Communion Outside Mass

a. It is necessary to accustom the faithful to receive communion during the actual celebration of the Eucharist. Even outside Mass, however, priests will not refuse to distribute communion to those who have good reason to ask for it. By permission of the bishop of the place, according to the norm of the Motu Proprio Pastorale Munus, n.4, or by permission of the major superior of a religious institute according to the Rescript  Cum admotae, Art.1,n.1, communion may be distributed even during the afternoon.


b. When, at the prescribed times, communion is distributed outside Mass, if it is judged suitable, a short Bible service may precede it, in accordance with the Instruction 'Inter Oecumenici', nn. 37 and 39.


c. If Mass cannot be celebrated because of a lack of priests, and communion is distributed by a minister who has the faculty to do this by indult from the Holy See, the rite laid down by the competent authority is to be followed.

Note: This quoted from Instruction on the Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery; Eucharisticum Mysterium no. 33.