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.
