I know that we must fast for a minimum of one hour before receiving Communion. I have read that the sacred species is present within you for about 20-30 minutes after reception. Our cathedral has begun distributing doughnuts and juice immediately as Mass ends and parishioners are eating and drinking inside the church within five to ten minutes after receiving the Blessed Sacrament. I was wondering if this is only inappropriate to eat while our Blessed Lord is sacramentally present within, or whether it is actually a sin to eat within the 20-30 minute time frame except for medical reasons?

Robert--

There is no requirement by the Church to fast after having received Communion. If someone wishes to do so for about 15 minutes (which is the approximate length of time in question), that is his prerogative, but he should not attempt to bind anyone else's conscience to do so.

My only concern from your report is the "eating and drinking inside the church." If you mean that people are literally eating and drinking in the nave of the church, then that is inappropriate. The parish doughnut-and-juice klatsch should be moved to a social hall.

Michelle Arnold
Catholic Answers

COPYRIGHT 2009

Click here to send this Question and Answer to a friend