Msg Base:  AREA 5  - ASK FATHER            CIN ECHO   AMDG
  Msg No: 144.  Wed  9-18-91  5:56  (RECV'D)
    From: Father Mateo
      To: Mike O'donnell
 Subject: Frequency of Holy Communion

³ We were taught in Catholic school that it was a sacreligious act to
³ receive the Eucharist twice in one day.  When Saturday evening Mass became
³ a substitute for Sunday liturgy, this was clarified to say that Saturday
³ morning, Saturday evening, and Sunday morning were O.K.  I am a music
³ minister, and sometimes minister at more than one Mass.  For example, I
³ volunteer for holydays at our childrens' school, where they have an 8:45
³ Mass for the Middle School (Gr. 5-8) and a 10:30 for the Primary School.
³ It has been my practice to receive at the 8:45 liturgy but not at the
³ 10:30.  I have to admit that I felt a little left out, but rules are
³ rules!
³
³ On another computer online service, someone mentioned Canon 917, which
³ they interpreted to mean that if you are actively ministering at two
³ liturgies in one morning, then you may receive the Eucharist at both.
³ What is the interpretation of this canon, and can I change my practice and
³ receive at the 10:30 Mass?
 
Dear Mike,
 
Since 1983, we have had a new Code of Canon Law.  You have been
following a rule that no longer exists!  And the interpretation you
mention in your message 170, paragraph 2 is faulty because it is too
strict!
 
Here is the new discipline.  Anyone can receive communion twice a day
if he is hearing (attending, participating in) two Masses.  You need
not be "actively ministering."
 
What is forbidden?  A second Communion outside of Mass (except as
viaticum); also, a second Communion during a Mass at which one is not
participating, e.g., if you drop in for a visit and find Communion
being given just at that time, and you have already received
Communion that day, you may not receive again (because you aren't
hearing the whole Mass).  The only provision for a third Communion on
the same day is this:  a person has heard two full Masses and
received twice on the same day.  Then he becomes suddenly and
seriously ill.  He may then receive viaticum (and he should!).
 
Mike, we've corresponded before and I know you are active and
involved in your parish.  It shakes me that there has been no
INSTRUCTION given you folks from the pulpit about this.  How many
other practical points do you and others in your parish lack
information about?  You have a right to this information.
 
Perhaps you and other involved parishioners should pow-wow with your
clergy about starting seminars or study clubs on Catholic practice.
Or, remember parish missions?!?  Maybe a mission band could be
invited to devote several evenings to severely practical stuff.
 
Everyone is gung ho today about Scripture, liturgy, etc., etc.,
etc.--but we're meeting Catholics who don't know meal prayers or the
proper way to genuflect.
 
                                 Sincerely in Christ,
                                 Father Mateo