Ask Father: Eucharistic Fast

Dear Father: Does the Eucharistic fast apply to weekday Masses or just on the weekend?

Dear friend in Christ,

Great question. The Eucharistic fast is when we abstain from food for one hour before Mass. It applies to all Catholics at all Masses. It is a small sacrifice we make to prepare to receive Jesus into our bodies. The slight physical hunger should remind us of our soul’s deep hunger to receive the Body of Christ.

Those who are not in good health or need to take medicine with food are exempted from the Eucharistic fast.