Receiving Holy Communion

They Recognized Him in the Breaking of the Bread

 On this Feast of the Most Holy Body of Blood of Christ, as the Church continues to celebrate "The Year of the Eucharist" begun by our late Holy Father, Pope John Paul IT, let us take this opportunity to remind ourselves of the proper way to receive the Holy Eucharist. A new edition of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal was issued by the Holy See in 2001. The General Instruction is the document which accompanied the publication of the third edition of the Roman Missal - the official book of prayers for the celebration of Mass.

 

These are some directives taken ŁTom the General Instruction regarding the

reception of the Eucharist:

"When receiving Holy Communion, the communicant bows his or her head before the Sacrament as a gesture of reverence and receives the Body of the Lord from the minister. The consecrated Host may be received either on the tongue or in the hand, at the discretion of each communicant. When Holy Communion is received under both kinds, the sign of reverence is also made before receiving the Precious Blood. (#160)

 

"The priest raises the host slightly and shows it to each, saying, Corpus Christi (The Body of Christ). The communicant replies, 'Amen,' and receives the Sacrament either on the tongue or, where this is allowed and if the communicant so chooses, in the hand. As soon as the communicant receives the Host, he or she consumes it entirely." (#161)

 

"It is not permissible for the communicant to dip the Host into the Precious Blood." (US. Norms, #44)

 

If receiving Communion in the hand, place one hand on top of the other and allow the priest or extraordinary minister to place the Host in the palm of your hand. Avoid "snatching" with your fingers. There should be no other objects in your hands. If you must carry something with you in the Communion procession (your child or a cane) and you are unable to receive with both hands, please receive the Holy Eucharist on your tongue out of reverence for the Lord.

 

After receiving the Host, consume it immediately. Don't walk away from the priest or minister until you have put it in your mouth. Also, don't bless yourself with the

Host. Simply take it to your mouth and consume it. Your response to "The Body of Christ" is a simple "Amen!" There is no need to add anything like "God bless you" or "Thank you." "Amen ("I Believe") is a word rich in meaning - it should be spoken with conviction and faith.