Sarah Mitchell
Receiving Holy Communion is a profound spiritual act for Catholics, who believe they are receiving the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ. This act of worship requires preparation, including prayer, fasting, and confession. During Mass, Catholics approach the minister to receive Communion either on the tongue or in the hand, responding Amen to the priest's pronouncement of The Body of Christ. This response signifies the individual's deep faith and agreement with the statement. The act of receiving Communion is an opportunity for Catholics to deepen their spiritual connection with God and enter into a state of union with Him.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Communion | Received either on the tongue or in the hand |
| Received standing or kneeling | |
| Communion is brought directly to the pew for those who cannot walk | |
| Communion is received by the faithful standing | |
| Communion is received with clean hands | |
| Communion is received with cupped hands | |
| Communion is received with bowed head | |
| Communion is consumed before leaving the area below the altar | |
| Communion is consumed immediately | |
| Communion is received with faith in the true presence of Christ | |
| Communion is received with reverence | |
| Communion is received with prayer | |
| Communion is received with thanksgiving | |
| Communion is received with adoration | |
| Communion is received with contrition |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing to receive Holy Communion
Examine Your Heart and Seek Forgiveness
It is important to examine your conscience and reflect on your thoughts, words, and actions. Identify areas where you may have disobeyed God or followed your desires instead of His way. Search your heart for any grave sins and seek forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This process is not meant to induce guilt but to help you recognize the grace of God and His power to transform your life.
Pray and Seek Spiritual Nourishment
Prepare yourself spiritually by praying and seeking nourishment from Christ. Pray for the grace to recognize the significance of the bread and wine as a sign of Christ's body and blood. Express your desire to be united with Jesus and to deepen your love and union with Him. You can use prayer books or create your own prayers to prepare for this sacred moment.
Fasting
Fasting is an important aspect of preparing for Holy Communion. It is recommended to abstain from food and drink, except for water and medicine, for at least one hour before receiving Communion. This practice, known as the "Eucharistic Fast," demonstrates your faith, reverence, and devotion. Some Catholics may choose to fast for a longer period, such as from midnight onwards or at least three hours before Communion, as was traditionally done in the past.
Be Baptized and Confirmed in the Catholic Faith
To receive Holy Communion, you must be baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church. Taking Communion is a declaration of your faith and agreement with the teachings of the Catholic Church. If you are not Catholic, you can explore the option of becoming one by taking the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) classes, which will prepare you for Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation.
Prepare Your Heart and Mind
Ensure that you are in the proper state of mind and heart when receiving Holy Communion. Be attentive during Mass, and remember that you are welcoming the Lord into your being. Prepare yourself mentally and spiritually to receive Him worthily and with reverence.
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Receiving Communion on the tongue
Receiving Holy Communion on the tongue is a traditional practice in the Catholic Church. While some Catholics receive Communion in the hand, there is a long history of receiving the Eucharist directly on the tongue. Here are some instructions and considerations for receiving Holy Communion on the tongue:
History and Practice:
Posture and Technique:
When receiving Communion on the tongue, it is recommended to approach the sacrament with reverence and humility. If there is a communion rail, you may take your place along it and kneel. You can then tilt your head back slightly, open your mouth, and extend your tongue. The tongue need not protrude far, but it should block the view of the lower lip, providing a "landing pad" for the Eucharist. It is important to remain still and avoid moving your head towards the Sacred Host.
Dialogue and Response:
During the distribution of Communion, the priest will say, "The Body of Christ," to which you should respond, "Amen." If you are attending a Traditional Latin Mass, there may be no dialogue, and the priest will say, "May the body of our Lord Jesus Christ lead you to eternal life." After receiving Communion, wait until the Sacred Host is safely placed on your tongue before closing your mouth and returning to your seat.
Special Circumstances:
During the COVID outbreak, some priests encouraged communicants to receive Communion in the hand to minimize contact. However, there is no scientific evidence that one method prevents the spread of disease more than the other. Additionally, in some dioceses, there may be restrictions on receiving Communion on the tongue. While the Church upholds the right of the faithful to receive Communion on the tongue, individual ministers may have their own preferences and practices.
In conclusion, receiving Holy Communion on the tongue is a valid and traditional practice in the Catholic Church. It is important to approach this sacrament with reverence and humility, regardless of the method of reception.
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Receiving Communion in the hand
Receiving Holy Communion in the Catholic Church is a sacred tradition that has been practised for centuries. While the method of reception has evolved over time, the act remains a profound expression of faith. One common approach is to receive Communion in the hand, which involves a specific ritual and carries a deep spiritual significance.
When receiving Holy Communion in the hand, it is essential to demonstrate reverence and devotion. The traditional way to do this is to place the left hand on top of the right hand, forming a sort of throne to welcome the body of Christ. This ancient custom symbolises the honour and respect due to the sacred host. With palms cupped, the recipient steps forward to receive Communion, carefully transferring the host from their left hand to their mouth with their right hand. It is important to be mindful of any crumbs that may remain on the hands, ensuring they are consumed as well.
In modern times, a variation of this practice has emerged, where the right hand is placed under the left. The priest then places the host in the recipient's left hand, and they use their right hand to bring the host to their mouth. This method differs from the ancient practice described by St. Cyril of Jerusalem in the 4th century, where the host was placed directly into the right hand, lifted up to the mouth, without touching it with the fingers.
While receiving Communion in the hand is a widely accepted practice, some bishops have expressed concerns about a potential loss of reverence. They worry that particles of the host, which represent the Body of Christ, may remain on the recipient's hand. As a result, some bishops have reverted to requiring Communion to be received only on the tongue. However, the Catholic Church currently leaves the decision to the individual's conscience, allowing both methods of reception.
It is worth noting that receiving Communion in the hand comes with certain considerations. For instance, if one is holding something or someone, like a baby, in their arms, it may distract from the attention and reverence given to the host. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the host is consumed entirely and immediately, preventing any accidental profanation or taking it away without consuming it.
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The importance of saying Amen
Saying 'Amen' during Holy Communion is of utmost importance in the Catholic faith. Firstly, it is a declaration of faith and belief in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. By saying 'Amen', Catholics affirm their belief in the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ present in the Host they receive. This act of faith is a profound expression of their unity with Christ and their desire to be transformed by His grace.
Secondly, 'Amen' is an act of adoration and worship. It is a way of saying ''yes' to Christ, to His love, and to His desire for communion with humanity. In saying 'Amen', Catholics humble themselves before God, acknowledging their willingness to be united with Him and transformed from within. This verbal prostration is a powerful expression of surrender and devotion.
Thirdly, 'Amen' signifies agreement and acceptance. When a Catholic says 'Amen', they are agreeing with the priest's words, "The Body of Christ," and affirming their belief in the Real Presence. It is a ratification of the priest's declaration and a public affirmation of their faith. The word 'Amen' itself comes from the Aramaic root word 'believe', signifying faith, trustworthiness, and faithfulness.
Moreover, 'Amen' expresses a desire for unity with Christ and His Church. By saying 'Amen', Catholics declare their desire to belong fully to Christ and His Body, the Church. It is an implicit statement of their willingness to set aside anything that prevents their union with the Church, including enmity towards others and weakness in living out the teachings of the Church. 'Amen' is a powerful expression of their commitment to the Catholic community and their desire for communion with their baptized brothers and sisters.
Lastly, 'Amen' signifies peace and reconciliation. When Catholics say 'Amen', they are stating that they are at peace with God and the Church. It is a declaration of their forgiveness towards those who have offended them and their desire for unity with all Christians. 'Amen' encapsulates the profound meaning of Holy Communion, which is to receive Christ and be united with Him and His Church.
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The history of Communion practices
Communion, also known as the Lord's Supper, Eucharist, Holy Communion, Breaking of Bread, or Mass, is a Christian practice centred on bread and wine, which are believed to become the Body and Blood of Christ during the ritual. This belief is reflected in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, where Jesus shared bread and wine with his apostles during the Last Supper, asking them to "do this in remembrance" of him.
Early Christians, including the Church Fathers like Ignatius of Antioch and Clement of Alexandria, considered Communion a sacred rite. They emphasised the importance of proper order and believed that only those who had been baptised and confessed their sins could partake in the Eucharist. The earliest descriptions of Communion practices come from the second century, with Justin Martyr providing detailed accounts of the liturgy in the Roman Church.
By the fourth century, the Eucharist was a central part of Christian life and worship. The Didache, an early Christian writing, mentions the Eucharist and includes prayers for its celebration. The Fractio Panis fresco in the Catacomb of Priscilla in Rome also provides a glimpse into how early Christians understood and practised Communion. The fresco depicts a group of people seated at a table with a cup of wine, bread, and fish, reflecting the multiplication miracle from the Gospels.
Over time, different Christian churches developed varying traditions and theologies around Communion. For example, the Reformed tradition, including Presbyterian and Congregationalist Churches, has a Calvinist view that recognises the real presence of Christ in the supper. Orthodox Christians also have specific practices, including recent confession, being at peace with others, and attending Vespers before receiving Communion.
The Catholic Church has specific practices and requirements for receiving Communion, such as closed communion under normal circumstances. However, they do allow administration of the Eucharist to members of Eastern churches not in full communion with them and to individuals in grave and pressing need, regardless of their church affiliation, as long as they share the Catholic faith in the reality of the Eucharist.
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