Q. 900. Why does not the Church give Holy Communion to the people as it does to the priest under the appearance of wine also? A. The Church does not give Holy Communion to the people as it does to the priest under the appearance of wine also, to avoid the danger of spilling the Precious Blood; to prevent the irreverence some might show if compelled to drink out of a chalice used by all, and lastly, to refute those who denied that Our Lord's blood is present under the appearance of bread also. Q. 901. {254} What is necessary to make a good Communion? A. To make a good Communion it is necessary to be in the state of sanctifying grace and to fast according to the laws of the Church. Q. 902. What should a person do who, through forgetfulness or any other cause, has broken the fast necessary for Holy Communion? A. A person who through forgetfulness or any other cause has broken the fast necessary for Holy Communion, should again fast and receive Holy Communion the following morning if possible, without returning to confession. It is not a sin to break one's fast, but it would be a mortal sin to receive Holy Communion after knowingly breaking the fast necessary for it. Q. 903. {255} Does he who receives Communion in mortal sin receive the body and blood of Christ? A. He who receives Communion in mortal sin receives the body and blood of Christ, but does not receive His grace, and he commits a great sacrilege. Q. 904. {256} Is it enough to be free from mortal sin to receive plentifully the graces of Holy Communion? A. To receive plentifully the graces of Holy Communion it is not enough to be free from mortal sin, but we should be free from all affection to venial sin, and should make acts of lively faith, of firm hope, and ardent love. Q. 905. {257} What is the fast necessary for Holy Communion? A. The fast necessary for Holy Communion is the abstaining from food, alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic drinks for one hour before Holy Communion. Water does not break the fast. {T.N.: The reprint book, upon which this e-text is based, contains the statement, "Complete and unabridged, except for the rules governing reception of Holy Communion."} Q. 906. Does medicine taken by necessity or food taken by accident break the fast for Holy Communion? A. Medicine does not break the fast; food taken by accident within one hour before Communion breaks the fast. Q. 907. {258} Is any one ever allowed to receive Holy Communion when not fasting? A. To protect the Blessed Sacrament from insult or injury, or when in danger of death, Holy Communion may be received without fasting.