RCIA Resource – Session 33

Holy Communion — Receiving Christ Worthily

RCIA – Session 33
This session forms part of a structured introduction to the Catholic Faith used in parish RCIA. It is intended to be read slowly and prayerfully, alongside participation in the life of the Church. This material is offered for formation and reflection. Reception into the Catholic Church always involves personal discernment and parish accompaniment.

Aim of this session

By the end of this session, participants should understand that:

  • Holy Communion is the true reception of Jesus Christ
  • Communion deepens union with Christ and the Church
  • proper disposition is required to receive fruitfully
  • unworthy reception harms rather than helps
  • reverence flows from truth, not from preference

This session asks:

What does it mean to receive Christ in Holy Communion?

1. Communion Is the Purpose of the Sacrifice

The Mass culminates in Holy Communion.

The sacrifice is offered:

  • to God the Father
  • through Christ
  • for our salvation

Holy Communion is:

  • the fruit of the sacrifice
  • Christ given to us as food

The Mass does not end at consecration.
It moves toward reception.

2. What Holy Communion Is

Holy Communion is:

The receiving of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.

This is not:

  • a sign of belonging only
  • a moment of reflection
  • symbolic participation

It is:

  • true reception
  • of the living Christ

Penny Catechism

Q. What is Holy Communion?
A. Holy Communion is the receiving of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

3. Union with Christ

In Holy Communion:

  • Christ gives Himself to us
  • we are united more closely to Him

This union is:

  • real
  • personal
  • transformative

Christ does not remain outside us.
He comes to dwell within us.

This union:

  • strengthens grace
  • increases charity
  • helps resist sin

4. Union with the Church

Holy Communion unites us not only to Christ, but:

  • to His Body
  • to the Church

Communion is never private.

To receive Communion is to say:

“I believe what the Church believes, and I live in communion with her.”

This is why:

  • faith matters
  • unity matters
  • discipline matters

5. Worthy Reception

Because Holy Communion is Christ Himself:

preparation is required

The Church teaches that:

  • one must be baptised
  • one must believe
  • one must be in a state of grace

This is not exclusion.
It is protection.

Penny Catechism

Q. What is required to receive Holy Communion worthily?
A. To receive Holy Communion worthily we must be in a state of grace, know and believe what we are receiving, and approach with reverence and devotion.

6. Mortal Sin and Communion

The Church teaches that:

grave sin separates the soul from God

To receive Holy Communion knowingly in mortal sin:

  • does not bring grace
  • brings harm

This is not punishment.
It is truth.

The remedy is not avoidance forever.
It is repentance and reconciliation.

7. Fasting and Reverence

The Church requires:

  • fasting one hour before Communion
  • outward reverence

These practices teach:

  • self-discipline
  • awareness of what is received
  • respect for the sacred

Reverence forms the soul.

External actions shape internal faith.

8. Communion Is Not Automatic

Holy Communion:

  • gives grace
  • but does not force holiness

Its fruitfulness depends on:

  • faith
  • repentance
  • desire for conversion

Christ gives Himself fully.
We must receive Him honestly.

9. Common Difficulties Addressed

“Isn’t exclusion unkind?”

Truth is not unkind; it is protective.

“Why can’t everyone receive?”

Communion expresses unity that must be real, not assumed.

“What if I feel unworthy?”

Humility draws grace; presumption blocks it.

10. What Is Being Asked of You Now

At this stage, you are not asked to:

  • receive Communion immediately
  • judge others

You are asked to consider this:

If Christ gives Himself as food, how should I prepare to receive Him?

That question leads directly to the sacrament of healing.

11. Questions for the Week

Reflect quietly during the week:

  • Do I believe Christ truly comes to Catholics in Communion?
  • How do I prepare my soul for His presence in the tabernacle and on the altar?
  • What does reverence mean in my own life?

12. Closing Summary

Holy Communion is:

  • Christ Himself
  • received personally
  • given for our sanctification

It is the most intimate union possible in this life.

Next week we will ask:

What happens when we fall after Baptism — and how does Christ heal us?

Optional Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ,
You give Yourself to us as heavenly food.
Purify our hearts to receive You worthily,
and deepen our love for Your sacramental presence.
Amen.