Helpful Reminders on Receiving Holy Communion
What Happens at Holy Communion?
In Holy Communion, we receive Jesus Christ, who gives himself to us in His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. This intimate union with Christ signifies and strengthens our union with Him and His Body, the Church. Jesus spoke of the importance of Holy Communion when he said, “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.” (John 6:53) Because Holy Communion unites us to Jesus, it also strengthens us against sin, helps us to live our Christian faith, and prepares us for the heavenly banquet.
Who Can Receive Holy Communion?
Because Holy Communion is one of the most precious gifts that Jesus gives us, it is important to prepare ourselves properly before receiving. In the Roman Catholic Church, once a child is old enough to understand that the Eucharist is the gift of Jesus’ own life, he receives careful preparation so that he may receive his First Holy Communion. In addition to learning the truths about the Eucharist, the child prepares himself spiritually, receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation so that he might receive Holy Communion with a pure heart.
For adults, too, careful preparation is necessary before receiving Holy Communion. Because Holy Communion is a sign of unity with the Catholic Church, it is received by those who have been fully initiated into the Catholic Church and share in its life and beliefs, living as a member of the Church and following the way of life that she sets out for her children. If one is conscious of serious sin, he should receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving Holy Communion.
How Do I Receive? Before Mass…
If I am aware of a serious or grave sin, I should receive God’s forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving Communion. Our priests are always ready to help you with the Sacrament of Reconciliation! Please talk with them, especially if it’s been a while and you are unsure what to do.
Fast for one hour from food and drink (including coffee) before receiving Communion. Water and medicine are excluded, and it does not apply to the ill or elderly. We deliberately fast from earthly food to prepare our hearts to receive heavenly food.
At Mass…
At the time of Communion, ushers will guide parishioners out of the pews.
In the Communion line, as the person ahead of you is receiving, offer a simple bow of reverence and then approach the priest or minister.
As the priest or minister elevates the Host and says, “The Body of Christ,” respond in faith: “Amen.”
If receiving in the hand, place one hand under the other and lift your hands up to your heart and allow the minister to place Jesus directly into your hand. Do not take the Host from the minister but wait to receive it.
If receiving on the tongue, you may keep your hands folded in prayer, open your mouth, and gently extend your tongue so the minister may place the Host on your tongue.
Consume the Eucharist immediately. Do not walk away with the Host or break the Host to share with anyone else.
Return to your pew and enjoy the time of closeness with the Lord Jesus, who is alive in you sacramentally. Resist the practice of leaving Mass early from the Communion line, skipping the final blessing and hymn.
What If I Cannot Receive Holy Communion?
There are many individuals who will not be able to receive Holy Communion at any given Mass, including children who have not yet made their First Holy Communion, non-Catholics who may be in the congregation, those who have not fasted before Mass, and individuals who are conscious of grave sin but have not yet received the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Those who do not receive Holy Communion may still approach the priest or minister to receive a prayer of blessing: simply cross your arms over your heart as you approach the minister to indicate that, while not receiving Communion, you would like to receive a prayer of blessing.