Is Chewing Gum at Mass Allowed?

by Admin · January 16, 2024

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Question: I have noticed that there are some people chewing bubblegum during Mass, and I have even seen people coming up to receive Communion while still chewing their gum. Should the priest or extra-ordinary minister of the Eucharist refuse to give them Communion?

Answer: Canon law tells Catholics that they are to abstain from all food and drink — with the exception of water or medication — for at least one hour before receiving Communion (919.1). The reason is to remind us how special the Eucharist is, nourishing us for life eternal. However, nowhere does canon law define precisely what constitutes food and what does not.

Some people might suggest that since sugar-free chewing gum has no nutritional value, it does not qualify as food. This may be so, but one may legitimately argue that chewing gum of any kind, when consumed during the Mass, profanes the mouth as a proper receptor for Communion and should therefore be avoided.

As for withholding Communion when young gum-chewers present themselves to receive the Body of Christ, most priests will probably take the view that it is better not to publicly embarrass that person. In any case, we do not know whether there may be a good (even if unusual) medical reason for that person to be chewing gum.

Why not instead seek that person out after Mass and talk with them as to the appropriateness of chewing gum before receiving Communion? And if the problem is common in your parish, perhaps an occasional reminder in the church newsletter or parish notices might help.

Asked and answered in the October 2023 issue of The Southern Cross magazine