Reception of Holy Communion
In celebrating the Mass, some things are determined by the Vatican, some by the conference of bishops for each nation, some by the local bishop, and a few by the pastor of a parish. How we receive Holy Communion is determined by each national conference of Catholic bishops. This may make it a bit confusing since our parish is made up of people from around the world. How you receive Communion in the nation of your birth may not be the custom here.
In the United States the posture for receiving Communion is standing. Those who kneel for communion are not to be refused, but they are to be instructed on the proper way to receive Communion. As you come forward for Holy Communion, one is to slightly bow one’s head in reverence to the Eucharist. Note that there is no genuflection, just a bow of one’s head.
Communion may be received either on the hand or on the tongue. If receiving on the tongue, you must do more than just open your mouth. You must stick out your tongue as well as open your mouth. (Yes, there seems to be a growing problem with this.) If receiving on the hand, hold one palm on top of the other. The Eucharist is never taken; it is always received. Therefore, let the Eucharistic Minister place the host on your tongue or on your hand.
Before receiving Communion, the Eucharistic Minister will proclaim, “The Body of Christ” or “The Blood of Christ.” The one receiving Communion is to answer, “Amen.” Be sure to answer loud enough for the Minister to hear you. This is your statement of faith that you believe the bread and wine are indeed the full presence of Christ and that you, yourself, are indeed a member of the Body of Christ on earth. As St. Augustine said, “We become what we eat.”
Consume the Eucharist immediately upon receiving it.
The reception of communion is not the moment for personal expressions of piety, which can distract others and draw attention to ourselves. Rather, reverent in our belief in the Lord’s true presence in the Eucharist, this is the time when we should be most unified as a community doing the same gestures. In receiving the Body of Christ, we become one with Christ and through Christ, one with everyone else who receives the same Eucharistic Lord.