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brian
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Chicago South Burbs, Illinois USA |
| Posts: | 810 |
| First Name: | brian | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | methodist, evangelical, anglican, catholic |
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Posted: Mon Apr 9th, 2007 11:20 am |
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I understand that there used to be abstination from food from midnight before receiving Holy Communion. Now that fast is one hour.
Few Questions.
Does the fast include all liquids or just solids. And if it includes liquids does that also inlude water that we should not drink?
Secondly, I believe this extends to things like mints and Gum. Though gum is not food. But does it include toothpaste? For I could easily brush my teeth right before going to mass and then I do not know if I should receive. I mean, I may have swallowed some of the toothpaste and sometimes my stomach does feel different after brushing my teeth. And if it extends to gum could it extend to toothpaste?
Also, I believe the Eastern and other rites also have only the one hour fast regulation. But what if there were a church I visited that had a different requirement, would I be required to keep their requirement to receive? Are there any examples of this you can think of?
Brian
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CajunRick
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 5353 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Mon Apr 9th, 2007 11:47 am |
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brian wrote: I understand that there used to be abstination from food from midnight before receiving Holy Communion. Now that fast is one hour.
Few Questions.
Does the fast include all liquids or just solids. And if it includes liquids does that also inlude water that we should not drink?
It does not include water or medication. It also does not include food taken for medicinal purposes, like a cough drop or candy for a diabetic with low blood sugar. A mint is acceptable for a very dry throat. It's the spirit of the law that is most important, not the letter of the law. Don't eat doughnuts, but a tic-tac or a sip of water for a dry throat is OK.
Secondly, I believe this extends to things like mints and Gum. Though gum is not food.
Gum is caloric. Again, if you have a very dry throat that makes you cought, and chewing a small piece of gum helps to alleviate it, that would be OK. Some people chew gum constantly as a habit. They are rotting their teeth and gaining lots of calories from the practice, and there is also a disposal problem. (We have to scrape gum off the bottom of the pews!) Those peopel should not chew gum. Same with mints, although IMHO they are OK for a dry throat.
But does it include toothpaste? For I could easily brush my teeth right before going to mass and then I do not know if I should receive. I mean, I may have swallowed some of the toothpaste and sometimes my stomach does feel different after brushing my teeth. And if it extends to gum could it extend to toothpaste?
No. You don't brush your teeth for sustenence, any more than you take cough medicine for food. You can gargle with mouthwash, too. Even though a little might dribble down your throat and it's probably alcoholic, it's not the same has having a rum and coke right before mass.
It's the spirit of the law, Brian. Avoid food and drink other than water. If you're sucking a mint for the flavor or the calories, don't. If you're doing it to moisten your throat so you don't cough, that's OK. I have a dental issue that sometimes causes problems with my breath, so I will usually suck a breath mint during mass, but make sure it's gone by the Our Father. When I sing, I'll suck a cough drop or take sips of water during mass, or my throat dries out and I can't sing.
Toothpaste is not "food and drink". Medicine is not "food and drink".
Having said that, let me also say that at least 20% of the people who receive communion in my parish are chewing gum at the time. Sometimes they take it out just before they take the host (gross!) and sometimes they tuck it behind their teeth. I wish I had the authority to refuse to give them communion, but I don't. It has to be addressed from the pulpit.
Also, I believe the Eastern and other rites also have only the one hour fast regulation. But what if there were a church I visited that had a different requirement, would I be required to keep their requirement to receive? Are there any examples of this you can think of?
You are obliged to follow the rules of your own Church. You are required to fast for one hour before receiving Holy Communion in any Catholic church.
____________________
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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mg57
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Connecticut USA |
| Posts: | 183 |
| First Name: | mg57 | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Infant Baptised Catholic |
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Posted: Mon Apr 9th, 2007 11:39 pm |
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Brian -
Here's the pertinent canon -
Can. 919 ยง1. A person who is to receive the Most Holy Eucharist is to abstain for at least one hour before holy communion from any food and drink, except for only water and medicine. ( See also CCC # 1438).
http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P39.HTM
While stating the minimum requirements, we often miss an opportunity. Note canon 919 says "at least", which implies longer - as left up to the individual (CCC # 1434), - and as noted in the CUF article linked below.
http://www.cuf.org/FaithFacts/details_view.asp?ffID=234
While at work, I not too infrequently find myself going from either the start of the day to a late morning break or early lunch, or from lunch to a supper break without liquids or snacks often quite unintentionally, just because I've been in constant contact with clients and have forgotten. In hindsight I can still offer it to our Lord in union with him on Calvary realizing I've gone perhaps 2 - 3 hrs. Fortunately, my health is fairly good for someone middle-age, which allows me the opportunity to silently offer the discomfort of a dry mouth and / or grumbling stomach for the Holy Souls or other personal intentions, - my co-workers, family, CCD students, ......, .
Realistically know your health limitations, but don't miss an opportunity !
God bless.
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