Receiving Holy Communion is the most intimate and sacred moment in the Holy Mass. Proper spiritual disposition and physical reverence reflect the belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. As we approach the altar, let us prepare ourselves to worthily encounter our King.

As we approach the altar, let us prepare ourselves to worthily encounter our King.

BEFORE COMMUNION

• Abstain from all food and water (except for plain water and necessary medicine) for at least one hour before receiving Communion.
• Ensure you are free from unconfessed mortal sin. If you have committed a grave sin, you must receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) before approaching the altar.
• Spend time in silent prayer and reflection while waiting in the Communion line.

DURING COMMUNION

• “The faithful should receive Communion kneeling or standing, as the Conference of Bishops will have determined, with its acts having received the recognitio of the Apostolic See.” (2004 Redemptionis Sacramentum, 90)
• Bow your head or make a sign of reverence (genuflect) just before stepping up to the priest or Extraordinary Minister of the Holy Communion (EMHC).
• Respond clearly with “Amen” when the minister holds up the Host and says “The Body of Christ.” Other replies, such as “Thank you,” are inappropriate. “Amen” is an expression of your faith in the Real Presence.

IF RECEIVING THE EUCHARIST IN THE HAND

• The Host must be reverently and immediately placed in your mouth in front of the minister. The practice of walking away carrying the Host to the seat, even if the intention is to adore, is a liturgical abuse and offensive to God. 
• 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.” — St. Cyril of Jerusalem

IF RECEIVING THE EUCHARIST ON THE TONGUE

• Open your mouth sufficiently and extend your tongue. Remain completely still until the sacred Host has been safely placed on your tongue. Placing the Eucharist directly on the tongue safeguards it from being taken out of the church for profane or superstitious uses, and greatly reduces the risk of sacred fragments falling to the ground.

What is a more reverent way to receive Holy Communion?

What is the reverence in receiving Holy Communion by the tongue if that same tongue is used for gossip, lying, and vulgarity? What is the reverence in receiving with hands posed like the throne to receive your King when those hands steal and rob or assault and punch and grope and molest? The respectful way is the soul’s loving disposition and living out God’s commandments, that is, to receive Him in the state of grace free from mortal sin. (2024 ALD Circular on Receiving Holy Communion, Archbishop Socrates Villegas, 11)

After Communion

• After returning to your pew, kneel and offer fervent personal prayers of thanksgiving while waiting for the Communion rite to conclude.
• -This prayer of the priest or deacon, while purifying the vessels after Communion may well be the prayer of all: “What has passed our lips as food, O Lord, may we possess in purity of heart, that what has been given to us in time may be our healing for eternity.”
• Do not leave Mass early. Remain in church until the final blessing and concluding hymn to fully embrace the grace you have received. As the beautiful quote attributed to St. Augustine reminds us, “He who sings prays twice.”