The New Fast Laws 

Before Holy Communion 

And Evening Mass 

By Timothy Lynch, M.S.SS.T., J.e.D. 

and Matthew Fogarty, M.S.SS.T . 

. From Apostolic Constitution "Christus Dominus" 

"We, by this decree, trust that we may be able 
to add 110t a little to the increase of Eucharistic 
piety, and in this way to move and stir up· all 
to partake at the toble of the angels. This, 
without doubt, will increase the glory of Gad 
and the holiness of the Mystical Body of Christ. " 

-Pius XII 

MISSIONARY SERVANT PRESS 
Box ~O 

SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND 

Copyr ight 1953 By Missionary Servant Press 



OBSERVATION OF 

GENERAL 

WHO WHAT PERMITTED TIME 

All Pure water 2 . Anytime 

FOR THE 
Faithful Liquids, 
( includes non-alcoholic Anytime 

all except Medicine, 
priests) even solids 

------- ----------r--------
Liquids, 

Priests non-alcoholic Anytime 

Medicine, 
even solids 

1 Apart from unrestricted use of water, those able 
should keep regular fast. . 

2 Water without the addition of any element (fluo-
rinated, chlori~ted water permitted). 



EUCH ARISTIC FAST I 

PRACTICE 

PERMISSION CONDITIONS 

None None 

I 

SIC K . 
I 

a. True medicine: no solids 
Confessor 3 for nourishment. 

b. Real inconvenience. 
c. Need not be in bed. 

---------~-----------------

None 
a. True medicine: no solids 

for nourishment. 
b. Real inconvenience. 
c. Need not be in bed. 

a A priest who has a right to hear person's confes-
sion. (Not necessarily in confession.) This permis-
sion need be obtained only once during same 
illness. 



SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES 

WHO WHAT" PERMITTED TIME 

Faithful To one (1 ) hour 
( includes Liquids , before Com-

all except non-alcoholic munion 
priests) 

Priests Liquids, To one (1) hour 
non-alcoholic 6 before Mass 

1 A priest who ha s a right to hear person ' s confes-
sion . (Nat necessa ri ly in confess ion , ) This permis -
sion need be obtained only once for a particular 
circumstance. 

~ laborers an day and night shifls ; night workers , 
such as nurses , watchmen, etc .; expectant mothers ; 
mothers busy for 10n9," ti me with household duties . 

a After 9 A,M, (could be earlier for children)_ 

PERMISSION CONDITIONS 

Either: 

Confessor 1 a. Tiring work 2 

None 

b. Late hour 3 of Communion 

c. Long journey 4 " 

Either: 

a . Late hour 3 of Mass 

b. Heavy work in ministry 

c. Long journey 4 

4 1 % miles on foot ; 15 to 20 miles by car; according 
to person ' s physical condition. 

6 In Binotion and Trination water permitted for sec-
ond ablution-if wine inadvertently consumed in 
ablution, second and third Mass may be said , 
(Rubrics for Christmas and All Sauls Day Trination 
still in effect. ) 



ft 

EVENING 

WHO WHAT PERMITTED TIME .. 

Food (wine, beer To three (3) hours 
at meals) before Com-

munion 

Faithful --------- ----------
( includes 

all except liquids, To one (1) hour 
priests) non-alcoholic before Com-

munion 

Food (wine, beer To three (3) hours 
at meals) before Mass 

Priests ._-------- ---------~ 
Liquids, To one (1) hour 

non-alcoholic before Mass 

1 May be permilled Dy Ord inary of the - Place, after 
4 P.M . on special doys to meet special needs . 



·y\ASS 1 

PERMISSION 

None 

.----~-

None 

None 

CONDITIONS 

None 

, -----------------

None 

None 

------.~---~--------------

None 

cum permissu superiorum 

FEBRUARY, 1953 

None 




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