Can a Catholic receive the Eucharist more than once per day, and if so, how many times per day is it acceptable to do so?
“The Eucharist is the efficacious sign and sublime cause of that communion in the divine life and that unity of the People of God by which the Church is kept in being. It is the culmination both of God’s action sanctifying the world in Christ and of the worship men offer to Christ and through him to the Father in the Holy Spirit.” – Catechism of the Catholic Church 1325
What if you find yourself having attended Mass and received Communion, but later in the day at a special Eucharistic celebration like a funeral or wedding. Or, you attend Saturday morning Mass and a Saturday evening Mass to fulfill the Sunday obligation. Or, you attend Mass and later serve at another Mass as a minister, usher, or speaker. Would it be acceptable to receive for the second time in the same day? Simply put: yes, but after discerning whether the manner of participation has properly disposed one’s self for receiving.
“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.” – Code of Canon Law 917
The Code of Canon Law allows for one to receive twice in one day to account for these exceptional situations, but only within the context of Mass. It is possible to receive Communion thrice in one day, however, under an even more exceptional circumstance.
“Even if they have been nourished by holy communion on the same day, however, those in danger of death are strongly urged to receive communion again.” – Code of Canon Law 921 §2
A person who has received Communion twice in one day according to the provisions above can receive for a third time as viaticum, as part of the Last Rites of they are in danger of death.
“The Catholic tradition of giving the Eucharist to the dying ensures that instead of dying alone they die with Christ who promises them eternal life.” – Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragán
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