7 rules for receiving communion in the hand

I beg to differ. I happen to accept the role of darkness within the Church, but it strikes me as being perpetrated all too often by those who style themselves the most faithful or loyal to God. If, for some reason, the communicant is not able or willing to drink from the cup then that person should receive only under the form of bread. There is a twofold purpose here: that none will find in the new rite anything disturbing to personal devotion toward the Eucharist; that this sacrament, the source and cause of unity by its very nature, will not become an occasion of discord between members of the faithful. Communion on the Tongue Is an Apostolic Tradition In such cases, episcopal conferences should examine matters carefully and should make whatever decisions, by a secret vote and with a two-thirds majority, are needed to regulate matters. 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. OF THE SUPREME PONTIFF. [3] Augustine, Answer to Petilian 2.23.53and Against Parmenian 2.7.13. In fact, each time we move forward together to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord, we join the countless ranks of all the baptized who have gone before us, our loved ones, the canonized and uncanonized saints down through the ages, who at their time in history formed a part of this mighty stream of believers. Communion in the hand was officially permitted in the United States in 1977, following an indult that is, special permission given by the Congregation for Divine Sacraments in 1969. Think of what you receive in your hand and keep it clean of all greed and theft. These views are sometimes strongly held. It seems appropriate to conclude this reflection on the Communion Procession and the reception of Communion with a quotation from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. Wherefore, if any one wishes to be a participator of the immaculate Body in the time of the Synaxis, and to offer himself for the communion, let him draw near, arranging his hands in the form of a cross, and so let him receive the communion of grace. As to the way to carry out the new rite: one possible model is the traditional usage, which expresses the ministerial functions, by having the priest or deacon place the host in the hand of the communicant. Since Christ is really, substantially, sacramentally present but not physically, being OC over crumbs is not devotion. If Communion is received in the hand, the hands should first of all be clean. 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. On the other hand, if the sins are not so great that a person should be judged to deserve excommunication, he ought not to withdraw from the daily medicine of the Lords body.[26]. Your email address will not be published. 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. . Receiving Communion - Prayer & Spiritual Life - Greek Orthodox Pandemic will affect Communion rituals for U.S. Christians John Paul II and Mother Theresa on Communion in the Hand The General Instruction of the Roman Missal takes this hymn very seriously, mandating that it should begin at the Communion of the priest and extend until the last person has received Communion. I make no judgment about who is guilty of this- I dont know most of the people by far and am in no position to judge. When the priest gives it he says: The body of Christ. He teaches you by this word not to look at that which is visible, but to picture in your mind the nature of this oblation, which, by the coming of the Holy Spirit, is the body of Christ. We pray that our common baptism and the action of the Holy Spirit in this Eucharist will draw us closer to one another and begin to dispel the sad divisions which separate us. [27] John Chrysostom, Baptismal Instruction, 12.15-16, trans. 47), and says of the Communion Chant that "its purpose [is] to express the spiritual union of the communicants by means of the unity of their voices, to show gladness of heart, and to bring out more clearly the 'communitarian' character of the procession to receive the Eucharist" (no. After receiving Communion our bodies become holy chalices. For example, although Communion in the hand is generally permitted at the Vatican, in recent years ministers administrating Communion at large at papal Masses have been enjoined to distribute Communion only on the tongue. Communion in the hand is no more hygienic than Communion in the mouth. Other way round, it was in the hand and changed to the tongue circa 900 in the west. [18] Moreover, an early illuminated gospel, the Rosanno Gospels, depicts the last supper as a communion line, where the disciples receive in cupped hands while bowed. SACRED CONGREGATION FOR THE DISCIPLINE OF THE SACRAMENTS, InstructionImmensae caritatis, on facilitating reception of Communion in certain circumstances, 29 January 1973: AAS 65 (1973) 264-271; Not 9 (1973) 157-164. From the historical point of view, we can say that there is strong evidence that the practice existed in early centuries in some areas of the Church. We are the Body of Christ, moving forward to receive the Christ who makes us one with himself and with one another. Pope Paul Vl calls attention to the purpose of the InstructionMemoriale Dominiof 29 May 1969, on retaining the traditional practice in use. The symptoms are myriadI certainly would assent to much of what you cite. Therefore I stand by what I wrote in the original: 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.. Permission for administering Communion in the hand was granted by the Holy See to the United States on June 17, 1977 and has since become almost the universal norm in the Ordinary Form. The custom of placing the Sacred Particle in the mouth, rather than in the hand of the communicant, dates in Rome from the sixth, and in Gaul from the ninth century (Van der Stappen, IV, 227; cf. For tell me, if any one gave you grains of gold, would you not hold them with all carefulness, being on your guard against losing any of them, and suffering loss? Documentation: Approval of Communion in the Hand under - PrayTellBlog This is more a question of moral theology than of liturgy. Alternatively, it is permissible to adopt a simpler procedure, namely, allowing the faithful themselves to take the host from the ciborium or paten. The Council of Saragossa, 380, excommunicated anyone who dared continue to receive Holy Communion in the hand. As with all historical practices, one must examine the context and circumstances which are usually not repeatable.. From a hygienic point of view, the hand carries a huge amount of bacteria. IMHO no, contrary to what some real traddies may say. North Africa,October 15 1969 It is not clear as to how widespread it was or if it was a regular practice. 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. Has done 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. Timothy O'Malley, Copyright 2023 [20] Cyril of Jerusalem, myst. The elements were placed in the hands (not in the mouth) of each communicant by the clergy who were present, or, according to Justin, by the deacons alone, amid singing of psalms by the congregation (Psalm 34), with the words: The body of Christ; The blood of Christ, the cup of life; to each of which the recipient responded Amen. (eminent Church historian Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church: Ante-Nicene Christianity: A.D. 100-325 [Vol. 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. Others claim that in the context of the discourse St. Cyril was referring to the clergy and not to the faithful. [26] Augustine, Letter 54.3.4, trans. If he is a religious priest, what actions can a legitimate superior take as regards the member who denies Communion in the hand? 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. Receiving communion in the hand was the common practice of the Church in both East and West for the first 800 years of Christianity, and it was certainly considered reverent by the Fathers. The Netherlands, 18 September 1969 The left hand is extended, with the right hand under the left in support (left handed persons may wish to . Maybe this is due to its similarity to practices in most Protestant churches, many of which (Anglicans and Lutherans notwithstanding) fundamentally dont believe in a sacramental Communion substance. 896. Their attitude of reverence must measure up to what they are doing. 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. The Reception of Holy Communion at Mass | USCCB Papua and New Guinea, 28 April 1976 If Communion is received in the hand, the hands should first of all be clean. [6] In Syria (what we now call Turkey and surrounding regions) it is witnessed by Basil the Great,[7] John Chrysostom,[8] Theodore of Mopsuestia,[9] John Damascene[10] and the Council of Constantinople in Trullo (also called the Quinisext council). With your hand hollowed, receive the Body of Christ and answer 'Amen'. I think the Holy Spirit was nudging people closer to the problem, which was already in evidence decades before the Council. In fact, however, this hymn is prayer, the corporate thanksgiving prayer of the members of Christ's Body, united with one another. 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. What is the proper way of receiving Communion in the hand? 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. It is always helpful to review instructions for receiving Communion. Im skeptical of the claim that collecting absentee ballots for bishops conference votes is unlawful. 3. We pray that these will lessen and finally disappear, in keeping with Christ's prayer for us "that they may all be one" (Jn 17:21). As for decades of poor or heterodox catechesis on the Sacraments, it seems more likely that catechesis has never been better, more Scripture-based, and more soundly theological. How to Properly Receive Communion on the Hands - catholiclegion http://www.kathpedia.com/index.php?title=Handkommunion. Our bishops have argued that Communion in the hand is the proper way for the faithful to respond to our Lord's invitation: "All of you, take and eat this." What the bishops overlook is the fact . Uruguay,October 15 1969 The Church in Europe struggled mightilyand some might say in futilityagainst centuries of violence, sect on sect, nation vs nation. [18] See Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, 6.43.18. Monaco, 31 October 1969 1. When receiving in the hand, the communicant should be guided by the words of St. Cyril of Jerusalem . Do we accept an experience of the Real Presence only when the externals and the lingo of 1950 are seen and heard? The liturgical renewal of St. Pius X which promoted the frequent reception of Communion were still quite young. Whether to receive Communion in the hand or on the tongue are liturgical disciplines, not dogmas. The Holy See has made it abundantly clear that both manners of reception of Communion on the tongue and in the hand are permitted, that Communion should be received reverently, and that the manner of reception should not become an occasion of division in the church. Above all, it is necessary to have the introduction of the rite preceded by an effective catechesis so that the people will clearly understand the meaning of receiving in the hand and will practice it with the reverence owed to the sacrament. Catechesis has been virtually non-existent or flat-out heretical for the last 50 years. Our souls ought to be purer than they, more holy, more brilliant. We welcome our fellow Christians to this celebration of the Eucharist as our brothers and sisters. 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. I wholeheartedly agree with your comment on another thread that this ongoing discussion is frivolous and is only causing needless division. Many pathogens are transmitted through the hands. Featured Image: Rossano Gospels, Last Supper, 6th c.; Source: Wikimedia Commons, PD-Old-100. 2. Pakistan, 29 October 1976 Part I - Holy Communion: The Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus - USCCB [13] In the far-flung regions of the empireGaul (modern-day France and Spain) we have the witness of Caesarius of Arles[14] and the council of Auxerre,[15] and in England, we have the Venerable Bede. All of us are only grasping a hint of it. | Irondale, AL 35210 |. I quite deliberately eschewed entering the historical argument as it would have digressed from the main point of that article. With your hand hollowed, receive the Body of Christ and answer Amen. However, when they receive Communion standing, it is recommended that the faithful make appropriate reverence, according to the norms established, before receiving the Sacrament. If a priest has great personal difficulty due to deeply and sincerely held views regarding this practice, he can always petition the bishop for a personal exemption or a permission to not apply this permission to his parish. The communicant should audibly respond, "Amen," indicating by that response his or her belief that this small wafer of bread, the wine in this chalice are in reality the body and blood of Christ the Lord. 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: In order to be properly disposed to receive Communion, participants should not be conscious of grave sin and normally should have fasted for one hour. Do we have faith in the efficacy of the sacraments or not? Of note for the modern debate, both John Chrysostom and the Council of Constantinople in Trullo argue that human beings, made in the image of God and capable of communing with him, are more worthy to touch the Eucharist than vessels of gold and silver. 1. 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: It is clear that this mode of reception was considered reverent and was to be carried out in a reverent manner. I am a daily witness at the Basilique du Sacr-Cur de Montmartre (Paris).. [5] In Jerusalem, we have the mystagogical catecheses of Cyril of Jerusalem (or perhaps of his successor, John). I do make the point that reverence, while important, is not the only or most important aspect of Communion. Ireland, 4 September 1976 Maybe this is part of a grand conspiracy by Satan to destroy the Church (ok, probably not that). Pope Benedict was asked why he chose to distribute Communion only to those kneeling and on the tongue and he responded, because it highlights "the truth of the real presence [of Christ] in the Eucharist, helps the devotion . Communion on the Tongue is an Apostolic Tradition, and - Catholic365 The guidelines, which are to be included in missalettes and other participation aids published in the United States, seek to remind all those who may attend Catholic liturgies of the present discipline of the Church with regard to the sharing of Eucharistic Communion. (Catholic Encyclopedia: Genuflexion) Communion on the tongue is recommended and considered the most consonant way to receive the Eucharist, while Communion on the hand is permitted, provided that certain precautions are observed, such as checking to see if any fragments of the Host remain on the palm of the hand. Theres no simple solution to this issue. There are many devout Catholics who find this practice helpful. There are particles, and there are particles. I think proponents of tongue/kneeling will get a better hearing if they uphold all aspects of Communion. I think youre right that, without an explicitly limiting clause, there is no canonically binding restriction to those countries, and that the subsequent granting of dispensation ultimately belied such restriction. It must also increase their faith in the sublime reality of the Lords body and blood, which they touch with their hand. [21] Theodore of Mopsuestia, catech. Particularly in regard to this way of receiving communion, experience suggests certain matters requiring careful attention. [16] Liturgical evidence from Rome is always sparser than one would like, but Eusebius preserves a mention of communion in the hand in a letter written from Dionysius of Alexandria to Sixtus I, bishop of Rome,[17] and in a letter of Cornelius, bishop of Rome. As soon as the communicant receives the host, he or she consumes the whole of it. So when received unworthily, it is not only useless, but it is harmful to oneself (a lifestyle of sin continues), our neighbors (increase of violence, arson, looting, murders), and society in general (take a look at the condition of our country), and is extremely offensive to God (hence the wide-spread suffering). On the one hand, I think this evidence precludes describing communion in the hand as intrinsically irreverent. [12] Ephrem the Syrian, Hymns on Faith 10 and Hymns on Virginity 33.7. Whatever procedure is adopted, care must be taken not to allow particles of the Eucharistic bread to fall or be scattered. I similarly think Cardinal Sarahs frankly ridiculous comments about Lucifer are draining credibility from his cause (one that I admittedly align with sometimes), even if some of his proposals are good ones. For whatever reason, reception on the hand does not appear to convey the same level of reverence in the public consciousness as reception on the tongue. 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. Objecting to Communion in the Hand | EWTN Thanks for this, Dennis. The faithful receive Communion kneeling or standing, as established by the episcopal conference. Can you direct me to where you obtained this list? We are encouraged to receive Communion devoutly and frequently. 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. Under the moral aspect will be considered, in reference to Holy Communion: necessity; subject; dispositions. Indeed, it can be dangerous for contagion. Now we feel our affluence threatened, and the Gospel gives no comfort on that front. At Christ's invitation, extended by the priest acting in Christ's person: "Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb," the members of the community move forward to share in the sacred meal, to receive the Body and Blood of Christ which is the sign and the source of their unity. What is the proper way of receiving Communion in the hand? - AOD Communion on the tongue remains the usual and common form of administering Holy Communion. In North Africa (including Egypt) the practice is mentioned by Tertullian,[1] Cyprian,[2] Augustine,[3] Cyril of Alexandria,[4] and John Climacus. Communion received on the tongue and while kneeling. can. What if we were passionate about all that? 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. As to the way to carry out the new rite: one possible model is the traditional usage, which expresses the ministerial functions, by having the priest or deacon place the host in the hand of the communicant . Follow-up: Objecting to Communion in the Hand (10-16-2018), Pursuant to my reflections on Communion in the hand (October 2), a reader from France claimed that It is totally justified to claim that Communion in the hand is necessarily less reverent or inevitably leads to abuses. 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. PDF Instructions on Receiving Holy Communion with Proper Reverence 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], To receive the Sacrament which is given, a person stretches out his right hand, and under it he places the left hand. A perception such as this is a dreadfully inaccurate and impoverished understanding of what is a significant religious action. 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. Communion in the hand is allowed in the United States by decision of the American Bishops. Instead this option must increase in them a consciousness of the dignity of the members of Christs Mystical Body, into which they are incorporated by baptism and by the grace of the Eucharist. 161. A letter from the Congregation for Divine Worship to presidents of bishops conferences on May 29, 1969: AAS 61 (1969) 546-547; Notitiae 5 (1969) 351-353: In reply to the request of your conference of bishops regarding permission to give communion by placing the host on the hand of the faithful, I wish to communicate the following. In this ordinance Christ ratifies his promises to his people, and they on their part solemnly consecrate themselves to him and to his entire service. ), Pray Tell: An open forum on faith in South Texas. Look how military inspectors demand very high standards of care when inspecting barracks for cleanliness.

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