How we receive
Guidelines for Communicants
When possible, join in the singing of the Communion hymn during the Communion procession. This gesture helps to express the spiritual union of the communicants by the unity of voices, it shows gladness of heart, and it helps to bring out more clearly the ‘communitarian’ nature of the procession to receive the Body and Blood of Christ.
In the dioceses of Australia, standing is the most common posture to receive Holy Communion, though individual members of the faithful may choose to receive Communion while kneeling.
When approaching to receive Holy Communion, bow in reverence of the Sacrament you are to receive. A common posture and gesture helps to symbolise the assembly’s unity in Christ and also helps the communion procession to flow smoothly.
When receiving Communion in the hand, the communicant might be guided by the words of St Cyril of Jerusalem: "When you approach, take care not to do so with your hand stretched out and your fingers open or apart, but rather place your left hand as a throne beneath your right, as befits one who is about to receive the King. Then receive him, taking care that nothing is lost". Communicants who are left- handed are obviously free to receive Communion on whichever hand they feel most comfortable.
As a sign of reverence for the Body of Christ, communicants and ministers should ensure that their hands appear clean.
When the minister says “The Body of Christ”, reply “Amen”. When receiving in the hand, step to one side after receiving the host and consume the whole of it immediately.
When receiving on the tongue, communicants should open their mouths sufficiently and position their tongue to facilitate easy reception of the host.If offered, move to the minister with the chalice. When the minister says “The Blood of Christ”, reply “Amen,” receive the chalice, drink a little from it, and return the chalice to the minister.
In keeping with Christ’s command to take and drink and consistent with the Church’s tradition that the sacraments be ministered, it is not permitted for communicants to self-intinction (or dip) the host in the chalice. The practice of dipping fingers with the host in the chalice can also lead to other hygiene issues.
Return reverently to your place.
