Receiving Communion Before Communion Mass and the sacrifice
Receiving Communion
Before Communion. . . Mass and the sacrifice of the Eucharist begin long before you get in line. When you plan to receive the Eucharist, make sure you first: ● ● Make sure you have gone to Reconciliation if you’ve committed a mortal sin! Fast! No food/drink/gum/mints for an HOUR before receiving communion Participate fully in the Mass Prepare yourself to receive in prayer. “Lord, I am not worthy…” is not just empty words! ● Use the procession line to reflect on what is about to happen - we should remember that we are receiving Jesus Christ truly present, and that should fill us with wonder and awe!
Act of Reverence Before we receive communion, we make an act of reverence by bowing at the waist, and then receive the Body of Christ while standing. Some other cultures have different standards, but the US Bishops ask us to all stand while receiving communion as a sign of the unity of the Body of Christ. After we make our act of reverence, we have the option to receive the Body of Christ on the hand or on the tongue. There is no right or wrong way to receive! We’ll go over both options on the next few slides!
Receiving on the Hand If you receive on the hand… ● Remember to say “AMEN!” after the minister says, “The Body of Christ. ” This means, “I agree, ” that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. ● Make a “throne” of your hands, and raise them up where the minister can see them! ● If you are right handed, put your left hand over your right (and vice versa). ● Make your intentions clear - don’t hide your hands, be BOLD!
Receiving on the Tongue If you receive on the hand… ● Remember to say “AMEN!” after the minister says, “The Body of Christ. ” This means, “I agree, ” that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. ● Open your mouth wide and stick out your tongue so that the minister can administer communion cleanly. ● Do not bite! And take care to return the host to your mouth without dropping it. ● Make your intentions clear - be BOLD!
Receiving the Precious Blood Before receiving the Precious Blood, make sure to make an act of reverence and say “Amen” after the minister says “The Blood of Christ. ” After you have received from the chalice, return to your pew. Communion is not over yet - make sure to say a prayer of thanksgiving for the gift you have just received!
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