How to Receive the Eucharist
(from Fr. Giovanni)

In last week’s newsletter, we considered Jesus’ real presence in the Eucharist; it is now appropriate to consider how to receive the Eucharist with due reverence.

The most ancient way to receive Communion is on the hand. This was the common practice of the early Church; it gradually disappeared in the ninth century, only to make a comeback after the Second Vatican Council. Fourth century Father of the Church, Cyril of Jerusalem, wrote about making a throne with our hands to receive the King of Glory.

The correct way to receive Communion on the hand is to place your left hand on the top of your right hand. The minister will place the Body of Christ on your left hand. After responding ‘Amen’ to the words ‘The Body of Christ’, communicants pick up the host with their right hand and put it in their mouth. Left-handed people may swap hands.

Dos and Don’ts

  • Please make sure your hands are clean — you are receiving God.
  • Put the host into your mouth before walking away. The minister needs to be sure you have consumed it.
  • Please don’t hold your hands parallel to each other (it’s confusing for the minister).
  • Please don’t lap the host from your palm, or flip it from one hand to another.
  • Please don’t close your hand once you have received the host, or snatch it from the minister’s fingers. Remember who you are receiving!

The alternative way to receive the Eucharist is on the tongue. In a sense this way is easier. So you may want to receive on the tongue if you are on crutches or carrying a baby. When the minister says ‘The Body of Christ’, you respond ‘Amen’. Open your mouth and wait.

Dos and Don’ts:

  • Please look at the minister in the face. This makes sure your mouth is properly aligned.
  • Raise your tongue slightly, but don’t stick it out unnecessarily. Don’t panic: assuming your tongue is not too dry, the host won’t fall off.
  • Don’t lick or bite the minister’s fingers.

We also need to consider how we approach the minister. Going up for communion is not just joining a queue; it is taking part in a procession. Please be mindful of the people in front and following you. You may want to bow or genuflect before receiving; if so, please make sure you don’t get in the way of the person behind you. And if you want to receive Communion kneeling, please do it in a measured way, so as to minimise disruption.

No way to receive Communion is better than the other. What really matters is that you remember who you are receiving, and express your understanding through your actions.

Canon Father Anthony Charlton
Canon Father Anthony CharltonParish Priest