7 rules for receiving communion in the hand

Fr. Bishops who have been permitted to introduce the new rite of communion are asked to send a report to the congregation, six months hence, on the outcome. Luxembourg, October 15 1969 The following norms must therefore be respected. 5. It is not solely the result of some weird medieval form of reverence. United States, 17 June 1977 So they reintroduced the practice of Communion in the hand (it had been originally introduced as a widespread practice by the Arian heretics of the Fourth Century to deny that Jesus is God). Reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament | The Fatima Center It is always helpful to review instructions for receiving Communion. Paul VI had a measure of it in 1974, and we hav emostly missed the wisdom of Evangelii Nuntiandi. God has come to live in us. If we follow the example of the Fathers, we will prioritize practices that prevent the dropping of the Eucharist and catechizing communicants not to receive in a state of mortal sin. First, Cyril: Coming up to receive, therefore, do not approach with your wrists extended or your fingers splayed, but making your left hand a throne for the right (for it is about to receive a King) and cupping your palm, so receive the Body of Christ; and answer: "Amen." [20] Here is what Theodore says: Phillip Schaff and Henry Wace in NPNF Second Series, 14 (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1900). SACRED CONGREGATION FOR DIVINE WORSHIP, Letter En reponse a la demande, to presidents of those conferences of bishops petitioning the indult for communion in the hand, 29 May 1969: Acta Apostolicae Sedis 61 (1969) 546-547; Notitiae 5 (1969) 351-353. This reply aged like Milk (currently January 2022). The Church in Europe struggled mightilyand some might say in futilityagainst centuries of violence, sect on sect, nation vs nation. Now we feel our affluence threatened, and the Gospel gives no comfort on that front. All rights reserved. My overarching point in all this (as someone who receives comfortably in both manners) is that I dont think common concerns with reception in the hand have been treated with adequate seriousness by many its defenders. The Communion Procession is an action of the Body of Christ. This is the quote that is always used: " make your left hand a throne for the right, as for that which is to receive a King. As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion. The Proper Way to Receive Holy Communion - Shrub Oak, NY If Communion is received in the hand, the hands should first of all be clean. Care must also be taken that the communicants have clean hands and that their comportment is becoming and in keeping with the practices of the different peoples. For some, however, the singing of this hymn is perceived as an intrusion on their own prayer, their private thanksgiving after Communion. Receiving the host in one's hand has been an option in the United States since the bishops authorized this in May 1977 and the Holy See confirmed it. A. Christ instituted the Holy Eucharist: Is the Catholic Church ever going to bring back communion wine? To signify, seal, and apply to believers all the benefits of the new covenant. For you hear the words, the Body of Christ and respond Amen. Be then a member of the Body of Christ that your Amen may be true (St. Augustine, Sermon 272: PL 38, 1247). For you believe, and correctly, that you are answerable if anything falls from there by neglect.[25]. Whatever procedure is adopted, care must be taken not to allow particles of the Eucharistic bread to fall or be scattered. [5] In Jerusalem, we have the mystagogical catecheses of Cyril of Jerusalem (or perhaps of his successor, John). I have celebrated Mass in places where there is no Communion in the hand and yet have observed some people approach the Eucharist in a slovenly and distracted manner with nary a trace of reverence in sight. The guidelines recommend against serving Communion until gatherings of more than 50 people are allowed. From a hygienic point of view, the hand carries a huge amount of bacteria. Some advocates of communion on the tongue, at least online, seem guilty of thinking that (however much more virtuous than I they probably are in their lives). Who holds the wind in the palm of his hand? It is advisable, therefore, that the rite be introduced gradually and in the beginning within small, better prepared groups and in favorable settings. The US might have been little-touched by the scorched earth of world war, and perhaps our feel-good stance astride the planet delayed the decay somewhat. The usage of communion in the hand must be accompanied by relevant instruction or catechesis on Catholic teaching regarding Christs real and permanent presence under the eucharistic elements and the proper reverence toward this sacrament. The [Seraph] did not hold it, and [Isaiah] did not eat it It is bad if it makes us prideful/judgmental and distracts from more important things. During the debate by the conference in the 1970s, a bishop said that he had seen a recent photo of Paul VI giving Communion in the hand to a little boy. North Africa,October 15 1969 The list obviously is not complete, for this article says that Germany and France both received permission from the Holy See on the same day in 1969: Jamaica, 12 March 1970 Communion on the Tongue Is an Apostolic Tradition How to Take Communion in the Catholic Church: 10 Steps - wikiHow It was designed: 1. Entries (RSS) and Comments (RSS) TOP It is a matter of particular seriousness that in places where the new practice is lawfully permitted every one of the faithful have the option of receiving communion on the tongue and even when other persons are receiving communion in the hand. This is precisely why there are occasions when pastoral prudence can lead to suspend the permission. After receiving Communion our bodies become holy chalices. Have reverence for the honor which God has bestowed upon it, and do not lead it down to the vileness of sin.[27]. Our souls ought to be purer than they, more holy, more brilliant. The Reception of Holy Communion at Mass | USCCB The question has been asked for a long time since the Church has often allowed both methods of reception. However, cases of a deplorable lack of respect towards the Eucharistic species have been reported, cases which are imputable not only to the individuals guilty of such behavior but also to the pastors of the church who have not been vigilant enough regarding the attitude of the faithful towards the Eucharist. Uruguay,October 15 1969 Guidelines for Receiving Holy Communion - Catholic News Agency FYI, the announcement that approval for Communion in the Hand was given (in 1969) to Belgium, France, Germany, Holland, and Chad appeared in Notitiae in v. 6 (1969), no. 1396: In Baptism we have been called to form but one body. Eccl., VII, ix). 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. From the point of view of liturgical law, the relevant documents are the following. Consider that you not only receive this gift in your hand, but that you also bring it up to your mouth, and keep your tongue clean of all disgraceful and outrageous words, blasphemy, perjury and all other sins of this sort. My country is not on this list but holy communion is the norm. (Catholic Encyclopedia: Genuflexion) This blog is not associated with Pray Tell: An open forum on faith in South Texas. Churches are closing, priests are dying off, masses young people are dropping their faith, and the Church is slowly slipping into obscurity in its own homeland. As with all historical practices, one must examine the context and circumstances which are usually not repeatable. Aaron, To be honest, I dont really belong to either camp on this, and like you, I think the polarization on this issue is doing more harm than good. A quick example will be found . If he is a religious priest, what actions can a legitimate superior take as regards the member who denies Communion in the hand? The congregation returned to this issue in the instructionImmensae Caritatis,January 29, 1973: AAS 65 (1973) 264-271; Notitiae 9 (1973) 157-164: Part 4. divine life. Still, while not the direction eventually taken, I believe restriction to be the more natural reading of the Vaticans intent at that moment in time. The rationale for Communion on the hands being an ancient practice is from St. Cyril of Jerusalem. What is the proper way of receiving Communion in the hand? I think that settles it. The left hand is extended, with the right hand under the left in support (left handed persons may wish to . 4. The problem of lack of reverence stems not from the manner of receiving Communion but from the lack of faith, awe, and gratitude before this great mystery. These guidelines replace the guidelines approved by the Administrative Committee of the NCCB in November 1986. They probably never foresaw its subsequent, and occasionally chaotic, development in some parts of the Church. If you are the body and members of Christ, then it is your sacrament that is placed on the table of the Lord; it is your sacrament that you receive. Thanks for this, Dennis. Communion on Tongue vs. Hand? The Most Important Thing to Know: Hold There is also evidence that this was a contested subject (i.e., about what sins prevent someone from receiving), as it would continue to be throughout the history of the Church. The new manner of giving communion must not be imposed in a way that would exclude the traditional practice. This action by Christ's body, the Church assembled for the Eucharist, is manifested and supported by the Communion Chant, a hymn in praise of Christ sung by the united voices of those who believe in him and share his life. These considerations can perhaps help balance our perspective (whether in favor or against the practice of communion in the hand), and alert us to the fact that reverence is a complex phenomenon that, of course, does involve postures of the body, but most importantly, the attitude of the heart. Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA. Abuse. Blasphemy. Communion in the hand? Catholic Insight We owe the Lord as much attention to detail. But "the sign of communion is more complete when given under both kinds, since in that form the sign of the Eucharistic meal appears more clearly." This is the usual form of receiving communion in the Eastern rites. [26] Augustine, Letter 54.3.4, trans. Permission for administering Communion in the hand was granted by the Holy See to the following countries and regions under Pope Paul VI:[UPDATED 3-2-18], Belgium, 31 May 1969 Pray Tell here documents two statements of the Congregation for Divine Worship issued under Pope Paul VI. However, he should not refuse to administer Communion to those faithful desirous of availing themselves of a legitimate authorization. The Council of Saragossa (380): Excommunicated anyone who dared continue . A passage from St. Cyril of Jerusalem is used to persuade Catholics that Communion in the hand is an ancient practice legitimately restored after Vatican II. Liturgical Press | School of Theology Seminary | Saint John's Abbey | Comments Policy | Contact Us While we cannot admit them to Holy Communion, we ask them to offer their prayers for the peace and the unity of the human family. To that which you are you respond Amen (yes, it is true!) and by responding to it you assent to it. All the rites which use leavened bread are reverent but not obsessive. 86). The Holy Eucharist remits venial sins by disposing us to perform acts of love and contrition. Personally, I think that when a priest with the care of souls holds the view that Communion on the tongue is preferable to the alternative practice, then the best thing he can do is inform the faithful of the bishops permission. Over and over again the prayers of the liturgy and the norms of the General Instruction emphasize this fundamental concept of the unity of the baptized, stressing that when we come together to participate in the Eucharistic celebration we come, not as individuals, but as united members of Christ's Body. Your fire, O, Our Lord we have eaten in your offering Receiving Communion The Sacrament of Holy Communion (also known as The Lord's Supper or Eucharist) has been precious and life-giving to Christians for 2,000 years. The faithful must be taught that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior and that therefore the worship of latria or adoration belonging to God is owed to Christ present in this sacrament. Biting, tearing, casting aspersions on the faith of other Catholics: this is a damnable situation in the Church. Ever since the InstructionMemoriale Dominithree years ago, some of the conferences of bishops have been requesting the Apostolic See for the faculty to allow ministers distributing communion to place the eucharistic bread in the hand of the faithful. Among Catholics, there is a sincere difference of opinion with respect to the opportunity of this practice, as to its possible spiritual benefits or detriments. The liturgical renewal of St. Pius X which promoted the frequent reception of Communion were still quite young. What's at Stake in the Debates Swirling Around Eucharistic Coherence. ODonaghues post, I note with interest that the countries in which Communion in the hand is alleged to have been most prevalent either did not apply for or at any rate receive an indult in these first 8 years of results. II], How to Receive the Eucharist | Catholic Answers [9] Theodore of Mopsuestia, Catechetical Homilies 6. Receiving Communion - Prayer & Spiritual Life - Greek Orthodox 1996, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. This article has been selected from the ZENIT Daily Dispatch Innovative Media, Inc. ZENIT International News Agency Via della Stazione di Ottavia, 95 00165 Rome, Italywww.zenit.org, To subscribe http://www.zenit.org/english/subscribe.html or email: english-request@zenit.org with SUBSCRIBE in the "subject" field, Provided Courtesy of: Eternal Word Television Network 5817 Old Leeds Road Irondale, AL 35210www.ewtn.com, HOME - EWTNews - FAITH - TELEVISION - RADIO - LIBRARY - MULTIMEDIAWHAT'S NEW - GENERAL - RELIGIOUS CATALOGUE - PILGRIMAGES - ESPAOL, EWTN | 5817 Old Leeds Rd. Communion on the Tongue is an Apostolic Tradition, and - Catholic365 Germany, 6 June 1969 They are also to be instructed not to omit after communion the sincere and appropriate thanksgiving that is in keeping with their individual capacities, state, and occupation. Library : Holy Communion in the Hand? | Catholic Culture awr. For example, Augustine writes, Someone might say that the Eucharist should not be received daily. And having hollowed your palm, receive the Body of Christ, saying over it, Amen. . If Communion is received in the hand, the hands should first of all be clean. R. E. Heine FotC 21 (Washington, DC: Catholic University of America Press, 1982). The missal of 1570 eliminated almost all sequences and moved the Prayers at the Foot of the Altar to the beginning of the Order of Mass though the Council of Trent never said a word about either. [3] Augustine, Answer to Petilian 2.23.53and Against Parmenian 2.7.13. In this he shows a great fear, and since the hand that is stretched out holds a higher rank, it is the one that is extended for receiving the body of the King, and the other hand bears and brings its sister hand, while not thinking that it is playing the role of a servant, as it is equal with it in honour, on account of the bread of the King, which is also borne by it. It also rules out arguing for an intrinsic link between a rejection of the true presence and communion in the handthe Fathers, on the whole, speak of Christs presence in the Eucharist in highly realistic terms and also received on the hand. However, it was a brief exchange with ones immediate neighbors and at a time when men and women occupied separate aisles in the church. The history of the liturgy, however, makes clear that rather early on a . We should rejoice in that. Because, he says, one should choose the days on which one lives with more purity and self-control in order to approach so great a sacrament worthily. Today, both manners of receiving Communion are worthy and licit. Receiving Holy Communion | EWTN The following norms must, therefore, be respected. I guess my point is that regardless of our internal reverence (or lack thereof), the way we verbally and literally communicate our faith to others, especially our children, is still very important. Middle Africa, 3 February 1970 Our procession should move with dignity; our bearing should be that of those who know they have been redeemed by Christ and are coming to receive their God! The people administering the sacrament are asked to use hand sanitizer immediately before. [20] Cyril of Jerusalem, myst. With your hand hollowed, receive the Body of Christ and answer Amen. The way you put it, it doesnt sound obsessive-compulsive but salutary. For the first few centuries of the Church, receiving Communion in the hand was a common practice. Obviously, for better or worse, the NLM has an agenda. In this context, I think it is fair to say that the present practice of Communion in the hand is not a simple restoration of a historical custom but rather introduced a new practice in new circumstances which, while it has some historical justification, is essentially motivated by current pastoral concerns in some parts of the world.



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