How to Receive Communion in the Catholic Church

Receiving the sacrament of Holy Communion in the Catholic Church is an act that requires knowledge and reverence and allows you to receive many graces in your spiritual life. For baptized children, First Communion classes are taught during the first and second grades. Adults must go through the Right for Initiation for Catholic Adults (RCIA) classes and receive their first Holy Communion at the Easter Vigil in the spring. Here's how to receive Communion.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Become a member of the Catholic Church.
2. Take First Reconciliation classes and make your first confession.
3. Receive Holy Communion in a state of grace. This means that no mortal sin has been committed. If you are unsure, talk to a priest and/or go to confession before receiving the Eucharist.
4. Prepare yourself mentally during the Consecration for the reception of the Eucharist. The Consecration is the moment when the bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ. Be thankful for the gift you are about to receive.
5. Bow or bend the right knee and make the sign of the cross when you reach the priest to receive Holy Communion.
6. Receive Holy Communion on the tongue or by hand. If you are receiving it on the tongue, tilt your head back slightly and extend your tongue far enough so there is no danger of the Host falling. If you receive it in your hand, place one hand on top of the other, palms up, and receive the Host with one hand and place it in your mouth with the other.
7. Make the sign of the cross after you have received Holy Communion. Return to your seat and kneel in prayer or meditation to show your respect to Christ.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not let a Host fall to the ground. If it does, pick it up quickly and either consume it or let the priest know.