Joshua Bennett
Receiving Catholic Communion, also known as the Holy Eucharist, is a sacred tradition in the Catholic Church. It involves partaking of the Body and Blood of Christ, symbolized by consecrated bread and wine. The act of receiving Communion is a profound expression of unity with Christ and the Catholic community. While the specific practices may vary across regions, the underlying reverence and devotion remain consistent. In the United States, for instance, individuals typically receive Communion while standing, although kneeling is also permitted as a sign of reverence. The Catholic Church encourages frequent Communion, ideally daily, and mandates reception during the Easter season. Before receiving Communion, Catholics are expected to be in a state of grace, having confessed their mortal sins. The Church allows for flexibility in the mode of reception, either on the tongue or by hand, with the left hand placed over the right as if creating a throne for the Lord. After receiving Communion, it is customary to stay after Mass and express gratitude to Jesus for the gift of the Holy Eucharist.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Receiving on tongue or hand | Receiving on the tongue is considered more reverent and is the norm in the Philippines. Receiving in the hand is allowed by the Church but some bishops are withdrawing this permission. |
| Receiving Communion worthily | One must be in a state of grace, i.e., after having confessed all known mortal sins. |
| Conduct | One's conduct should be of utmost respect and love. |
| Bowing | Bowing is considered an act of reverence while receiving Communion. |
| Kneeling | One may also choose to kneel while receiving Communion. |
| Post-Communion | It is appropriate to stay after Mass and thank Jesus for coming to you in the Holy Eucharist. |
| Dipping the host | It is not permissible to dip the host into the chalice. |
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What You'll Learn
Receiving communion on the tongue
In the Catholic Mass, when it is time for Communion, those who wish to receive it on the tongue approach the priest, deacon, or extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. They may genuflect or kneel, demonstrating reverence and humility before receiving the Sacred Host. With their hands folded or crossed over their chest, they tilt their head slightly back, open their mouth wide, and extend their tongue. This posture ensures that the Sacred Host is placed securely on the tongue, with the tongue blocking the view of the lower lip.
It is worth noting that the universal law of the Latin rite is to receive Communion on the tongue. While some dioceses and parishes may have adopted the practice of Communion in the hand, it is an indult or special permission granted by the Holy See. The right to receive Communion on the tongue is affirmed by the Church, and it is not within the bishop's authority to prohibit this practice.
For those who wish to receive Communion on the tongue, it is important to be mindful of the priest's needs. Remaining stationary with the head straight or slightly tilted back and the tongue extended provides a stable target for the priest to place the Sacred Host. This practice requires coordination and care to ensure a smooth and respectful Communion experience.
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Receiving communion in the hand
If you wish to receive Communion in the hand, you should first ensure that your hands are clean. When it is your turn, approach the priest and bow. If you are right-handed, place your left hand on top of your right hand, forming a throne for the host. If you are left-handed, this position is reversed. Allow the priest to place the host in your hand and respond with "Amen". Then, take the host with your other hand and bring it to your mouth.
It is important to note that you should not reach out with your fingers and take the host from the priest. Additionally, if you are holding something or someone, such as a baby, in your hands or arms, it is recommended that you receive Communion on the tongue to give the host your full attention and care.
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Kneeling to receive communion
In the United States, the norm for receiving Communion is to stand, but individuals are not denied Communion if they choose to kneel. This is supported by the Code of Canon Law, which states that "sacred ministers may not deny the sacraments to those who seek them in a reasonable manner, are rightly disposed, and are not prohibited by law from receiving them." The decision to kneel or stand during Communion is a personal choice and should not be a cause for judgment or division among parishioners.
Kneeling during Communion can be a powerful expression of faith and a way to set the act of receiving Communion apart from ordinary experiences. It provides a moment of pause and preparation before receiving the Eucharist. Some parishes retain the use of altar rails to provide a comfortable space for kneeling during Communion.
The method of receiving Communion, whether in the hand or on the tongue, is also an individual choice and should not be dictated by the person distributing Communion. Regardless of the posture or method, the focus should be on receiving Communion with humility and reverence.
It is worth noting that the discussion around the preferred posture for receiving Communion is not new and has been revisited over the centuries. The early Church practiced receiving the Eucharist in the hand, and the current diversity of postures reflects the unity within the universal Church.
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The frequency of receiving communion
The early Christian church practiced weekly communion, also known as the Lord's Supper or the Eucharist. This continued for the first few centuries of the church's existence. During the Middle Ages, the Roman Catholic Church gradually reduced the frequency to special occasions such as Christmas, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Ascension Day, and Pentecost.
The Fourth Lateran Council mandated that members of the Roman Catholic Church receive communion at least once a year. However, different religious orders within the Church varied in their frequency of communion, ranging from four to fifteen times a year.
The Council of Trent expressed a preference for all faithful members to receive communion during each Mass, implying a desire for more frequent communion than the annual minimum. The Catechism of the Council emphasized that communion should be more frequent than once a year, but stopped short of prescribing a fixed universal rule, leaving the decision to individuals and communities.
Reformed theologians such as John Calvin and Martin Bucer advocated for a return to the early church's practice of weekly communion. Calvin, in particular, emphasized the importance of frequent communion in his writings, arguing that "The Lord's Table should have been spread at least once a week for the assembly of Christians, and the promises declared in it should feed us spiritually." However, despite their efforts, the Reformed churches have not fully achieved this goal due to ingrained traditions and practical challenges.
Saints and modern authors, such as Pope Saint Pius X, have also promoted the benefits of frequent communion as essential to spiritual growth and holiness. Pius X encouraged a more regular reception of communion, issuing Sacra Tridentina in 1905. He emphasized the importance of proper intention and careful preparation before approaching the Holy Table, ensuring that it is done out of a sincere desire to please God and deepen one's relationship with Him.
In summary, the frequency of receiving communion has varied throughout the history of Christianity, with early Christians practicing weekly communion, followed by a reduction in frequency during the Middle Ages, and ongoing discussions and variations among different Christian denominations and individuals regarding the ideal frequency.
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What to do after receiving communion
After receiving Holy Communion, Catholics are to walk silently back to their pew, where they can kneel or sit contemplatively in adoration of Jesus. It is customary to remain kneeling or seated until the chalice is safely returned to the tabernacle. During this time, Catholics may pray and reflect, bringing them closer to God and allowing them to be more fully aware of his presence.
There are many Catholic prayers that can be said after receiving the Holy Eucharist. One may wish to recite prayers of thanksgiving, thanking Jesus for the sacrament of Communion and for residing in his body. The Anima Christi, a 14th-century prayer asking Jesus for salvation, is another prayer that can be recited. Catholics may also wish to pray to Mary by reciting the Hail Mary, in thanksgiving and in acknowledgment of her suffering.
While kneeling, one may also sing Communion hymns or recite Psalms from the breviary. It is important to remain kneeling out of reverence for the blessed sacrament and respect for the Lord until the priest is finished serving everyone and the Eucharist is back in the tabernacle.
After Communion has been distributed, the priest and deacon collect any remaining hosts and wine. The priest consumes any leftover wine and then places the chalice, containing the remaining hosts, into the tabernacle. The tabernacle door is then closed and locked.
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Frequently asked questions
The Church allows receptions in the hand and on the tongue, and it is up to the individual to choose. Receiving communion on the tongue is seen as more reverent and is the only option when receiving communion from Pope Francis. However, receiving communion in the hand is more practical when using an altar rail.
Place your left hand on top of your right hand as if you were creating a throne to receive God, keeping your eyes on Christ. Bow or genuflect when you reach the priest or minister, and respond "Amen" when they say "The body of Christ".
Fold your hands in a prayer position when you are in line. When you get to the priest or minister, you may bow, genuflect, or kneel. Respond "Amen" when they say "The body of Christ", and then stick out your tongue to receive communion.
It is appropriate to stay after Mass and thank Jesus for coming to you in the Holy Eucharist. This can be done during the celebration with a period of silence or with a hymn, psalm, or other songs of praise.
