Receiving Communion is the most intimate moment of your life. You are consuming God. St. Cyril of Jerusalem (4th Century) said: "Make your left hand a throne for the right, as for one who is to receive a King."
Here is how to ensure your body language matches your belief.
Preparation (Before Mass)
The fast is mandatory. One hour of no food or drink (except water/medicine) before Communion. This physical hunger prepares us for spiritual food.
Approach
- Fold your hands. Don't have them in your pockets or swinging at your sides.
- Bow. When the person in front of you is receiving, make a reverent bow (or genuflect).
Receiving on the Hand
- Place your left hand on top of your right (if right-handed). Make a flat "throne."
- The priest says, "The Body of Christ."
- You say, "Amen" (loud and clear).
- Let him place the host in your palm. Do not snatch it.
- Step to the side and consume it immediately. Do not walk back to the pew with Jesus in your hand. Check your palm for crumbs.
Receiving on the Tongue
- Open your mouth wide and extend your tongue. (Don't make the priest aim for a moving target!).
- Keep your hands folded.
- Say "Amen" before opening your mouth.
Communion from the Chalice
If receiving the Blood of Christ:
- Take the chalice firmly with two hands.
- Take a small sip.
- Hand it back to the minister.
What NOT to Do
- Don't chew gum (spit it out before Mass).
- Don't say "Thank you" (say "Amen").
- Don't bless yourself with the host.
Reverence is an act of love. Prepare your heart with Prayers Before Communion on the MyPrayerTower app.