Guidelines on the Reception of Holy Communion

Our Faith

We believe that when we receive Holy Communion, we receive the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, our Lord and God. What we receive is not bread and not wine. We should, therefore, approach the Sacrament with the reverence due to God.

What Is Needed To Receive Holy Communion

Those who receive Holy Communion must be members of the Catholic Church, i. e. baptised in the Catholic faith or, if baptised in a non-Catholic church, received into the Catholic Church following a course of instruction in the Catholic Faith.

They must also be in a state of grace, i.e. not conscious of mortal sin. Mortal sin is any serious sin against the Ten Commandments or the Commandments of the Church. Anyone conscious of mortal sin must first make a good confession (the Sacrament of Reconciliation) before coming to Holy Communion. Bear in mind that this is not a matter of conscience, but of informed conscience. We cannot decide for ourselves that something Christ and His Church say is sinful and not sinful.

It is expected that those receiving Holy Communion will have observed a fast of at least one hour from all food and drink, with the exception of water and medicine. This is the minimum Eucharistic fast, and it may well be that individuals wish to extend the period of time beyond the required hour.

 

How To Receive Holy Communion

The priest, deacon, or other minister, will show the Host or the Chalice and say; "The Body of Christ" or "The Blood of Christ". The communicant should answer in an audible voice: "Amen". This is an important act of faith in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharistic species.

Holy Communion may be received either on the tongue or in the hand. Each communicant is free to decide how to receive and no one may seek to force someone to receive in one way or another. However you choose to receive, try to do so in a dignified and reverent manner.

 

Reception on the Tongue

After making your response "Amen", present your tongue to the minister who will place the Host upon it. Just opening your mouth is not sufficient as this makes it difficult for the minister to place the Host reverently. The tongue needs to be easily accessible.

Reception in the Hand

Hands should be clean. As you approach the altar, place one hand upon the other and extend them forward so that the minister sees clearly that you wish to receive in the hand. Otherwise he will assume that you wish to receive on the tongue. The palm of your upper hand should be flat and fingers straight. When the minister has placed the Host upon the palm of your hand, stand to one side to let the next person come forward and, before walking away, reverently consume the Host by taking it with the thumb and forefinger of your other hand and place it in your mouth.

Since we believe that Our Lord is present in any particle of the Host, however small, care must be taken to ensure that no particles are lost and that any which remain the palm of the hand are reverently consumed.

 

The Chalice

Our Lord is present in His Body and Blood in the Host and in the Chalice. We receive the whole Christ in the Host alone. It is therefore not necessary to receive from the Chalice, but the sign of Communion is more complete when given under both kinds.

Having consumed the Sacred Host, those who wish to receive the Precious Blood approach one of the minister. Having made the response "Amen", take the chalice in your hands and reverently drink some of the Precious Blood. Then hand the Chalice back to the minister and continue to your place.
NB: The practise of intinction, whereby the communicant takes the Host and dips it into the chalice, is not permitted by the Bishops in this country

Those Who Are Unable To Receive Holy Communion

Children who have not made their first Holy Communion, those who are not members of the Catholic Church and those who, for any other reason, are not in a position to receive Holy Communion, are welcome to approach the altar to receive a blessing from the priest. They should indicate this by placing their arms across the breast, or by any other means (e.g. by asking the priest for a blessing) which makes it clear that they are not requesting Holy Communion but a blessing. We would be particularly grateful if parents would ensure that children are taught this.

After Receiving Holy Communion

Return calmly to your seat and give thanks to God that He has given us His Son's Body and Blood to be our spiritual food and drink. There are many lovely prayers in most standard prayer books.

Sacrum Convivium

Praise of Communion

O sacred banquet, in which Christ is received,

The offering of His Passion renewed,

The mind is filled with grace,

And a promise of future glory is given to us!

Produced by St George's Cathedral, Southwark and revised for use in the Parish of Our Lady & St Joseph, Kingsland; 2nd rev. for web site

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