This is something that has been on my mind lately... do you think it's appropriate to receive holy Communion on a daily basis? It seems to be a relatively new 'fad'. In the past, it was very rare and only under the direction of a knowledgeable spiritual director that one would receive daily. Now it seems to be fairly common and people tend to receive any time they are at Mass.

Is this a good thing? Does it reflect a certain cultural attitude towards the Holy Eucharist? Should one be careful about approaching holy Communion too often?

What do you guys think?

Daily Communion is the most wonderful gift we could wish for. The only thing that should stop a person receiving Communion on a daily basis, is being in a state of mortal sin. How could it be a bad thing otherwise?

I'm not sure-- that's why I brought up this topic. It seems that some of the Saints frowned on the practice unless one was given permission by a spiritual director. St. John of the Cross, for one. And I know St. Dominic Savio had to be told to receive daily. There are others, although I can't think of specifics of where I've read it.

They must've had a good reason to think such, right?

As long as one didn't become complacent about receiving Our Lord, I can see no problem. Holy Communion daily, imo can only increase our love for Him.

SACRA TRIDENTINA
On Frequent and Daily Reception of Holy Communion
Pope St. Pius X
The Holy Council of Trent, having in view the ineffable riches of grace which are offered to the faithful who receive the Most Holy Eucharist, makes the following declaration: "The Holy Council wishes indeed that at each Mass the faithful who are present should communicate, not only in spiritual desire, but sacramentally, by the actual reception of the Eucharist." These words declare plainly enough the wish of the Church that all Christians should be daily nourished by this heavenly banquet and should derive therefrom more abundant fruit for their sanctification.

Moreover, we are bidden in the Lord's Prayer to ask for "our daily bread" by
which words, the holy Fathers of the Church all but unanimously teach, must be understood not so much that material bread which is the support of the body as the Eucharistic bread which ought to be our daily food.

Moreover, the desire of Jesus Christ and of the Church that all the faithful should daily approach the sacred banquet is directed chiefly to this end, that the faithful, being united to God by means of the Sacrament, may thence derive strength to resist their sensual passions, to cleanse themselves from the stains of daily faults, and to avoid these graver sins to which human frailty is liable; so that its primary purpose is not that the honor and reverence due to our Lord may be safe-guarded, or that it may serve as a reward or recompense of virtue bestowed on the recipients. Hence the Holy Council calls the Eucharist "the antidote whereby we may be freed from daily faults and be preserved from mortal sin."

The whole thing is definitely worth reading as it talks about how some began to think that many people were receiving Communion when they shouldn't etc.
http://www.ewtn.com/library/CURIA/CDWFREQ.HTM

I don't mean to be challenging, but are you able to provide us with a quote where St John of the Cross advises against frequent communion? I know that he refused communion to a nun who was complacent about receiving the Eucharist, but I wasn't aware of anything he said that would indicate he "frowned on the practice" of frequent reception. In fact, one of his greatest trials in prison was that he was unable to receive the Eucharist. You could be right, and if so, I would be interested in reading his opinion on this because he is one of my favorite saints. Thanks.

I found being able to go to daily mass very helpful. I wish I could go more often.

Daily mass is good, but it may not be spiritually healthy for all individuals. Why? Well some people fall into scruples and such and only a spiritual advisor can really decide what is best for them. 99% of people are probably fine, but it makes it impossible to make a sweeping generalization that EVERYONE would do better with Daily Mass.

St Josemaria Escriva

The Way, 534

Going to Communion every day for so many years! Anybody else would be a saint by now, you told me, and I... I'm always the same!

Son, I replied, keep up your daily Communion, and think: what would I be if I had not gone?

What I read was not a direct condemnation, so I may have misinterpreted. But, in Dark Night of the Soul there is a point he makes where he disapproves of the "beginners seeking to be daily communicates and begging their spiritual directors to allow them". I don't think he disapproved of it for all people, but for the case of "spiritual beginners" who are zealous and begin to develop imperfections in the seven capital sins, as he describes in his book, it doesn't seem that he approves.

Like I said, I'm really not sure. I go to Mass daily and I receive daily, unless I'm in mortal sin. But, it does seem that there was a time in the Church when communicating daily was not for everyone. And I'm wondering if anyone still views it like that and what the reasoning was behind the practice.

I think it's more likely that he didn't approve of the spiritual pride by which certain zealous people might demand to be an exception to the rule. In those days, Communion wasn't often made available on a daily basis. If a person was spiritually prideful, he might have requested daily Communion, thinking himself particularly worthy. St. John of the Cross was very emphatic on the idea of detachment from pride. Now, I don't know what specific passage you're citing, but my guess is that he had a different intention than you're thinking. Nowadays, daily Communion is quite available, and it wouldn't necessarily be a mark of pride to receive daily.

I hope this helps.

God bless,

Micah

My husband has a friend who goes to mass at least 4 times a day, and sometimes as many as 6 times. He was in seminary when he developed a mental illness. We've tried talking to him about not doing that everyday, but he is beyond scrupulous. Since he goes to different churches, the priest don't realize what he is doing. They just think he is coming everyday to their mass only. I've given up trying to talk to him about it.

Hm, yes, that does help, quite a bit actually.

I guess I just wonder if there is a decrease in reverence for the Holy Eucharist in frequent communicating. But, I suppose that wouldn't be the case for those who are going to daily Mass and then also receiving daily. Perhaps it has become simply "habit" for some, or the norm to receive without even considering Who it is being received; but that would be more likely for those who attend Mass less often.

I know that there was a time in the Church when there was an emphasis on our not being worthy to receive, therefore a discouragement from even receiving each week. That was obviously wrong, as someone above quoted St. Pius' remarks on it. But I wonder if we, as a society, have gone too far in the opposite direction; considering it okay to receive in all circumstances besides that of mortal sin.

I guess the real question is: are there any circumstances besides that of mortal sin that should be reason to refrain from receiving Holy Communion? Say-- distraction during the Mass, or being angry with someone, or judging people during Mass, or recognizing that you're in the mindset of thinking you have a right to receive, etc etc.

This would be a sensitive case, but you may want to bring it to the attention of the priests for the man's own good. Perhaps they will be better at talking with him about his scruples.



Well, I would say that there are some situations where it is not fitting for a person to receive Holy Communion, but it's difficult to make distinctions like that. For instance, if a person is distracted unintentionally during Mass (such as good Catholic parents with large families, who very rarely get the chance to pay close attention), then that person should still be able to receive Holy Communion. If, however, the person was intentionally distracted (it's been observed that some teenagers will pop in iPods during Mass), then that person really hasn't even attended Mass, and if it's a Sunday Mass, they shouldn't be receiving Holy Communion because they have violated the Third Commandment in a grave way (assuming they fit the other conditions for mortal sin). In the case of anger, if it's a grave case of anger (which is quite serious), then it could be mortal sin (though not necessarily, given all the conditions), which means no Commuion, but then, there are certain mitigating factors involved. Ultimately, there's a reason the Church doesn't really come out with generalized rules about such things, because there are so many different factors involved. It's really best to leave that matter between the individual, his or her conscience (not that conscience reigns supreme, it must be informed by the teaching of God and Church), the pastor, and the guidelines that are set forth by the Church (though, as I said, those aren't always clear).

As for frequent Communion limiting our appreciation of the Blessed Sacrament, this is possible, but it's not really reason to stop receiving daily. Instead, it's a call to greater awareness and more active, prayerful participation in the Mass. The same could be said of the Our Father; maybe we should say it less often so as not to strip it of meaning, but that's silly, instead, we should say it prayerfully and intentionally, meditating on the words, even if only for a brief moment (by the way, I'm not the best rolemodel of a good prayer life).

God bless,

Micah

I think the only "problem" with daily reception of Holy Communion would be, as you alluded to in one of your previous posts, the development of a sort of "unbecoming familiarity" to quote von Hildebrand. However, I do not think such a disposition is actually the result of frequent reception of communion, but rather, it is the result of a changed cultural attitude towards communion, and towards liturgy as a whole. When we forget solemnity, when we forget transcendence, when we forget mystery, then we begin approaching the Blessed Sacrament in a manner no different from the other aspects of our daily life. If this happens, then it is possible for even daily communicants to get into an attitude of treating Mass as merely one among many things that needs to get "checked off" on the list of things to do today.

That is why it is imperative that the liturgy (and, by default, reception of the Eucharist) should be an event that elevates us out of the context of daily life. Some people slam things like ad orientem, chant, and latin for being "out of touch" but it is exactly that break with our mundane (ie non-sacred) living that is of such great value in preventing us from losing a sense of the sacred.

Ok, I'm getting off the soap box

Pax,

Jeff

I think Raphael may have something there... Juan de la Cruz was against not only pride, but also spiritual gluttony and some of those asking to receive frequently were often more concerned with the consolations of receiving the Eucharist, rather than the adoration and worship of Our Lord.


from Dark Night of the Soul Book 1 Chapter 6
St. John of the Cross

[On Spiritual Gluttony]


3. Some are very insistent that their spiritual director allow them to do what they themselves want to do, and finally almost force the permission from him. And if they do not get what they want, they become sad and go about like testy children. They are under the impression that they do not serve God when they are not allowed to do what they want. Since they take gratification and their own will as their support and their god, they become sad, weak, and discouraged when their director takes these from them and desires that they do God's will. They think that gratifying and satisfying themselves is serving and satisfying God. . . .

JM + JT

Words cannot explain how much I miss having the opportunity of going to Mass almost daily (Monday - Friday, sometimes Sunday unfortunately). I used to have time to go to my school's daily masses.

I would be lying if I said that I didn't take advantage of it.

Once I became an upperclassmen my schedule just seemed to get so full that it's impossible.

But if they change the schedule so that masses are only the morning (twice a week they have it in the afternoon) like the Sister sacristan said, I'll probably be able to go daily again.

Regarding refraining: I refrain whenever I believe I'm in mortal sin. Sometimes I'm just not sure. Maybe I'm too scrupulous. This is one reason I'm dying to find a spiritual director.
And sometimes, since I think I'm too scrupulous, I do receive, but the entire time I have doubts about whether or not this was OK.

Please do pray. Times have been very rough spiritually.

I think it's very good if you can go to Holy Mass and receive Holy Communion daily. But it's obviously not good if people become too routine about it, and too familiar with the Mass. The Incarnation of the Second Person of the Holy Trinity and His Passion and Death, and then receiving Him into our bodies and souls, as Our Lady received Him at the Annunciation, is not something to be taken lightly. It only takes receiving Holy Communion once to become a saint, which I remember was a quote from some saint.

A related thread, Holy Communion by St. Peter Julian Eymard

Lot of great points posted here.

Unfortunately, I frequently refrain from taking Holy Communion, due to Mortal Sin. With how my work schedule is, combined with the schedule of my pastor, it's hard to setup an appointment for Confession. I used to go to daily Mass (Wednesday), that is when I would go to Confession; though, I tend to work Wednesday mornings now so I haven't been able to. Hopefully now since we have a second priest, it'll make it easier for me to go.

GREAT SALESIAN SAINT!! sorry, had to give kudos where it is due!



In the early Church, the reason why it was frowned upon to go to frequent reception of the Holy Eucharist, was because of Jansenism.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jansenism

And on a side note, St. Dominic Savio was advised to receive the Blessed Sacrament daily during the Jansenism era in Italy.

He's my Confirmation Saint.

I had considered the Jansenism. But I had also wondered if it ran deeper than that.

I try to make it to Mass about 4 times a week, and receive Communion as often as possible, and refrain from it, when I have committed Mortal Sin, or haven't fasted.

I believe its the most wonderful honor you can receive, to be able to receive to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist daily if you can, its the highlight of my days, good or bad.

Thought I'd get my two cent's worth in...
Apologies if someone already said this.
I read this question in a different book, and the author's answer was something like this:
Recieving daily communion is fine, in fact should be encouraged, if it indicates great faith rather than a lack of it. In cases where someone feels the need to recieve many times daily, it may very well be that they're regarding the Eucharist as more of a talisman than Jesus' true Body. In these circumstances, daily (and more than daily) communium becomes a sort of superstition, which is contrary to our faith.

I put "other" for the third question.

Daily Communion is acceptable whenever the communicant has the correct dispositions.

Can you define correct dispositions for me?

State of grace, supernatural motive, having kept the required fast, etc.

Ok, so you're saying daily communion is fine as long as it follows the rules that we already keep for Sundays?

Yep. I'd also add that you shouldn't receive daily Communion if going to Mass everyday would keep you from fulfilling your other obligations.

Agreed.
If the weekly obligations are fulfilled, then you should make sure that your obligations to family, work, school, and what have you are fulfilled as well.

I'd like to go every day. One day I hope to wake up to attend the 6:30am Mass down the street, however this is not really where I am at right now

There's some divine churches near my work so sometimes I pray inside for a little while. If I get an early mark, or have some free time, I try and go to Mass. Maybe it's blasphemous to say so, I do find going to Mass during the week to be a real treat! It's a special bonus for me to have that extra time with God, rather than spend that time shoe shopping or spending even more money at Barnes and Noble.

Blasphemous!? I find it the anti-blashpheme

One of the biggest perks to volunteering at a Catholic hospital is the daily mass offered. It's a nice pre-lunch blessing to be able to spend a half hour in God's presence with friends and a few Sisters.

I love the masses that my high school (usually) offers on Wednesdays. Very tiny, like less than twenty people every time, most often less than ten. Intimate setting. Priests are good, people are nice, and it's a nice twenty to thirty minute break from my day.

For me, I usually receive communion five days a week, I try for seven but, don't always make it. I have received twice in one day on occasion. I go to adoration on any day I can't get to a Mass time.

Mass brings so much grace and receiving the Eucharist brings me peace and joy and strength. It helps me grow in my Love of God and affects everything that I do.

In the early days of the church, they received every day. The lowest time of receiving was during the middle ages. In 1587 the Council forbid anyone being turned away, even if the received daily. In 1905 the Council made it clear that daily communion was to be urged.

Receiving the Eucharist removes venial sins so why would you not want to have yourself in as much of a state of grace as possible? I struggle on my faith journey and being able to enjoy the beauty and mystery that is the Mass and receive the precious blood and body every day is like a miraculous gift to me. It is so much easier to keep ones eyes focused on the Lord in all we do, every day, when we know we will be in his house to receive him every day.

With the exception of cases of mental illness or people who not understandreceiving the Eucharist, I see no reason why all Catholics do not go to Mass more than once a week. I understand work and family but, a daily Mass is usually 25-30 minutes long and it will certainly give one the spiritual lift you need to do the rest of your life obligations so much better.

The Lord used bread and wine for his body and blood. That was the daily food for people of that time. My emphasis on Daily Food.

I wish I could go every day. Its such a blessing.

everyday. everyone who can. if in mortal sin, go to Mass, but don't receive.

everyone have a spiritual director.

i heard that many extraordinary things happen if you try to go to daily Mass for a year. start with at least one a week. if you work, your day will change if you try to go to morning Mass.

ever heard of Batman? yeah, he went to daily Mass. Superman? yeah, him too. Ironman would try to go every Wednesday. ok maybe not, but graces are way cooler than those powers they have. =D

My thought is that if you are not in mortal sin why not go?

As long as your heart does not become complacent I see no reason to refrain. Eucharist is a dependancy that I happily feed whenever I am able. (I use the term dependency because addiction implies negative affects on your life).
I am a scruplulous person but in my mind recieving the Lord can only help you, why would you refrain from it?

for those who said they have recieved communion more than once a day, isn't that not really supposed to be done? i don't know, i just remember some nuns who were trying to raise money at mass one day saying they wouldn't be taking part in communion because they had already done so at a mass earlier the same day.

Can. 917 A person who has already received the Most Holy Eucharist can receive it a second time on the same day only within the eucharistic celebration in which the person participates, without prejudice to the prescript of ⇒ can. 921, §2.

Were the nuns actually participating in the second Mass? If they weren't, that's probably why they didn't receive a second time.

Well, because of work, a lot of people can't go because they don't have options with Mass times, or some people don't even have a daily Mass option. And where I'm from, almost nowhere has Saturday morning Masses (I always felt like Saturdays got left out because of that...poor, neglected Saturday Masses). So, for some people it really ISN'T possible, although, I'm sure it's possible for many people who don't take advantage of it. (When I was in NYC, it was so cool, because at like 3 of the Churches we went to, they had Mass like 3 times in the morning, 3 times around lunch time and 3 times in the evening. There was no way you could have an excuse!)

+J.M.J.+
no one here has a Saturday Mass either i wish at least someone did

I am so grateful that I live near a Church that has Mass everyday.... it is an island of peace and hope in a city that is largely Godless.

I'm now able to go to Mass early in the morning throughout the week (normally I can't get to the one in the middle of the day because of work).

It's fantastic. And also another motivation to avoid sin so that I can receive Communion each time I go.

I too go to Mass daily. We have a two saturday masses. One at 8:15 and the other at 11:30.

I'm looking forward to transferring next fall to a university where I'll have access to daily Mass.

In the Ukrainain Catholic Church, the Eucharistic fast is from midnight to when you recieve, or if the Liturgy is in the evening, noon to when you recieve so it makes reception of daily communion a bit difficult to say the least : p . I see no problem with daily Communion so long as one is properly disposed to recieve.

I wish that I had the means and the schedule to attend daily Mass!

I just had a question, though- "theoretically," shouldn't we always receive the Eucharist if not in a state of mortal sin? If we ever *do* feel worthy of receiving Him in the Eucharist, aren't we a bit disillusioned? No matter how awful we feel about our sins and no matter how hard it is to move ourselves toward receiving Him, I think it is necessary- to erase venial sins, to give us strength to continue onward toward Him..nothing we could ever do would make us truly worthy of receiving Him, so why not take the opportunity to accept His gift as He offers Himself to us, and thank Him abundantly, in humble adoration and wonder?

+JMJD