Receiving the Holy Eucharist

Receiving the Holy Eucharist
 

Catholic Core belief about the Holy Eucharist:

The Holy Eucharist is the "source and summit of the Christian life" (LG 11, CCC 1324). We, Catholics believe in the Real Presence (CCC 1373).

The Holy Eucharist is not a symbol or a reminder. The Holy Eucharist is Lord Jesus Christ truly present, his Body under the form of bread, the Blessed Sacrament, and his Blood under the form of wine, the Precious Blood (CCC1374). It is the "Heart of the Heart of God" (Fr. Simon referencing to approved Holy Eucharistic miracles scientifically proven to be heart tissues). It is the sacrament in which Lord Jesus is truly present - Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity under the appearances of bread and wine (CCC1376). 

Preparation for Receiving Holy Communion: 

• We must be in a state of grace when we receive Holy Communion. If we have committed a mortal sin, we must first go to Confession before receiving Holy Communion (CCC 1385, Can. 916). If one were to receive the Holy Eucharist in a state of mortal sin this would be the grave sin of sacrilege (CCC 1385, 1 Cor. 11:29, CCC 2120)
• We must actually believe that Lord Jesus is truly present in the Holy Eucharist (CCC 1374).
• We must observe the Holy Eucharistic fast of no food or drink (except water and medicine) for one hour before receiving Holy Communion (Can. 919, CCC1387). Those who need to take medicine with food would not be obligated by the ordinary norm.
• We must fully, actively and consciously participate in the liturgy during the Holy Mass (CCC 1388).
• The Communion Procession is a profoundly religious action. Our procession should move with dignity; our bearing should be that of those who know they have been redeemed by Christ and are coming to receive their God! (Reception of Holy Communion, USCCB)

• We may receive the Holy Communion kneeling by the Communion rail (St. Lambert Church) or by standing in line and either in the hands or on the tongue. (Reception of Holy Communion, USCCB)
• When receiving Holy Communion, the communicant bows his or her head before the Sacrament as a gesture of reverence and receives the Body of the Lord from the minister. (Reception of Holy Communion, USCCB, CCC 1378)
• When receiving the Sacred Host in the hands, the hands should first of all be clean. The Sacred Host must be received with both hands. The left hand is to be placed upon the right hand. The Sacred Host will then be laid in the palm of the left hand, and conveyed to the mouth with the right hand. It is not appropriate to reach out with the fingers and take the host from the person distributing (ID No.10). We should never receive the Sacred Host with one hand. If, for some reasons, we cannot receive it with both hands, we should receive the Sacred Host on the tongue. (Cf. Reception of Holy Communion, USCCB)
• When receiving the Sacred Host in the hands, we must consume the Sacred Host immediately in front of the Minister or of the Extraordinary Minister before walking away (RS No.92). It is NOT acceptable to walk away with the Sacred Host in our hand. 

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IMPORTANT: In the light of an incident that happened in our parish involving the desecration of the Blessed Eucharist, our priest, our ministers, and/or concerned parishioners may "intervene" should this norm be ignored. Someone might stop you from walking away with a Sacred Host in your hand.  Please consume the Sacred Host in front of the minister before moving back to the pew.

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• After receiving the Holy Eucharist, we should audibly respond, "Amen," indicating by that response our belief that this small bread, the wine in this chalice are in reality the Body and Blood of Christ the Lord. (Reception of Holy Communion, USCCB)
• We should walk back to our pews and spend time quietly in reverence and thanksgiving. (ID No.17)

Non Catholic and Fellow Christians:

Because Catholics believe that the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist is a sign of the reality of the oneness of faith, life, and worship, members of those churches with whom we are not yet fully united are ordinarily NOT admitted (see CCC 1401) to Holy Communion. You may stay seated in the pews and may not approach the altar. (CCC 1400)

Those Who Cannot or Will Not Receive Holy Communion: 

All who are not receiving Holy Communion are encouraged to express in their hearts a prayerful desire for unity with the Lord Jesus and with one another. We welcome to Ss. Peter and Lambert Parish and to the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist those who do not share our faith in Lord Jesus Christ. While we cannot admit them to Holy Communion (ibid.), we ask them to stay seated in the pews and offer their prayers for the peace and the unity of the human family.

Listen to Fr. Simon's (St. Lambert's former pastor) homily on Real Presence and Reverence to the Holy Eucharist. Click HERE