Holy Communion

Receiving the Body and Blood of the Lord in Holy Communion

Norms recently issued by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops,
following the approval of The Holy See.

A Child Receives his First Communion
From the Pope

The Communicant may choose whether to receive the Body of Christ in the hand or the on the tongue.
When Receiving in the hand, you are asked to accept the guidance of St. Cyril of Jerusalem: "When you approach, take care not to do so with your hand stretched out and your fingers open or apart, but rather place your left hand as a throne beneath your right, as befits one who is about to receive the King. Then receive Him, taking care that nothing is lost"

The new Institutio Generalis Missalis Romani says:

Holy Communion has a more complete form as a sign when it is received under both kinds, since in this manner of reception a fuller sign of the Eucharistic banquet shines forth. Moreover, there is a clearer expression of the will by which the new and everlasting covenant is ratified in the Blood of the Lord and the relationship of the Eucharistic banquet to the eschatalogical banquet in the Father's Kingdom. ...

According to the Catholic Faith, Christ, whole and entire, as well as the true Sacrament are received under one Kind only; that, therefore, as far as the effects are concerned, those who receive under one Kind are not deprived of any grace necessary for salvation. However, the faithful should be guided toward a desire to take part with greater eagerness in a sacred rite in which the sign of the Eucharistic banquet stands out more explicitly.


"In this world, I can not see the Most High Son of God with my own eyes, except for His Most Holy Body and Blood." St. Francis of Assisi "Behold the Lamb of God; Behold God Himself! Adore Him!" St. Peter Julian Eymard	"Perpetual Adoration with exposition needs a great push... People ask me, ' what will convert America and save the world?' My answer is prayer. What we need is for every parish to come before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in Holy Hours of prayer." Mother Teresa of Calcutta

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