On Holy Communion

Savannah Mikus
Jan 29, 2018
2 min read

As accounted in St. Justin Martyr's "First Apology" (circa.155 AD), the Roman Catholic Church celebrates the sacrament of the Eucharist. The sacrament is in remembrance of the covenant of Christ Jesus and his disciples. "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you... Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him" (John 3:53-56). Many children or converts make their First Communion and are intimidated by it. However, this guide clearly details the process.

Things Needed:

An Ordained Priest
A Consecrated Host
Consecrated Wine

Step One:

Ensure that you are eligible to receive communion from the Catholic Church. This is called being "In Communion with the Catholic Church". One must have: completed the sacrament of First Communion OR be/been a member of the Orthodox faith with all chrisms, not be a divorcee, and not be in Mortal Sin.

Credit: Alicia Chelini

Step Two:

After the consecration of the host, the congregation will be invited to come forward to receive communion. Follow the directions of the ushers to exit your pew and enter the line to receive the host.

Credit: My Daily News

Step Three:

When you are at the front of the line, it is your turn. First bow to the host in order to show respect.

Credit: Catholic For Life

Step Four:

You may now decide how you would like to receive communion. Traditionally, Catholics stick their tongue out to allow the Priest to place it on their tongue. After the Vatican II Council, Catholics were allowed to choose to have the host placed in their hand.

I. Stick your tongue out far enough for the Priest or Eucharistic Minister to place the host on your tongue.

II. Place your dominant hand under your non-dominant to support it. After the host is placed in your non-dominant hand, take it with your dominant hand and place it in your mouth.

Credit: Catholic All Year

Step Five:

You may now proceed to the chalice to receive the Blood of Christ. Bow as you did in Step 3 and take the chalice from the Eucharistic Minister. Take a single sip, then hand the chalice back to the Minister.