Dear Ajig,
Your question is answered in the "Catechism of the Catholic
Church", no 1377: "The Eucharistic presence of Christ begins at
the moment of the Consecration and endures as long as the
Eucharistic species subsist."
However, a priest may not use merely the words of consecration to
provide Holy Communion for a dying person. When called to a sick
bed, the priest brings with him a consecrated host from the
tabernacle.
I encourage you and every one of our correspondents to buy, read,
study, and pray the new Catechism. Remember: Internet is fun, but
the Catechism is an official instrument of the Teaching Church.
The official Catechism of the Catholic Church is available from:
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This handy one-volume reference book is a compendium of texts
referred to in the Catechism. It contains more than 3,600 references
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Sincerely in Christ,
Father Mateo
- Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit -
-- | CIN (619-449-6030) Fido: (1:202/1613) http://www.cin.org/cin | St. Gabriel Gift & Book Nook: http://www.stgabriel.com/gabriel