Guidelines for the Reception of Holy Communion
Adapted from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
Archdiocese of New York
The following guidelines, originally approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on November 14, 1996, are offered to help all who attend Mass within the Archdiocese of New York understand the Church’s discipline regarding the reception of Holy Communion. These norms apply to all Catholic parishes throughout Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, and the Hudson Valley counties of Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester.
For Catholics
Catholics are encouraged to participate fully in the celebration of the Eucharist by receiving Holy Communion devoutly and frequently. To be properly disposed to receive the Body and Blood of Christ, individuals should:
- Be free from grave (mortal) sin
- Observe the one-hour Eucharistic fast
- Approach Holy Communion with reverence and faith
Anyone conscious of grave sin must seek reconciliation through the Sacrament of Penance before receiving Communion. In situations where confession is not possible and there is a serious reason to receive, the person should make an act of perfect contrition, with the intention of confessing as soon as possible (canon 916).
Frequent confession is encouraged for all the faithful.
For Our Fellow Christians
The Archdiocese of New York warmly welcomes Christians from other traditions who join us in prayer at Mass. We rejoice in our shared baptism and pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to draw all believers closer to the unity Christ desires: “that they may all be one” (John 17:21).
Because Catholics believe that the Eucharist is a visible sign of full communion of faith, life, and worship, we ordinarily do not admit to Holy Communion those Christians with whom we are not yet fully united.
In extraordinary circumstances, Eucharistic sharing may be permitted for other Christians, but only according to the directives of the Archbishop of New York and the norms of canon law (canon 844 §4).
Members of the Orthodox Churches, the Assyrian Church of the East, and the Polish National Catholic Church are encouraged to follow the discipline of their own Churches. According to Catholic discipline, the Code of Canon Law does not object to their receiving Communion if they freely choose to do so (canon 844 §3).
For Those Not Receiving Holy Communion
All who are not receiving Holy Communion—Catholics and non-Catholics alike—are invited to join in the prayer of the Church and to express a sincere desire for unity with Jesus Christ and with one another.
A prayer of spiritual communion or simple moment of silent prayer may be offered during the Communion procession.
For Non-Christians
The Archdiocese of New York extends a warm welcome to all who attend Mass, including those who do not share our Christian faith. While we cannot admit non-Christians to Holy Communion, we invite them to pray with us for peace, unity, and the good of the human family.
Frequently Asked Questions: Receiving Holy Communion
Archdiocese of New York
Practicing Catholics who are properly disposed—free from grave sin and having observed the one-hour fast—may receive Holy Communion. Visitors from other dioceses are welcome to receive if they meet the same conditions.
To receive Communion worthily, a Catholic should:
- Be in a state of grace (not conscious of grave/mortal sin)
- Have fasted for one hour before receiving
- Approach the sacrament with faith and devotion
A person conscious of grave sin should receive the Sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion.
If confession is not possible and there is a serious reason to receive, one should make an act of perfect contrition, intending to confess as soon as possible (canon 916).
Ordinarily, no. Because the Eucharist is a sign of full unity in faith, worship, and sacramental life, Christians not in full communion with the Catholic Church do not normally receive Holy Communion.
In very specific and extraordinary circumstances, the Archbishop of New York may permit Eucharistic sharing according to canon law (canon 844 §4).
Members of the Eastern Orthodox Churches, the Assyrian Church of the East, and the Polish National Catholic Church are encouraged to follow the guidelines of their own Churches.
Catholic discipline does not forbid their receiving Communion if they freely request it and are properly disposed (canon 844 §3).
No. Non-Catholics are not admitted to Communion because Holy Communion expresses full unity of faith and sacramental life. However, all are warmly invited to join in prayer and to ask God for peace, unity, and blessing.
Anyone not receiving Communion may remain seated in prayer or join the Communion procession and receive a blessing gesture by crossing their arms over their chest.
You may also make an act of spiritual communion, expressing your desire to be united with Christ.
The Eucharist is not only a symbol of unity—it creates and expresses it. Full communion in doctrine, sacraments, and Church life is the foundation for sharing the Eucharist.
This discipline reflects Jesus’ desire “that they may all be one” (John 17:21).
Low-gluten hosts and mustum are available in many parishes throughout the Archdiocese of New York. Speak with your priest or the sacristan before Mass about how Communion will be distributed.
Children who have not yet received the sacrament may come forward with their families to receive a blessing gesture, or may remain in the pew in prayer.
If you arrive after the Liturgy of the Word has begun, you may still receive Communion, provided you are properly disposed. Regular participation in the full Mass is strongly encouraged.
A Catholic may receive Communion daily, and even more than once in the same day if the second time occurs during a full Mass in which the person participates.
Visit our resources at archny.org, speak with your parish priest, or explore the Catechism of the Catholic Church, especially paragraphs 1322–1419.