What is the Eucharistic fast before Communion?

The Eucharistic fast is a one hour fast from food and drink before receiving Holy Communion. Water and medicine never break the fast.

What the Church requires. A person preparing to receive the Eucharist must abstain for at least one hour from all food and drink, except water and medicine (Canon 919). The hour is counted backward from the time you receive Communion, not from the beginning of Mass. For example, if Communion will be distributed around 10:45 a.m., the fast ordinarily begins by 9:45 a.m. Coffee, gum, candy, cough drops taken as food, and other beverages break the fast. Brushing your teeth does not.

Why Catholics fast. Fasting prepares the body to receive Christ with reverence. It creates a small, concrete hunger that points toward our deeper hunger for the Bread of Life (Jn 6:35). The Eucharist is truly the Body and Blood of Jesus, so Catholics should approach it with recollection, proper dress, and bodily preparation (CCC 1387). The current one hour discipline is less demanding than the older fast from midnight, but its purpose remains serious.

Who is excused. The elderly, the infirm, and those caring for them may receive even if they have consumed something within the preceding hour (Canon 919). Medicine may always be taken, whether solid or liquid. Someone with diabetes, pregnancy related needs, or another medical condition should follow necessary medical care without anxiety. Priests celebrating more than one Mass on the same day also have particular allowances under the law.

What the fast does not replace. Observing the Eucharistic fast does not by itself make someone ready for Communion. A Catholic who is conscious of mortal sin must ordinarily receive sacramental absolution before receiving the Eucharist (CCC 1385, 1457; Canon 916). We should also participate attentively in Mass and remember whom we are receiving.

If you accidentally break it. An honest mistake is not a deliberate violation. If there is still time, wait until an hour has passed before receiving. Otherwise, remain in your pew and make a spiritual communion. Missing Communion at one Mass is not sinful, and attending Mass still fulfills the Sunday obligation. For future Masses, check the schedule, estimate the Communion time conservatively, and begin the fast early enough to receive peacefully.