How to Take Communion in a Catholic Church

Catholic Church Interior - Ispica, Sicily

Communion is the time during the Catholic Mass when the congregation receives the body of Christ. Catholics believe in the doctrine of transubstantiation, in which the bread and wine presented at Mass are actually transformed into the body and blood of Christ. Communion is given in the form of a host. A host is a small round wafer that has been baked in an oven. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, hosts are made of wheaten flour and pure natural water. Priests and Eucharistic lay ministers give out communion, which can be taken either by mouth or in hand.

Instructions

1. Approach the priest or Eucharistic minister. Decide whether to receive communion by mouth or in hand.

2. Listen as the priest or Eucharistic minister says, "This is the body of Christ." Bow head and reply "Amen."

3. Receive communion orally by standing in front of the priest or Eucharistic minister with hands folded. Bend head back a little. Open mouth. Extend tongue slightly so the priest or Eucharistic minister will know where to place the host. The Eucharist will be placed on your tongue. Receive communion by hand by approaching the priest or Eucharistic minister with one hand cupped over the other. The host will be placed in your hand. Step to the side to make room for the next recipient. Place the host in your mouth.

4. Make the sign of the cross after the host is in your mouth. This is done after either method of taking communion.

5. Return to your seat while softening the host in your mouth and swallowing. It is also allowable to chew the host gently and swallow.

6. Kneel in silent prayer until the communion portion of the Mass is over. The priest will indicate when the meditation period is complete and the service will resume.

Tips & Warnings

• Be clear when approaching the priest or minister as to which method you wish to use to receive communion. He should not have to guess how he should serve you. Drinking water and taking medications within an hour of receiving communion are permitted. The elderly and ill are exempt from all fasting regulations.

• Do not leave the church directly after receiving communion. Wait until Mass is finished. Do not take communion if you have not been baptized or haven't received the sacrament of first communion. Only those who have been baptized may receive the host.

References

• Catholic Answers
• Catholic Education Resource Center
• Catholic Encyclopedia

Resources

• Catholic-Pages.com