Session 22: How to receive Communion
Continuing with the
topic of Catholic Practices and the "How To's, " in this session I
will be discussing the ways in which we receive Holy Communion. We have already
discussed in detail what the Eucharist is in January. I'll include those presentation
slides as a reminder for you. In this session, I will use the names Eucharist
and Holy Communion interchangeably since it means the same thing.
At the end of this, I
will also insert the Cardinal's message regarding the COVID-19 aka Coronavirus.
Outline:
1.
Preparing to receive Holy Communion
2.
Posture and Gestures
3.
In the hand or in the
mouth
4.
After receiving
Communion
5.
Video
6.
Cardinal Cupich's
Message regarding COVID-19
7.
Reference Links
1. Preparing to receive Holy Communion
Before receiving the
Eucharist and according to the US Bishops "In order to be properly
disposed to receive Communion, participants should not be conscious of grave
sin and normally should have fasted for one hour."
In other words, go to
confession first if we are aware of any grave sin we've made then we are free
to receive Holy Communion.
But it also
states: “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. In this case,
the person is to be mindful of the obligation to make an act of perfect
contrition, including the intention of confessing as soon as possible (canon
916). A frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance is encouraged for all.”
Please know that some
parishes do offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to Mass. Our
parish does not currently offer this because of lack of
priests. We only have one priest for the parish. You will need to schedule with
Father at Santa Maria for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
We should also fast (no
food or drink) for one hour before receiving Holy Communion. So before you
leave for Mass, try your best not eat or drink anything; this excludes water or
if you like to chew on ice...that's fine too :)
2. Posture and Gestures
During Mass we partake in different postures, such as: Standing, Kneeling, & Sitting. We also partake in various gestures, like: sign of the cross when Mass begins & Ends, sign of the cross on our forehead, lips & heart before hearing the Gospel, we genuflect, bow our heads during the Nicene Creed & before receiving Communion, etc.
These postures and gestures are meant for reverence, awareness and makes the Mass more meaningful.
“The people approach the altar and, bowing with reverence, receive Holy Communion. People may receive the Body of Christ either on the tongue or in the hand. The priest or other minister offers the Eucharist to each person saying, "The Body of Christ." The person receiving responds by saying, "Amen," a Hebrew word meaning, "So be it" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2856).”
3. In the hand or in the mouth
You make this same gesture of bowing your head when receiving from the Cup of the Precious Blood. The priest or minister offers the Precious Blood saying, "The Blood of Christ." You then respond by saying, "Amen." (There are exceptions when especially during this time of the Coronavirus. Cardinal Cupich has asked that we only receive Holy Communion in the hand and not receive from the cup.)
4. After receiving Communion
Once you have received Communion, you return to your pew and kneel to pray.
Some people do find it confusing when is it the appropriate time to sit. I usually tell First Communicants, "Remain kneeling until you see Father take his seat. Then it's okay to sit."
This is good rule to follow but certainly a choice. Another good rule, remain kneeling until you have finished praying.
Kneeling signifies adoration for the Eucharist. Since you have just received the Eucharist, give thanks in your prayer.
5. Video
I know that we've seen this video in class. So to refresh your memory, here is a video about how to receive the Eucharist.
7. Reference Links
4. After receiving Communion
Some people do find it confusing when is it the appropriate time to sit. I usually tell First Communicants, "Remain kneeling until you see Father take his seat. Then it's okay to sit."
This is good rule to follow but certainly a choice. Another good rule, remain kneeling until you have finished praying.
Kneeling signifies adoration for the Eucharist. Since you have just received the Eucharist, give thanks in your prayer.
5. Video
I know that we've seen this video in class. So to refresh your memory, here is a video about how to receive the Eucharist.
7. Reference Links
Final Prayer
Breathe into me, Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy. Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy. Protect me, Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy.
-Saint Augustine of Hippo
Breathe into me, Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy. Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy. Protect me, Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy.
-Saint Augustine of Hippo
Comments
Post a Comment