RECEPTION OF THE EUCHARIST

The Eucharist, the Sacrament of our salvation accomplished by Christ on the cross, is also a sacrifice of praise in thanksgiving for the work of creation. In the Eucharistic sacrifice, the whole of creation loved by God is presented to the Father through the death and Resurrection of Christ. Through Christ, the Church can offer the sacrifice of praise in thanksgiving for all that God has made good, beautiful, and just in creation and in humanity. CCC, 1359)

Everything about our reception of the Eucharist should be reverent and devotional.

ARE YOU RECEIVING THE EUCHARIST CORRECTLY?

Here are some simple reminders/guidelines on how to properly and reverently receive the Eucharist at Mass.

To remind us of the solemnity of receiving the Eucharist, it is customary to fast from eating or drinking anything, except water or medicine, for one hour before Mass. Chewing gum at Mass is surely inappropriate. It is a sacrilege to receive Communion without making a proper confession if you are in Mortal Sin.

During the Liturgy of the Eucharist, approach the Priest or Extraordinary Minister with reverence and respect. There should be no talking or visiting with friends along the way. Use this time to reflect upon where you are and why you are there. You may receive the Host in your hands or directly on your tongue. You may receive Communion standing or kneeling. However, when you receive standing, it is recommended that you make an appropriate gesture of reverence by genuflecting or bowing before approaching the Priest/Extraordinary Minister to receive the Sacrament.

TO RECEIVE IN THE HANDS

*    Hold out both hands, palms up. The hand you use for eating should be

           placed under the other and acts as a plate.

*    Hold your hands high enough so that the Priest/Extraordinary Minister

           knows that you are going to receive in the hands.

*    When the Priest/Extraordinary Minister holds up the Host and says

           Body of Christ, look at the Host and say Amen. (Amen means I believe.)

*    After the Host is placed in your upper palm, pick up the Host with

           your other hand and immediately place the Host in your mouth.

           (Do not carry the Host away with you.)

*    You may chew the Host or allow the Host to slowly dissolve in your mouth.

*    Be sure to eat any crumbs that may fall in your hands.

Our hands express an action as though our whole being is reaching out to God. Our praying hands change to reaching hands as we reverently open our hands to receive the Host. (St. Cyril)

TO RECEIVE ON THE TONGUE

*    Approach the Priest/Extraordinary Minister in a reverent way.

*    When the Priest/Extraordinary Minister holds up the Host and says

           Body of Christ, look at the Host and say Amen. (Amen means I believe.)

*    Open your mouth and put out your tongue so that the

           Priest/Extraordinary Minister can place the Host on your tongue.

*    You may chew the Host or allow the host to slowly dissolve in your mouth.

TO RECEIVE THE BLOOD OF CHRIST

Receiving the Blood of Christ from the cup is a privilege that fully completes the experience of the reception of Eucharist. All parishioners, regardless of age, are encouraged to receive the Blood of Christ from the cup.

Studies have shown that there is no more risk of illness when sharing the cup than with the airborne germs that we encounter daily. The alcohol in the wine helps to kill germs and the Cup Minister wipes the edge of the cup and turns it slightly before offering it to the next person. However, anyone who doesn’t feel well should avoid taking the cup at that time. The decision to drink from the cup is up to the individual.