Ask a Priest – How many times can someone receive Holy Communion in a day?

How many times can someone receive Holy Communion in a single day?

Answer:
It is possible to receive communion twice in the same day. The second time, however, must take place in the context of the celebration of Mass and not communion outside of mass. So, if you had already gone to mass and received communion in the morning and then in the afternoon went to a mass at a wedding, a funeral, or simply another mass then you can receive communion again.

Twice is the maximum, however, and it is not affected by the particular rite of the masses.

The norm regarding this is in the Code of Canon Law, where it states:

“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.”

The exception mentioned refers to a person in danger of death being able to receive the Viaticum.