25/01/2026
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BE IN THE KNOW | Can a Catholic receive Holy Communion every time he attends Mass in a day?
Short answer: Yes, but with limits and conditions.
1. Ordinary rule: Communion may be received once per day
The Church teaches that, as a general norm, a Catholic may receive Holy Communion only once in a day.
📘 Source: Code of Canon Law, Canon 917
“A person who has already received the Most Holy Eucharist may receive it a second time on the same day only within a Eucharistic celebration in which the person participates…”
2. Second reception is permitted if it is during another full Mass
A Catholic may receive a second time on the same day, only if:
• It is within another Mass, and
• The person participates fully in that Mass.
📘 Source: Code of Canon Law, Canon 917
📘 Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), no. 1388
“It is recommended that the faithful receive Holy Communion during the Eucharistic celebration itself.”
3. Third or multiple receptions in the same day are not permitted
Outside the specific exceptions allowed by law, receiving Communion more than twice in one day is not permitted, even if one attends many Masses.
📘 Source: Pontifical Council for the Interpretation of Legislative Texts (Authentic Interpretation of Canon 917, 1984)
4. Exception: Viaticum for the dying
If a Catholic is in danger of death, he may receive Holy Communion again as Viaticum, even if he has already received twice that day.
📘 Source: Code of Canon Law, Canon 921 §2
“Even if they have received Communion that same day, those in danger of death are strongly urged to receive again.”
5. Proper disposition is always required
Even when reception is permitted, the communicant must:
• Be in a state of grace
• Observe the Eucharistic fast
• Approach Communion with reverence and faith
📘 Source: CCC 1385
“Anyone conscious of a grave sin must receive the sacrament of Reconciliation before coming to Communion.”
📘 Source: Code of Canon Law, Canon 916
✔ Normally: once per day
✔ Possibly: twice per day, if the second time is during another Mass
❌ Not permitted: more than twice, except in danger of death
✔ Always required: proper spiritual disposition