacred moments in Catholic life — the time immediately after Communion.
Who Should Not Receive Communion
◈ Those who are not Catholic — the Eucharist is reserved for Catholics in full communion with the Church
◈ Catholics who have serious unconfessed mortal sins — go to Confession first
◈ Catholics who have remarried after divorce without an annulment — speak with a priest about your situation
◈ Those who have not observed the one-hour fast
If you are unsure whether you should receive, remain in your pew during Communion. You may cross your arms over your chest to receive a blessing from the minister instead. No one will know or judge.
For returning Catholics
Ready to Return to Communion?
If you have been away from the Church and want to return to receiving Communion, the path is simple: go to Confession. One visit to the confessional and you are fully restored. Our Confession guide walks you through every step — what to say, what to expect, and why it is far less daunting than you think.