The Way to Go to Communion

47 Q. How should we act while receiving Holy Communion?

A. In the act of receiving Holy Communion we should be kneeling, hold our head slightly raised, our eyes modest and fixed on the sacred Host, our mouth sufficiently open, and the tongue slightly out over the lips.

48 Q. How should the Communion cloth be held?

A. The Communion cloth should be held in such a way as to receive the sacred Host in case it should fall.

49 Q. When should the sacred Host be swallowed?

A. We should try to swallow the sacred Host as soon as possible, and we should avoid spitting for some time.

50 Q. If the sacred Host should cling to the palate what should be done?

A. If the sacred Host should cling to the palate it should be removed with the tongue, but never with the finger.

The Precept of Holy Communion

51 Q. When are we bound to receive Communion?

A. We are bound to go to Communion once a year, at Easter, each one in his own parish; and also when in danger of death.

52 Q. At what age does the precept of paschal Communion begin to bind?

A. The precept of paschal Communion begins to bind as soon As a child is capable of receiving with the requisite dispositions.

53 Q. Do they sin who are old enough to receive Communion And do not?

A. They who are old enough to receive Communion and do not either because they are unwilling, or because, through their own fault, they are not instructed, undoubtedly sin. Their parents or guardians also sin if the delay of Communion is owing to their fault, and they shall have to render a strict account to God for it.

54 Q. Is it a good and useful thing to go often to Communion?

A. It is an excellent thing to go to Communion often, and even daily in accordance with the desire of the Church, provided we do so with the requisite dispositions.

55 Q. How often may we go to Holy Communion?

A. We may go to Holy Communion as often as we are advised to do so by a pious and learned confessor.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass