Dear Parish Members,
It may be helpful to be reminded about what we do when we receive Holy Communion. We believe - and the Church has insisted from the beginning - that the Eucharist is the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord, Jesus Christ. So, we should approach and receive the Eucharist with reverence and gratitude.
As you approach the priest or minister, make a small bow as a sign of reverence to the Lord Who is present in the Eucharist. When the priest or minister says, "the Body of Christ," you respond, "Amen" (which means, "yes, I believe"). Then, if you are receiving on your tongue, put out your tongue far enough so that the minister can easily place the host there. If you are receiving in your hand, place one hand under the other (make a "throne" for the King), and then when the host is put in your hand, take it with your other hand and consume it right away. It is not appropriate to "take" the host from the minister's hand - you receive it as a gift. Also, consume the host immediately; it is not appropriate to take it back to your seat and consume it there. Ministers have been instructed to follow anyone who does not consume the host right away, in order to make sure that he/she does so.
Parishioners are also reminded that if you are aware of having committed a mortal sin, you should go to confession to be forgiven of that sin before receiving Communion. The priests are happy to hear confessions at any reasonable time in addition to the weekly scheduled times. Also, it is not appropriate for non-Catholics to receive Communion - the very word "communion" means that we who receive are in full union with the Lord, the Church, and all Her teachings.
Anyone who, for whatever reason, is not receiving Communion can come forward and request a blessing from the priest by crossing their arms over their chest. (Also, anyone who is not Catholic but would like to know more about the faith or about becoming Catholic is encouraged to contact Fr. Peter about the annual RCIA program.)
Our nation is currently in the midst of a 3-year National Eucharistic Revival. Find out more information at www.eucharisticrevival.org. May we give thanks every day for this precious gift of the Holy Eucharist, which strengthens our "Communion" with our Lord, and strengthens us in our efforts to love Him and love our neighbor.
Fr. Paul
It may be helpful to be reminded about what we do when we receive Holy Communion. We believe - and the Church has insisted from the beginning - that the Eucharist is the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord, Jesus Christ. So, we should approach and receive the Eucharist with reverence and gratitude.
As you approach the priest or minister, make a small bow as a sign of reverence to the Lord Who is present in the Eucharist. When the priest or minister says, "the Body of Christ," you respond, "Amen" (which means, "yes, I believe"). Then, if you are receiving on your tongue, put out your tongue far enough so that the minister can easily place the host there. If you are receiving in your hand, place one hand under the other (make a "throne" for the King), and then when the host is put in your hand, take it with your other hand and consume it right away. It is not appropriate to "take" the host from the minister's hand - you receive it as a gift. Also, consume the host immediately; it is not appropriate to take it back to your seat and consume it there. Ministers have been instructed to follow anyone who does not consume the host right away, in order to make sure that he/she does so.
Parishioners are also reminded that if you are aware of having committed a mortal sin, you should go to confession to be forgiven of that sin before receiving Communion. The priests are happy to hear confessions at any reasonable time in addition to the weekly scheduled times. Also, it is not appropriate for non-Catholics to receive Communion - the very word "communion" means that we who receive are in full union with the Lord, the Church, and all Her teachings.
Anyone who, for whatever reason, is not receiving Communion can come forward and request a blessing from the priest by crossing their arms over their chest. (Also, anyone who is not Catholic but would like to know more about the faith or about becoming Catholic is encouraged to contact Fr. Peter about the annual RCIA program.)
Our nation is currently in the midst of a 3-year National Eucharistic Revival. Find out more information at www.eucharisticrevival.org. May we give thanks every day for this precious gift of the Holy Eucharist, which strengthens our "Communion" with our Lord, and strengthens us in our efforts to love Him and love our neighbor.
Fr. Paul