1. To unite us to Himself and to nourish our soul with His body and blood. 2. To increase sanctifying grace and all virtues in our soul. 3. To lessen our evil inclinations. 4. To be a pledge of everlasting life. 5. To fit our bodies for a glorious resurrection. 6. To continue the sacrifice of the cross in His Church.
253. Q. What is Holy Communion? A. Holy Communion is the receiving of the body and blood of Christ.
254. Q. What is necessary to make a good Communion? A. To make a good Communion it is necessary to be in the state of grace and to be fasting for one hour from food and all drinks, except water.
[This answer has been changed in the 1977 edition to bring it up to date with the current rules.]
255. Q. 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.
LESSON TWENTIETH ON THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS
262. Q. When are the bread and wine changed into the body and blood of Christ? A. The bread and wine are changed into the body and blood of Christ at the consecration in the Mass.
263. Q. What is the Mass? A. The Mass is the unbloody sacrifice of the body and blood of Christ.
265. Q. Is the Mass the same sacrifice as that of the cross? A. The Mass is the same sacrifice as that of the cross.
269. Q. How should we assist at Mass? A. We should assist at Mass with great interior recollection and piety, and with every outward mark of respect and devotion.