As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion.    
   The Church sets out specific guidelines regarding how we should prepare ourselves to receive the Lord’s body and blood in Communion.
    To receive Communion worthily, you must
 be in a state of grace
 have made a good confession since your last mortal sin
 believe in transubstantiation
 observe the Eucharistic fast of one hour
 be free of any  ecclesiastical censure such as excommunication. 
  
Communion may be received either in the hand or on the tongue.  You may also receive from the cup, but we respectfully ask that you bypass the chalice if you are experiencing any signs of illness. 
   We also welcome to this celebration those who do not share our Catholic faith. While we cannot admit them to Communion, we ask them to come forward with their arms crossed over their chest to receive a blessing from the priest. Or they may remain in their seats and offer their prayers for the peace and the unity of the human family.