7 rules for receiving communion in the hand 7 rules for receiving communion in the hand

The [Seraph] did not hold it, and [Isaiah] did not eat it But such as, instead of their hands, make vessels of gold or other materials for the reception of the divine gift, and by these receive the immaculate communion, we by no means allow to come, as preferring inanimate and inferior matter to the image of God.[24]. The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? [27] John Chrysostom, Baptismal Instruction, 12.15-16, trans. The condition is the complete avoidance of any cause for the faithful to be shocked and any danger of irreverence toward the Eucharist. Rather maddeningly, it is the Anglicans who in the West have retained the practice as described by St. Cyril, while contemporary Latin-rite Catholics tend to consume the Host as if it were a potato chip., From the historical point of view, we can say that there is strong evidence that the practice existed in early centuries in some areas of the Church. Some may choose to receive the Lord on the tongue while others choose to receive in the hand. Leo P. McCauley FotC 64 (Catholic University of America Press: Washington, DC, 2000 [1970]). It is not clear as to how widespread it was or if it was a regular practice. The same Instruction contained a reminder that the laws of the Church and the writings of the Fathers give ample witness of a supreme reverence and utmost caution toward the Eucharist and that this must continue. Surveys from CARA and Pew reflect this, though I admittedly doubted them until I attended mass with a fellow Catholic at church that predominantly received on the tongue and my friend jeering remarked, why dont they receive in the hand like normal people? In approaching therefore, come not with your wrists extended, or your fingers spread; but make your left hand a throne for the right, as for that which is to receive a King. Wherefore, if any one wishes to be a participator of the immaculate Body in the time of the Synaxis, and to offer himself for the communion, let him draw near, arranging his hands in the form of a cross, and so let him receive the communion of grace. One said: When [the practice was] introduced in the U.S. Cyril of Jerusalem was quoted make your hands a throne for the King, take and eat.Is anyone denying the quote?, Concerning Communion in the hand, please consult the Mystical Catechesis of St. Cyril of Jerusalem for a description of the practice around A.D. 345. Never receive Holy Communion in the hand when your hands are impeded; e.g., carrying a cane or some other walking-assistance device, carrying a child in your arms, carrying a purse, have a tissue or handkerchief in your hand, have a cast on your hand, etc. Im skeptical of the claim that collecting absentee ballots for bishops conference votes is unlawful. Was changing the mode reception of Communion one of them? From the point of view of liturgical law, the relevant documents are the following. Fast forward to 2004, when The Congregation for Divine Worship in its new Instruction named Redemptionis Sacramentum, stated: "Although each of the faithful always has the right to receive Holy Communion on the tongue, at his choice, if any communicant should wish to receive the Sacrament in the hand the sacred host is to be administered . Has done All the rites which use leavened bread are reverent but not obsessive. 1996, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. When one receives from the chalice, the same proclamation is made by the person distributing Communion and the Communicant again responds, "Amen." The guidelines recommend against serving Communion until gatherings of more than 50 people are allowed. "You're talking to someone who has only owned a smartphone for a yearI resisted," he said. While we have the option of receiving holy Communion either on the tongue or on the hand, we must always be mindful of receiving our Lord respectfully. We also welcome to this celebration those who do not share our faith in Jesus Christ. I beg to differ. After receiving Communion our bodies become holy chalices. Bishops who have been permitted to introduce the new rite of communion are asked to send a report to the congregation, six months hence, on the outcome. Has the Holy Eucharist any other effect? This would be done especially if it is very difficult or impossible to fulfill the necessary conditions as outlined in the documents above. It preserves us from mortal sin by exciting us to greater fervor and strengthening us against temptation. 284-287 is to be followed.. Our worship ought to create common unity under Christ, not destroy it. The US might have been little-touched by the scorched earth of world war, and perhaps our feel-good stance astride the planet delayed the decay somewhat. Shapiro picked up an abused-looking iPhone from his desk. The usage of communion in the hand must be accompanied by relevant instruction or catechesis on Catholic teaching regarding Christs real and permanent presence under the eucharistic elements and the proper reverence toward this sacrament. For some, however, the singing of this hymn is perceived as an intrusion on their own prayer, their private thanksgiving after Communion. I mean WHAT SPECIFIC REASONS were given for requesting it in the first place? For some, however, the experience of the Communion Procession is far more prosaic, analogous perhaps to standing in line in the supermarket or at the motor vehicle bureau. (Catholic Encyclopedia: Genuflexion) [16] Bede, Ecclesiastical History of the English People, 4.24. Those who receive Communion may receive either in the hand or on the tongue, and the decision should be that of the individual receiving, not of the person distributing Communion. Some advocates of communion on the tongue, at least online, seem guilty of thinking that (however much more virtuous than I they probably are in their lives). To that which you are you respond Amen (yes, it is true!) and by responding to it you assent to it. Over the years I have read a multitude of opinions for and against, and occasionally perceived false arguments. For this is what it is to receive unworthily: if one receives at that time when he ought to be doing penance. I dont read any statement with canonical force saying that only those countries may apply for an indult. The Church understands the Communion Procession, in fact every procession in liturgy, as a sign of the pilgrim Church, the body of those who believe in Christ, on their way to the Heavenly Jerusalem. Other way round, it was in the hand and changed to the tongue circa 900 in the west. Most often when speaking of reverence, however, the Fathers emphasize two main things: 1) that every precaution should be taken lest the Eucharist fall to the ground and 2) that communicants should be from serious sin and quarrels with other Christians. When we receive Communion, we become members of Christ's Body, the Church. Look how military inspectors demand very high standards of care when inspecting barracks for cleanliness. They should be grave and objective questions related to good and evil. To signify, seal, and apply to believers all the benefits of the new covenant. A parish priest, or the rector of a sanctuary, might have objective reasons for not applying the permission if there is any danger of profanation or lack of respect. The symptoms are myriadI certainly would assent to much of what you cite. In fact, however, this hymn is prayer, the corporate thanksgiving prayer of the members of Christ's Body, united with one another. The traditional and preferred method is the reception of the Host on the tongue: Step forward and kneel at the Communion rail or station (if you stand, make a sign of reverencesuch as a bow or genuflection or Sign of the Crossbefore receiving the Host and take care not to disrupt the Communion line). The restorers of the rite probably had the beautiful simplicity and symbolism of the medieval rite in mind but did not take the changed circumstances sufficiently into account. This reply aged like Milk (currently January 2022). [2] Cyprian, On the Good of Patience 14, On the Lapsed 16 and 26,and Letter 55.9. 2023 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It must also increase their faith in the sublime reality of the Lords body and blood, which they touch with their hand. Roland Teske (Hyde Park, NY: New City Press, 2001). In each of the Eucharistic Prayers, though the petition is worded in slightly different ways, God is asked to send his Holy Spirit to make us one body, one spirit in Christ; the General Instruction admonishes the faithful that "they are to form one body, whether in hearing the Word of God, or in taking part in the prayers and in the singing" (no. 95% of parishes shrinking, seminaries empty, young people disengaged: it will happen in Africa and Asia too when the culture of the secular West overwhelms the Third World. It is simply reading too much into this practice, and it is not correct to support something one favors by denigrating another practice. Indeed, it can be dangerous for contagion. Take a step or two to the side to make way for the next communicant, then receive our Lord. If Communion is received in the hand, the hands should first of all be clean. At the same time he has taken into account the reasons given to support your request and the outcome of the vote taken on this matter. Communion should not be received on the run, as you're walking back to your place; it should be consumed before you leave the area below the altar. To commemorate the death of Christ: "This do in remembrance of me." 2. We should rejoice in that. It also rules out arguing for an intrinsic link between a rejection of the true presence and communion in the handthe Fathers, on the whole, speak of Christs presence in the Eucharist in highly realistic terms and also received on the hand. Particularly in regard to this way of receiving communion, experience suggests certain matters requiring careful attention. All rights reserved. I honestly get sick of it too. Since practices vary from one church to another, we hope these guidelines help you feel more at home. Q. I have come to realize in the last few weeks how many of my Roman Rite brethren are actually understanding the Eucharist in a heretical way. When permitted, the choice as to the form of reception falls upon the communicant and not upon the priest. If one is left-handed this is reversed. Australia, 26 September 1975 Maybe this is part of a grand conspiracy by Satan to destroy the Church (ok, probably not that). Above all, it is necessary to have the introduction of the rite preceded by an effective catechesis so that the people will clearly understand the meaning of receiving in the hand and will practice it with the reverence owed to the sacrament. I guess my point is that regardless of our internal reverence (or lack thereof), the way we verbally and literally communicate our faith to others, especially our children, is still very important. A priest who is not directly responsible for the care of souls should be even more respectful of local practice. What if our reception made us all more loving of one another, whatever our views on how to receive? For the first few centuries of the Church, receiving Communion in the hand was a common practice. He can freely share with the faithful his reasons for preferring to adhere to the traditional practice and encourage the faithful to continue doing so. Luxembourg, October 15 1969 We owe the Lord as much attention to detail. This action by Christ's body, the Church assembled for the Eucharist, is manifested and supported by the Communion Chant, a hymn in praise of Christ sung by the united voices of those who believe in him and share his life. Permission for administering Communion in the hand was granted by the Holy See to the following countries and regions under Pope Paul VI:[UPDATED 3-2-18], Belgium, 31 May 1969 For whatever reason, reception on the hand does not appear to convey the same level of reverence in the public consciousness as reception on the tongue. A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord without prior sacramental confession except for a grave reason where there is no opportunity for confession. And having hollowed your palm, receive the Body of Christ, saying over it, Amen. The causes are myriad and often interconnected. It is now August 2020 and I can say that you have been proven wrong. [11] In East Syria (what we would now call the Middle East) we have evidence from Ephrem the Syrian[12] and Narsai. 3. 96). 4. The option must not turn out to be the occasion for regarding it as ordinary bread or as just another religious article., I feel this is a underrated point in recent discussions on the reception of Holy Communion, both here on PT and elsewhere. So then after having carefully hallowed your eyes by the touch of the Holy Body, partake of it; giving heed lest you lose any portion thereof; for whatever you lose, is evidently a loss to you as it were from one of your own members. We welcome our fellow Christians to this celebration of the Eucharist as our brothers and sisters. With your hand hollowed, receive the Body of Christ and answer 'Amen'. Fire and Spirit, contrary to nature For example, although Communion in the hand is generally permitted at the Vatican, in recent years ministers administrating Communion at large at papal Masses have been enjoined to distribute Communion only on the tongue. The Eucharist may not be received while a person has mortal sin in their soul. Entries (RSS) and Comments (RSS) TOP Why did Christ institute the Holy Eucharist? Our procession should move with dignity; our bearing should be that of those who know they have been redeemed by Christ and are coming to receive their God! A perception such as this is a dreadfully inaccurate and impoverished understanding of what is a significant religious action. The communicant may choose whether to receive the Body of Christ in the hand or on the tongue. awr. Chad, 18 September 1969 It is a matter of particular seriousness that in places where the new practice is lawfully permitted every one of the faithful have the option of receiving communion on the tongue and even when other persons are receiving communion in the hand. In such cases, episcopal conferences should examine matters carefully and should make whatever decisions, by a secret vote and with a two-thirds majority, are needed to regulate matters. The question has been asked for a long time since the Church has often allowed both methods of reception. enough bread and wine are made ready for the communication of the faithful at each Mass.45 As a general rule, Holy Communion is given from hosts . Later that year approval was given to Luxembourg, Scandinavia (Scandia), North Africa, Bolivia, Uruguay, and Monaco (see Notitiae v. 7 (1970), no. So when received unworthily, it is not only useless, but it is harmful to oneself (a lifestyle of sin continues), our neighbors (increase of violence, arson, looting, murders), and society in general (take a look at the condition of our country), and is extremely offensive to God (hence the wide-spread suffering). Permission for administering Communion in the hand was granted by the Holy See to the United States on June 17, 1977 and has since become almost the universal norm in the Ordinary Form. The people administering the sacrament are asked to use hand sanitizer immediately before. are on the side of Lucifer. They would find many more areas we all need to work on than just their main focus. For example, to say that Communion in the hand is a sign of spiritual maturity, or that Communion on the tongue reduces the lay faithful to infancy, is belied by centuries of lay saints who received in this manner. A Journal of the McGrath Institute for Church Life, by Elizabeth Klein Theres no simple solution to this issue. This blog is not associated with Pray Tell: An open forum on faith in South Texas. Therefore, it is not licit to deny Holy Communion to any of Christ's faithful solely on the grounds, for example, that the person wishes to receive the Eucharist kneeling or standing" (Redemptionis Sacramentum, no. This catechesis must succeed in excluding any suggestion that in the mind of the Church there is a lessening of faith in the Eucharistic presence and in excluding as well as any danger or hint of danger of profaning the Eucharist. Zambia, 11 March 1974 The custom of placing the Sacred Particle in the mouth, rather than in the hand of the communicant, dates in Rome from the sixth, and in Gaul from the ninth century (Van der Stappen, IV, 227; cf. That rhetorical flow and its further implicit objections (i.e., take care lest XYZ) *could* be a setup for a generous grant of indults, but given the overall negative tone I dont think it accidental or inconsequential that the prospect of permission is only mentioned in these cases where contrary practice already prevails. Middle Africa, 3 February 1970 The liturgical renewal of St. Pius X which promoted the frequent reception of Communion were still quite young. But there is more to the story. But we doyes, verily. Biting, tearing, casting aspersions on the faith of other Catholics: this is a damnable situation in the Church. If, for some reason, the communicant is not able or willing to drink from the cup then that person should receive only under the form of bread. . It is not clear as to how widespread it was or if it was a regular practice. For tell me, if any one gave you grains of gold, would you not hold them with all carefulness, being on your guard against losing any of them, and suffering loss? 47), and says of the Communion Chant that "its purpose [is] to express the spiritual union of the communicants by means of the unity of their voices, to show gladness of heart, and to bring out more clearly the 'communitarian' character of the procession to receive the Eucharist" (no. On the other hand, if the sins are not so great that a person should be judged to deserve excommunication, he ought not to withdraw from the daily medicine of the Lords body.[26]. They are also to be instructed not to omit after communion the sincere and appropriate thanksgiving that is in keeping with their individual capacities, state, and occupation. Come see, ODonaghues post, I note with interest that the countries in which Communion in the hand is alleged to have been most prevalent either did not apply for or at any rate receive an indult in these first 8 years of results. I happen to accept the role of darkness within the Church, but it strikes me as being perpetrated all too often by those who style themselves the most faithful or loyal to God. To be honest, I dont really belong to either camp on this, and like you, I think the polarization on this issue is doing more harm than good. | Irondale, AL 35210 |. Scotland, 7 July 1977 It is advisable, therefore, that the rite be introduced gradually and in the beginning within small, better prepared groups and in favorable settings. Devotion and reverence toward the Eucharist in the case of communion in the hand. The rite of communion in the hand must not be put into practice indiscriminately. The host will then be laid in the palm of the left hand and then taken by the right hand to the mouth. 86). 896. Their attitude of reverence must measure up to what they are doing. Please remember that there is no "right" way to receive. St. I am just wondering what the reason or reasons were for allowing reception of Communion in the hand to begin with? Liturgical Press | School of Theology Seminary | Saint John's Abbey | Comments Policy | Contact Us Pope Paul Vl calls attention to the purpose of the InstructionMemoriale Dominiof 29 May 1969, on retaining the traditional practice in use. The rationale for Communion on the hands being an ancient practice is from St. Cyril of Jerusalem. With your hand hollowed, receive the Body of Christ and answer Amen. OF THE SUPREME PONTIFF. Their decisions should be sent to Rome to receive the necessary confirmation, []. The document does not have numbered paragraphs to cite, but youll find it a few paragraphs after the tabulation of votes collected from bishops. Japan, 27 June 1970 Jeffrey T. Wickes FotC 130 (Washington, DC: Catholic University of America Press, 2015). For one who eats unworthily eats and drinks to his own condemnation (1 Cor 11:29). However, this is likely to lead to many embarrassing instances for the faithful who approach communion unaware of the situation. Ever since the InstructionMemoriale Dominithree years ago, some of the conferences of bishops have been requesting the Apostolic See for the faculty to allow ministers distributing communion to place the eucharistic bread in the hand of the faithful. [11] Council of Constantinople in Trullo, canon 101. Now we feel our affluence threatened, and the Gospel gives no comfort on that front. So Indian Bishop conference have not got any Indult for communion in hand? Never receive Holy Communion by extending only one hand. Since the question involves human attitudes, this mode of communion is bound up with the perceptiveness and preparation of the one receiving. As with all historical practices, one must examine the context and circumstances which are usually not repeatable. This article has been selected from the ZENIT Daily Dispatch Innovative Media, Inc. ZENIT International News Agency Via della Stazione di Ottavia, 95 00165 Rome, Italywww.zenit.org, To subscribe http://www.zenit.org/english/subscribe.html or email: english-request@zenit.org with SUBSCRIBE in the "subject" field, Provided Courtesy of: Eternal Word Television Network 5817 Old Leeds Road Irondale, AL 35210www.ewtn.com, HOME - EWTNews - FAITH - TELEVISION - RADIO - LIBRARY - MULTIMEDIAWHAT'S NEW - GENERAL - RELIGIOUS CATALOGUE - PILGRIMAGES - ESPAOL, EWTN | 5817 Old Leeds Rd. On November 14, 1996, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops approved the following guidelines on the reception of Communion. And of course Pope Paul VI was adamant that all the reforms carried out under him were faithful to the Second Vatican Council. In this ordinance Christ ratifies his promises to his people, and they on their part solemnly consecrate themselves to him and to his entire service. The communicant replies, Amen, and receives the Sacrament either on the tongue or, where this is allowed, in the hand, the choice lying with the communicant. Catechesis has been virtually non-existent or flat-out heretical for the last 50 years. Catholics use birth control, get divorced and fornicate at the same rate as society in general, with the sin of using birth control rarely confessed. A situation that, in the US certainly, was not necessarily governed by external uniformity (given the varieties of ethnic piety and cultural practices). FYI, the announcement that approval for Communion in the Hand was given (in 1969) to Belgium, France, Germany, Holland, and Chad appeared in Notitiae in v. 6 (1969), no. The way you put it, it doesnt sound obsessive-compulsive but salutary. His blood now flows through our veins. I think proponents of tongue/kneeling will get a better hearing if they uphold all aspects of Communion. For Catholics: As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion. A frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance is encouraged for all. In this context, I think it is fair to say that the present practice of Communion in the hand is not a simple restoration of a historical custom but rather introduced a new practice in new circumstances which, while it has some historical justification, is essentially motivated by current pastoral concerns in some parts of the world. First, Chrysostom in one of his Homilies on Ephesians: What, do you not see the holy vessels so thoroughly cleansed all over, so resplendent? 3. At the same time, it is not justified to claim that Communion in the hand is necessarily less reverent or inevitably leads to abuses. Above all it is necessary to have the introduction of the rite preceded by an effective catechesis, so that the people will clearly understand the meaning of receiving in the hand and will practice it with the reverence owed to the sacrament. When permitted, the choice as to the form of reception falls upon the communicant and not upon the priest. Or is there more context that is missing? A. With regard to the first precept, Origen of Alexandria cautions, You who are accustomed to take part in divine mysteries know, when you receive the body of the Lord, how you protect it with all caution and veneration lest any small part fall from it, lest anything of the consecrated gift be lost. The guidelines, which are to be included in missalettes and other participation aids published in the United States, seek to remind all those who may attend Catholic liturgies of the present discipline of the Church with regard to the sharing of Eucharistic Communion. We pray that our common baptism and the action of the Holy Spirit in this Eucharist will draw us closer to one another and begin to dispel the sad divisions which separate us. This is precisely why there are occasions when pastoral prudence can lead to suspend the permission. [9] Theodore of Mopsuestia, Catechetical Homilies 6. October 13, 2022. These practices have wide evidence of use and in some ways never died out completely. Some of the online advocates of kneeling/tongue seem to focus only on adoration of the Real Presence and now a cardinal has said that those who receive standing in the hand most Catholics by far! I suspect that Christ can cope with particles that get dropped but the care we show, or the lack of care, is what counts. Paul VI had a measure of it in 1974, and we hav emostly missed the wisdom of Evangelii Nuntiandi. Maybe this is part of a grand conspiracy by . We would also do well to teach, as the Fathers do, that reverence is not only about proper reception of the Eucharist, but also about living the kind of life to which the Eucharist commits us. O Solomon, the thing which the Lord of your father It is advisable, therefore, that the rite be introduced gradually and in the beginning within small, better-prepared groups and in favorable settings.