Anglican practice and Catholic Tradition teach us that baptism and confirmation by a bishop in succession to the Apostles are among the requirements for a regular and frequent reception of Holy Communion. We should not only be free from serious sin (the remedy for serious sin is a sincere confession), but be "in love and charity wtih our neighbour."
For those who are able to do so, ancient practice directs us to receive the Blessed Sacrament fasting.
Counsels for Communicants
Three times a year is the very least that any Christian should receive Holy Communion. A good rule is to receive once a week, on a Sunday or other day. The ideal is daily Communion.
It is a sacrilege to receive Holy Communion when one is in a state of serious sin. In order to avoid this, we are commanded by St. Paul to examine ourselves before receiving. If there is any serious doubt as to our spiritual condition, we should go to confession with a priest.
In receiving Holy Communion, follow these simple rules:
Women should remove lipstick before going to the altar.
Genuflect in the asile on leaving your seat and not again. Do not genuflect at the rail or after your Communion. Keep your eyes down and hour hands joined or folded in going to and from the altar.
Kneel upright at the rail without leaning over.
Receive the Lord's Body either in your right palm and lifting it to your mouth (making sure not to take the Host into your fingers) or directly on the tongue.
Receive the Chalice by guiding it to your lips with your right hand. Take only a slight sip of the Precious Blood. Do not wipe your mouth after receiving the Chalice.
Leave the rail as soon as the person on your left has finished receiving the Chalice.
Return to your seat and kneel quietly, beginning your prayers of praise and thanksgiving for the great Gift you have received.
