7 rules for receiving communion in the hand

In the context of the reception of Communion, this means a cognizance of both Church history and contemporary cultural nuances. The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Instruction on the Manner of Distributing Holy Communion It is a matter of particular seriousness that in places where the new practice is lawfully permitted every one of the faithful has the option of receiving communion on the tongue and even when other persons are receiving communion in the hand. All who are not receiving Holy Communion are encouraged to express in their hearts a prayerful desire for unity with the Lord Jesus and with one another. This is a fundamental misunderstanding. 21. 4. This norm is supported by an Instruction by the Holy See regarding the Eucharist: "In distributing Holy Communion it is to be remembered that 'sacred ministers may not deny the sacraments to those who seek them in a reasonable manner, are rightly disposed, and are not prohibited by law from receiving them'(Code of Canon Law, can. The following norms must therefore be respected. James Shapiro, a literature prof at Columbia, says the situation is catastrophic: One reason was the way of the world. Communion received on the tongue and while kneeling. What is the proper way of receiving Communion in the hand? For this alone is the eating referred to by our Lord ( John 6:58 ). I dont think reception in the hand is destroying the Church like what some prominent leaders in the Church have implied, but this practice has still had wide ranging [and not entirely positive] ramifications in the Church over the last half century, far beyond the obvious choice of the individual communicant. Hence any baptized Catholic who is not prevented by law must be admitted to Holy Communion. What is the proper way of receiving Communion in the hand? The Communion Procession is an action of the Body of Christ. When the priest gives it he says: The body of Christ. He teaches you by this word not to look at that which is visible, but to picture in your mind the nature of this oblation, which, by the coming of the Holy Spirit, is the body of Christ. 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. From the point of view of liturgical law, the relevant documents are the following. It is not clear as to how widespread it was or if it was a regular practice. What is Communion? It's Meaning and Symbolism Explained - Bible Study Tools The wind has left our sails and many of us are adrift on uncertain seas. 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. Yet even here, the experts sometimes forgot the unrepeatable reality of original circumstances so that restoration is never quite the same. Indeed, it can be dangerous for contagion. All of us are only grasping a hint of it. It may well be the case that the sudden change in practice after Vatican II decreased devotion towards the Eucharist and belief in the true presence, and it may well be the case that there were bad actors who in fact desired this result. As with all historical practices, one must examine the context and circumstances which are usually not repeatable.. One could have perfect adoration of Real Presence in humble posture and, at least in theory, miss the point of Communion. Do we have faith in the efficacy of the sacraments or not? In the case of communion under both kinds by way of intinction, it is never permitted to place on the hand of the communicant the host that has been dipped in the Lords blood.. If one is left-handed this is reversed. The communicant should audibly respond, "Amen," indicating by that response his or her belief that this small wafer of bread, the wine in this chalice are in reality the body and blood of Christ the Lord. The condition is the complete avoidance of any cause for the faithful to be shocked and any danger of irreverence toward the Eucharist. [] It is not permitted for the faithful to take the consecrated Bread or the sacred chalice by themselves and, still less, to hand them on from one to another among themselves. Communion received on the tongue and while kneeling. Maybe this is part of a grand conspiracy by . 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. 5. Space doesn't allow all the details, but the propaganda in the 1970s that was used to sell Communion in the hand to a trusting, vulnerable people was a campaign of calculated half-truths that didn't tell the whole story. However, cases of a deplorable lack of respect towards the Eucharistic species have been reported, cases which are imputable not only to the individuals guilty of such behavior but also to the pastors of the church who have not been vigilant enough regarding the attitude of the faithful towards the Eucharist. [22] Ephrem the Syrian, Hymns on Faith 10, trans. The Eucharist fulfills this call: "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? [23] John Chrysostom, hom. Communion on the Tongue Is an Apostolic Tradition Blog Staff and Editorial Advisory Committee, http://www.kathpedia.com/index.php?title=Handkommunion, http://www.cultodivino.va/content/cultodivino/it/rivista-notitiae/indici-annate.html, From the Wires: U.S. Catholic Priests Are Increasingly Conservative as Faithful Grow More Liberal, Yale Organ Week: Now Accepting Applications, The North American Academy of Liturgy, 2023, New Open-Access, Ecumenical Journal Powered by the University of Vienna, Is the Eucharistic Revival a Liturgical Revival (Part 2), What Did Jesus Know? In the United States, the body of Bishops has determined that "[t]he norm is that Holy Communion is to be received standing, unless an individual member of the faithful wishes to receive Communion while kneeling"and that a bow is the act of reverence made by those receiving (no. The Holy See has made it abundantly clear that both manners of reception of Communion - on the tongue and in the hand - are permitted, that Communion should be received reverently, and that the manner of reception should not become an occasion of division in the church. The Council of Saragossa, 380, excommunicated anyone who dared continue to receive Holy Communion in the hand. Look how military inspectors demand very high standards of care when inspecting barracks for cleanliness. 2. 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. [6] In Syria (what we now call Turkey and surrounding regions) it is witnessed by Basil the Great,[7] John Chrysostom,[8] Theodore of Mopsuestia,[9] John Damascene[10] and the Council of Constantinople in Trullo (also called the Quinisext council). 5.21, trans. R. E. Heine FotC 21 (Washington, DC: Catholic University of America Press, 1982). 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. England and Wales, 6 March 1976 As with all historical practices, one must examine the context and circumstances which are usually not repeatable. We have no nets to cast deeply. These need to be taken seriously if one wants to effectively engage in these discussions with the likes of Cardinal Sarah and others. The host will then be laid in the palm of the left hand and then taken by the right hand to the mouth. All of us should receive with great reverence and respect. 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. Part I - Holy Communion: The Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus - USCCB 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. What Everyone Should Know About How To Receive Holy Communion 5. At Christ's invitation, extended by the priest acting in Christ's person: "Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb," the members of the community move forward to share in the sacred meal, to receive the Body and Blood of Christ which is the sign and the source of their unity. [13] In the far-flung regions of the empireGaul (modern-day France and Spain) we have the witness of Caesarius of Arles[14] and the council of Auxerre,[15] and in England, we have the Venerable Bede. June 29, 2021 | Receiving the Host in the Hand | Franciscan Media This is precisely why there are occasions when pastoral prudence can lead to suspend the permission. However, since it is a permission, it does not generate an absolute right, and the pastors can rescind the permission, either generally or in particular circumstances if objective motives exist for doing so. Interestingly, during the Middle Ages, the reception of Holy Communion was restricted to "on the tongue" because of abuses. Take this from someone who receives in the hand sometimes, I would never do it if I thought it was enabling Lucifer to corrupt my soul. Many pathogens are transmitted through the hands. On November 14, 1996, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops approved the following guidelines on the reception of Communion. Gross Alexander NPNF 13, ed. We should rejoice in that. Finally, to the end that their coming to this heavenly table may be completely worthy and fruitful, the faithful should be instructed on its benefits and effects, for both the individual and society, so that their familial relationship to the Father who gives us our daily bread, may reflect the highest reverence for him, nurture love, and lead to a living bond with Christ, in whose flesh and blood we share.. Communion in the hand vs. Communion on the tongue | Crux Receiving Holy Communion | EWTN (Original Latin text here, see pp. [27] John Chrysostom, Baptismal Instruction, 12.15-16, trans. awr. Jamaica, 12 March 1970 For pastoral reasons this manner of receiving communion has been legitimately established as the most common form in the Latin rite. Todd, yes, the Church as a whole is growing thanks to the great efforts of missionaries in Africa and Asia (many are now coming back here), and yes, more people are receiving the Sacraments now than ever. The most ancient practice of distributing Holy Communion was, with all probability, to give Communion to the faithful in the palm of the hand. Communion on the tongue is recommended and considered the most consonant way to receive the Eucharist, while Communion on the hand is permitted, provided that certain precautions are observed, such as checking to see if any fragments of the Host remain on the palm of the hand. The faithful receive Communion kneeling or standing, as established by the episcopal conference. Per The Baltimore Catechism: It was designed: 1. So the authors claim that he is exactly Vatican II is doubtful. The liturgical assembly of the baptized that comes together for the celebration of the Eucharist is a witness to, a manifestation of, the pilgrim Church. Follow-up: Objecting to Communion in the Hand (10-16-2018), Pursuant to my reflections on Communion in the hand (October 2), a reader from France claimed that It is totally justified to claim that Communion in the hand is necessarily less reverent or inevitably leads to abuses. In 1980 St. John Paul II wrote in the apostolic letterDominicae Cenae: In some countries, the practice of receiving Communion in the hand has been introduced. 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. And having hollowed your palm, receive the Body of Christ, saying over it, Amen. 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. South Africa, 1971 96). Since Christ is really, substantially, sacramentally present but not physically, being OC over crumbs is not devotion. Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA. 2. And of course Pope Paul VI was adamant that all the reforms carried out under him were faithful to the Second Vatican Council. Bishop Athanasius Schneider argued along the same lines at the end of February. It must also increase their faith in the sublime reality of the Lords body and blood, which they touch with their hand. There is also evidence that this was a contested subject (i.e., about what sins prevent someone from receiving), as it would continue to be throughout the history of the Church. With your hand hollowed, receive the Body of Christ and answer 'Amen'. I am from India. It also happens, on occasion, that the free choice of those who prefer to continue the practice of receiving the Eucharist on the tongue is not taken into account in those places where the distribution of Communion in the hand has been authorized. 161. Japan, 27 June 1970 However, it was a brief exchange with ones immediate neighbors and at a time when men and women occupied separate aisles in the church. On the other hand, this mode of communion is not anywhere associated with lay involvement or accessibility, nor is it thought to de-emphasize the role of the priest. Particularly in regard to this way of receiving communion, experience suggests certain matters requiring careful attention. 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. divine life. The oldest reference to the Eucharist in the New Testament occurs in chapters 11 and 12 of the First Letter to the Corinthians, which has no reference to receiving Holy Communion on the tongue. To increase sanctifying grace and all virtues in our soul. 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]. Has the Holy Eucharist any other effect? By this symbolic action, their denial would be clear to all. Today, both manners of receiving Communion are worthy and licit. The showing of tooth and claw by some traditional-leaning Catholics is a scandal that discourages neighbors, and puts a very ugly face on the Body for others to view. Consider that you not only receive this gift in your hand, but that you also bring it up to your mouth, and keep your tongue clean of all disgraceful and outrageous words, blasphemy, perjury and all other sins of this sort. [T]hose who restrict communicants to receive Holy Communion only in the hands are acting against the norms, as are those who refuse to Christ's faithful [the right] to receive Communion in the hand in dioceses that enjoy this indult. For this is what it is to receive unworthily: if one receives at that time when he ought to be doing penance. What if our reception made us all more loving of one another, whatever our views on how to receive? The [Seraph] did not hold it, and [Isaiah] did not eat it To lessen our evil inclinations. The new manner of giving communion must not be imposed in a way that would exclude the traditional practice. Pope Benedict XVI 1927-2022 tribute page and access to resources here. Receiving Communion The Sacrament of Holy Communion (also known as The Lord's Supper or Eucharist) has been precious and life-giving to Christians for 2,000 years. Whatever procedure is adopted, care must be taken not to allow particles of the eucharistic bread to fall or be scattered. If Communion is received in the hand, the hands should first of all be clean. Paul W. Harkins ACW 31 (Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 1963). But back in the West, where most of us at PT are from, the Church is struggling. This is more a question of moral theology than of liturgy. How should this evidence be brought to bear on the modern conversation? To commemorate the death of Christ: "This do in remembrance of me." 2. France, 6 June 1969 The divine coal is a common image of the Eucharist in Syrian theology. SACRED CONGREGATION FOR THE DISCIPLINE OF THE SACRAMENTS, InstructionImmensae caritatis, on facilitating reception of Communion in certain circumstances, 29 January 1973: AAS 65 (1973) 264-271; Not 9 (1973) 157-164. Instead, this option must increase in them a consciousness of the dignity of the members of Christs Mystical Body, into which they are incorporated by baptism and by the grace of the Eucharist. The causes are myriad and often interconnected. Click herefor a handout that can be placed in your bulletin for your parishioner. We should weigh very well the matters in which we appeal to conscience. 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]. 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. So they reintroduced the practice of Communion in the hand (it had been originally introduced as a widespread practice by the Arian heretics of the Fourth Century to deny that Jesus is God). When permitted, the choice as to the form of reception falls upon the communicant and not upon the priest. Father, as to the limitation on what regions might request this indult, Memoriale Domini stipulated that Where a contrary usage, that of placing holy communion on the hand, prevails, the Holy See [] lays on those conferences the task of weighing carefully whatever special circumstances may exist there []. O Solomon, the thing which the Lord of your father University of Notre Dame, McGrath Institute for Church Life Just look at what making donating money an indulgence-eligible corporal work of mercy resulted in during the Renaissance. Pope Paul Vl calls attention to the purpose of the InstructionMemoriale Dominiof 29 May 1969, on retaining the traditional practice in use. First, Chrysostom in one of his Homilies on Ephesians: What, do you not see the holy vessels so thoroughly cleansed all over, so resplendent? 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. My country is not on this list but holy communion is the norm. Basil the Great considered Communion in the hand so irregular that he did not hesitate to consider it a grave fault. However, while this text is undoubtedly ancient evidence of the existence of Communion in the hand, it is, like many patristic texts, fraught with interpretative conundrums. CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Holy Communion - New Advent 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. OF THE SUPREME PONTIFF. The list obviously is not complete, for this article says that Germany and France both received permission from the Holy See on the same day in 1969: In this he shows a great fear, and since the hand that is stretched out holds a higher rank, it is the one that is extended for receiving the body of the King, and the other hand bears and brings its sister hand, while not thinking that it is playing the role of a servant, as it is equal with it in honour, on account of the bread of the King, which is also borne by it. [4] Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on John 6.1 and 12.1. Upper Volta and Niger, 20 February 1970 A. When receiving Communion in the hand can be sinful - LifeSite God has come to live in us. 1396: In Baptism we have been called to form but one body. Guidelines for the Reception of Communion | USCCB To unite us to Himself and to nourish our soul with His Is it okay to recieve Communion in the hand? - Catholic Online 2023 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. 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. When one receives from the chalice, the same proclamation is made by the person distributing Communion and the Communicant again responds, "Amen." The problem is a lack of intentionality across the board, starting with the laity. There is a twofold purpose here: that none will find in the new rite anything disturbing to personal devotion toward the Eucharist; that this sacrament, the source, and cause of unity by its very nature, will not become an occasion of discord between members of the faithful. Does anyone have an explanation for why France, Germany, and the Low Countries were not quickly regularized once the opportunity was available? The life of Christ, the Holy Spirit, animates each of us individually, and all of us corporately and guides us together in our efforts to become one in Christ. 3. Zambia, 11 March 1974 Ive updated the post. However, when they receive Communion standing, it is recommended that the faithful make appropriate reverence, according to the norms established, before receiving the Sacrament. Library : Holy Communion in the Hand? | Catholic Culture 86). The way you put it, it doesnt sound obsessive-compulsive but salutary. When we move in procession, particularly the procession to receive the Body and Blood of Christ in Communion, we are a sign, a symbol of that pilgrim Church "on the way.". 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. Nowhere in this article did I see what the CHURCH says about Holy Communion, only the writers opinion. His blood now flows through our veins. Our worship ought to create common unity under Christ, not destroy it. After stipulating the historical practice of Communion in the hand, Memoriale Domini: defends the development of discipline that led to Communion on the tongue What if we were passionate about all that? They partake not of Him that is in them, they perceive Him not. 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. A letter from the Congregation for Divine Worship to presidents of bishops conferences on May 29, 1969: AAS 61 (1969) 546-547; Notitiae 5 (1969) 351-353: In reply to the request of your conference of bishops regarding permission to give communion by placing the host on the hand of the faithful, I wish to communicate the following.

7 rules for receiving communion in the hand 2023