What is needed to receive Communion?

This is a question that we are frequently asked in our community, when parents want to bring their children closer to the faith, or when young people and adults want to come to take communion, to receive the consecrated Bread and Wine of the Eucharist. The requirements may vary depending on each community; however, some requirements are:

* Be at least 8 years old and complete the preparation course or catechism classes to receive basic instruction on the principles of the Christian faith.

* Having received Baptism and understanding what Christ's sacrifice, his death and his resurrection mean.

* Receive communion with dignity, with a clear conscience, preparing with a good examination of conscience or, preferably, confessing before taking communion.

* But, above all, have faith, believe that Jesus wanted to give himself, with these signs of wine and bread, as food of eternal life.

The Eucharist also commits us to live in communion with God, and with our brothers, fulfilling God's commandments.