WHAT IS HOLY COMMUNION?
In the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist we truly become one with Christ as we receive His Body and Blood. His Real Presence is a gift not only to the Church, but also to us as individuals. Reception of Holy Communion in the Catholic Church signifies and is communion with God and communion with the rest of the Church.
HOW DOES IT WORK FOR CATHOLICS?
Catholics fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when they receive Holy Communion in fulfillment of Christ’s command to eat his Body and drink his Blood. In order to be properly disposed to receive Communion, communicants should not be conscious of grave sin, have fasted for an hour, and set to live in charity and love with their neighbors. Persons conscious of grave sin must first be reconciled with God and the Church through the Sacrament of Penance. A frequent reception of the sacrament of Penance is encouraged for all.
HOW DOES IT WORK FOR OTHER CHRISTIANS?
We welcome to the celebration of the Eucharist those Christians who are not fully united with us. It is a consequence of the sad divisions in Christianity that we cannot extend to them a general invitation to receive Communion. Catholics believe that the Eucharist is an action of the celebrating community signifying a oneness in faith, life and worship of the community. Reception of the Eucharist by Christians not fully united with us would imply a oneness which does not yet exist, and for which we must pray.
WHAT IF I'M NOT CHRISTIAN?
We also welcome to any celebration those who do not share our faith in Jesus. While we cannot extend to them an invitation to receive Communion, we do invite them to be united with us in prayer.
WHAT IF I'M SICK AND CANNOT ATTEND MASS?
St. Mary Magdalen offers Communion Calls for those who are unable to attend Mass. To have Holy Communion brought to you in your home, please contact the rectory at 314-961-8400. If you are going into the hospital, please notify the rectory if you wish to be visited by a priest to receive communion.