{T.N.:  The reprint book, upon which this e-text is based, contains the statement, “Complete and unabridged, except for the rules governing reception of Holy Communion.”}

Q. 906.  Does medicine taken by necessity or food taken by accident break the fast for Holy Communion?  A. Medicine does not break the fast; food taken by accident within one hour before Communion breaks the fast.

Q. 907. {258} Is any one ever allowed to receive Holy Communion when not fasting?  A. To protect the Blessed Sacrament from insult or injury, or when in danger of death, Holy Communion may be received without fasting.

Q. 908.  Is the Holy Communion called by any other name when given to one in danger of death?  A. When the Holy Communion is given to one in danger of death, it is called Viaticum, and is given with its own form of prayer.  In giving Holy Communion the priest says:  “May the body of Our Lord Jesus Christ guard your soul to eternal life.”  In giving Holy Viaticum he says:  “Receive, brother (or sister), the Viaticum of the body of Our Lord Jesus Christ, which will guard you from the wicked enemy and lead you into eternal life.”

Q. 909. {259} When are we bound to receive Holy Communion?  A. We are bound to receive Holy Communion, under pain of mortal sin, during the Easter time and when in danger of death.

Q. 910. {260} Is it well to receive Holy Communion often?  A. It is well to receive Holy Communion often, as nothing is a greater aid to a holy life than often to receive the Author of all grace and the Source of all good.

Q. 911.  How shall we know how often we should receive Holy Communion?  A. We shall know how often we shall receive Holy Communion only from the advice of our confessor, by whom we must be guided, and whom we must strictly obey in this as well as in all matters concerning the state of our soul.

Q. 912.  What is a spiritual Communion?  A. A spiritual communion is an earnest desire to receive Communion in reality, by which desire we make all preparations and thanksgivings that we would make in case we really received the Holy Eucharist.  Spiritual Communion is an act of devotion that must be pleasing to God and bring us blessings from Him.

Q. 913. {261} What should we do after Holy Communion?  A. After Holy Communion we should spend some time in adoring Our Lord, in thanking Him for the grace we have received, and in asking Him for the blessings we need.

Q. 914.  What length of time should we spend in thanksgiving after Holy Communion?  A. We should spend sufficient time in Thanksgiving after Holy Communion to show due reverence to the Blessed Sacrament; for Our Lord is personally with us as long as the appearance of bread and wine remains.

Q. 915.  What should we be particular about when receiving Holy Communion?  A. When receiving Holy Communion we should be particular:  (1) About the respectful manner in which we approach and return from the altar; (2) About our personal appearance, especially neatness and cleanliness; (3) About raising our head, opening our mouth and putting forth the tongue in the proper manner; (4) About swallowing the Sacred Host; (5) About removing it carefully with the tongue, in case it should stick to the mouth, but never with the finger under any circumstances.