Does Gum Break The 1 Hour Fast Before Mass?

[Lil Red]

+J.M.J.+
i've asked priests, who have said no. my friend has asked different priests who have said yes. guidance would be appreciated, along with anything the Church officially says (i know that won't be easy, lol). thanks!

[StColette]

[quote name='Lil Red' post='1601102' date='Jul 16 2008, 12:47 PM']+J.M.J.+
i've asked priests, who have said no. my friend has asked different priests who have said yes. guidance would be appreciated, along with anything the Church officially says (i know that won't be easy, lol). thanks! [/quote]


I'm not really sure if it does or does not break the fast. Micah and I spoke about this a few times. I believe that if you are chewing it for the sake of just chewing gum, then I would say it would be best to refrain from doing so before the 1 hour fast. Now if you have halitosis or something that causes extremely bad breath, I believe for hygiene purposes you should be allowed to chew gum for a little bit and spit it out in order to freshen up.

I know you aren't supposed to have anything except for water or medications (some meds. do require you eat something though). I'm not sure what gum would be considered.

[cappie]

Canon 919
1. One who is to receive the Most Holy Eucharist is to abstain from any food or drink, with the exception only of water and medicine, for at least the period of one hour before Holy Communion.

Chewing gum is among those things that are placed in the mouth but are not food. Other examples include chewing breath mints, cough drops, toothpaste, and mouthwash. Even if some portion of one of these things -- or its juices -- is swallowed, it does not break the fast because it is not food.

Even so, as a matter of prudential judgment, it is a good idea to refrain from using such things in church because to do so can be, in some cases, impolite and cause scandal.