Who Can Receive the Communion

Today I read an article in class. I decided to blog about it. This article, titled "Who Can Receive the Communion ," talks about how the Holy Eucharist is the most important of the seven sacraments because, in this and in no other sacrament, we receive the very body and blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ. To receive Communion you must be in a state of grace, and of course, be Catholic. The Eucharist is an intimate encounter with Christ and you should have no mortal sin tainting your soul. As Catholics we believe that the Eucharist is truly Christ. Any non-Catholic cannot receive Communion. Personally I believe that this is fair. If you do not fully accept the Catholic faith, and are not in a state of grace, then you should not be able to receive Communion. The Catholic Church has rules that you must follow if you wish to receive Communion: you must be in a state of grace, have made a good confession since your last mortal sin, believe in transubstantiation, observe the Eucharistic fast, and, finally, not be under an ecclesiastical censure such as excommunication. Until I was about 12 I was unaware of the "don't eat before you receive Communion." I have committed this sin many times, and have continued to do so. But I do go to confession and receive my penance.