CATHOLIC COMMUNION ETIQUETTE

For Catholics receiving Communion: Communion means “union with.” It is the True Body and Blood of Christ sacramentally made present. All Catholics of age in union with the local bishop and pope, not under any un-confessed, grave or serious sin, or irregular marriage situa-tion, may receive Holy Communion. A frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance is encouraged for all Catholics. 

-It is customary to pray and fast before Mass in order to pre-pare ourselves for Holy Communion and to offer ourselves as a pure sacrifice to our Lord. (Water and medicine do not break a fast.) 

-To receive on the hand, create a mini throne with one hand under another and extend to the minister, (please do not “grab” the Host). 

-Please consume the Host immediately. If you do not, a Communion Minister may ask you to. This is to protect the Sacrament, It is forbidden to give the host to children who have not made their first communion or to take the host out of the church. 

-When the Eucharistic minister presents the Host and says “The Body of Christ” or “The Blood of Christ” (for the Chalice), the proper response is a simple “Amen!” This indicates that you know and believe that what you are about to receive is Jesus Himself. 

For Catholics not receiving Communion: If you cannot receive for any reason, that is fine. You may come up for a blessing in the Holy Communion line (just cross your arms in front of you). strength and consolation for your body and soul! You may also remain seated for there is no obligation to come up. 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.