Can you receive communion twice in one day?

Holy Communion, or the Eucharist, is at the very heart of Catholic worship. For Catholics, receiving the Body and Blood of Christ is not only the high point of the Mass but also a profound encounter with the real presence of Jesus. Given its central role, many faithful wonder about the guidelines and limits surrounding the reception of Communion.

One common question is whether it is permissible to receive Communion twice in one day. This article explores the official teachings of the Catholic Church on this question, the reasoning behind these regulations, and the pastoral significance for the faithful.

The Importance of the Eucharist

The Eucharist is considered the “source and summit of the Christian life,” as stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1324). Catholics are encouraged to receive Communion frequently, as it strengthens their union with Christ and the Church, forgives venial sins, and provides spiritual nourishment. However, the Church also encourages reverence and proper preparation, emphasizing that the Eucharist is not to be taken lightly or received in a routine or thoughtless manner.

Historical Development of the Rule

In the early centuries of Christianity, the faithful often received Communion only rarely, sometimes just once a year. Over time, the Church began to encourage more frequent reception. As this practice increased, so did the need to clarify how often Communion could be received in a single day. In the past, Church law was quite strict, generally allowing Communion only once per day (except in danger of death). However, with the liturgical reforms of the 20th century and a renewed emphasis on the Eucharist as spiritual sustenance, the Church revisited these rules.

The Current Law: Canon 917

Today, the answer is found in the Code of Canon Law, specifically Canon 917, which governs the frequency of receiving Holy Communion:

“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.”

This means that, generally speaking, a Catholic may receive Communion twice in one day, with a specific condition: the second time must occur during participation in a full Mass (as opposed to, for example, a Communion service, which is not a full Mass).

Practical Scenarios

How does this apply in practice? Consider a few common situations:

• If you attend Mass in the morning and receive Communion, and then attend a wedding or funeral Mass later in the day, you may receive Communion again.
• If you serve at two different Masses—perhaps as a lector, choir member, or altar server—you may receive Communion at both.
• If you receive Communion at a Mass, you may not receive a third time that day, except in special circumstances, such as Viaticum (the Eucharist given when someone is in danger of death).

The key factor is participation in the entire second Mass—not just arriving at Communion time. The Church wants the faithful to be fully engaged in the liturgical celebration, not simply receiving the sacrament without the surrounding context of worship and prayer.

The Principle Behind the Rule

Why does the Church set these guidelines? The rules are intended to safeguard the reverence due to the Eucharist, prevent abuses (such as “collecting” Communions), and ensure that the focus remains on full, conscious participation in the Mass. It is not simply about the number of times one can receive, but about fostering a deeper relationship with Christ through the liturgy.

By limiting the reception of Communion to twice a day—under the condition of active participation in the second Mass—the Church encourages Catholics to approach the sacrament with intention and devotion, rather than out of habit or mere routine.

Special Circumstances: Viaticum

There is one important exception to the twice-a-day rule. If a person is in danger of death, the Church allows them to receive Holy Communion again, regardless of how many times they have already received that day. This is known as Viaticum, or “food for the journey”—the final reception of the Eucharist as spiritual sustenance for the dying.

Conclusion

In summary, the Catholic Church does permit the faithful to receive Communion twice in one day, provided the second time occurs during participation in a full Mass. This rule reflects the Church’s desire to encourage frequent reception of the Eucharist, while also maintaining a sense of reverence and full participation in the liturgy. The exception for Viaticum acknowledges the unique spiritual needs of those who are near death.