7 rules for receiving communion in the hand 7 rules for receiving communion in the hand

Catechesis has been virtually non-existent or flat-out heretical for the last 50 years. It may well be the case that the sudden change in practice after Vatican II decreased devotion towards the Eucharist and belief in the true presence, and it may well be the case that there were bad actors who in fact desired this result. Most often when speaking of reverence, however, the Fathers emphasize two main things: 1) that every precaution should be taken lest the Eucharist fall to the ground and 2) that communicants should be from serious sin and quarrels with other Christians. Fire and Spirit, contrary to nature That said, there are dimensions to this discussion that I think are both valuable and havent been given much screen time overall. On this point, I will leave you with a beautiful exhortation from the Golden Tongue: Think of what you receive in your hand and never lift it to strike another and never disgrace with the sin of assault the hand that has been honored with so great a gift. The fire of mercy has become for us a living sacrifice Take a step or two to the side to make way for the next communicant, then receive our Lord. Interestingly, during the Middle Ages, the reception of Holy Communion was restricted to "on the tongue" because of abuses. vehementer hortatur retention of current practice while invoking the common good of the Church. The Eucharist may not be received while a person has mortal sin in their soul. W.R., Goa, India. [19] This list is by no means exhaustive, and it would be tedious to cite all of these references as a catalog, but let us turn to a few of them to see what the Fathers have to say about the meaning of this practice. The Council of Saragossa (380): Excommunicated anyone who dared continue . 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.. I dont read any statement with canonical force saying that only those countries may apply for an indult. Zambia, 11 March 1974 Just look at what making donating money an indulgence-eligible corporal work of mercy resulted in during the Renaissance. COVID-19 Additional Questions for Catholic Schools, COVID-19 Finance FAQ for Catholic Schools, COVID-19 Personnel FAQ for Catholic Schools, COVID-19 Remote Learning FAQ for Catholic Schools, COVID-19 International Students FAQ for Catholic Schools, Forming a New Prayer and Intercessory Team at Your Parish, Resources for Existing Intercessory Prayer Teams, Mooney Real Estate Holding Company and Parish Incorporations, Stewards for Tomorrow/Archdiocese of Detroit Endowment Foundation. [27] John Chrysostom, Baptismal Instruction, 12.15-16, trans. And some who do have lost their strength or nerve. 6, trans. 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. To that which you are you respond Amen (yes, it is true!) and by responding to it you assent to it. The question has been asked for a long time since the Church has often allowed both methods of reception. That the conference had voted twice but failed to approve the practice and then only won the third vote by gathering absentee votes which is the article claims was unlawful? Per The Baltimore Catechism: 4. Roland Teske (Hyde Park, NY: New City Press, 2001). This formula should not be altered, as it is a proclamation which calls for a response of faith on the part of the one who receives. Church Life Journal I honestly get sick of it too. I guess my point is that regardless of our internal reverence (or lack thereof), the way we verbally and literally communicate our faith to others, especially our children, is still very important. 2023 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCBs) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy. Upper Volta and Niger, 20 February 1970 A parish priest, or the rector of a sanctuary, might have objective reasons for not applying the permission if there is any danger of profanation or lack of respect. II], Required fields are marked *. (Original Latin text here, see pp. 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 . The Holy Eucharist remits venial sins by disposing us to perform acts of love and contrition. The legitimacy of Communion in the hand is not in question. However, when they receive Communion standing, it is recommended that the faithful make appropriate reverence, according to the norms established, before receiving the Sacrament. A. Christ instituted the Holy Eucharist: A. [5] John Climacus, Ladder of Divine Ascent 28. Fr. It is therefore difficult in the context of this present letter not to mention the sad phenomena previously referred to. Finally, the fact that the Communion Procession is a profoundly religious action tells us something about the way in which we should participate in this procession. When the bishops reassembled, Cardinal John Carberry of St. Louis, a determined opponent of Communion in the hand, was quick to get up to set things straight. What if our way of calling our fellow Christians to a higher way were based on loving example and not polemics? 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. Greg., Dial., I, III, c. iii). A: The answer to this question is somewhat complex. 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. Q: When the bishop in a diocese allows the faithful to receive Communion in the hand or on the tongue, can a priest, who objects on the grounds of conscience, refuse to give the faithful holy Communion in the hand? Pope Benedict XVI 1927-2022 tribute page and access to resources here. Still, while not the direction eventually taken, I believe restriction to be the more natural reading of the Vaticans intent at that moment in time. The practice of communion on the tongue with the use of patens in the West, and in both kinds on a spoon with a drop cloth in the East, moreover, are natural developments from the concern of the Early Church to prevent Eucharistic mishaps. Cyril of Jerusalem and Theodore of Mopsuestia liken the practice to that of receiving a king, and both of them note the method of reception was in joined hands (also described in other sources as hands in the form of a cross). Instead of receiving in my hand, thinking "the other way is better," and quickly gobbling up the Eucharist, I took the "popular way," as a gift: I put my left hand on top of my right . Therefore, it is not licit to deny Holy Communion to any of Christ's faithful solely on the grounds, for example, that the person wishes to receive the Eucharist kneeling or standing" (Redemptionis Sacramentum, no. Aaron, this describes what the countries are to do where Communion in the hand was being practiced. Members of the Orthodox Churches, the Assyrian Church of the East, and the Polish National Catholic Church are urged to respect the discipline of their own Churches. divine life. Or is there more context that is missing? No wonder so many people there have given up on Christianity. Even if we presume the authenticity of the text we still do not know how long the practice lasted, whether leavened or unleavened bread was used and whether the practice was exclusive to the Church of Jerusalem. Your email address will not be published. At the same time he has taken into account the reasons given to support your request and the outcome of the vote taken on this matter. Some of the online advocates of kneeling/tongue seem to focus only on adoration of the Real Presence and now a cardinal has said that those who receive standing in the hand most Catholics by far! 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. [22] Ephrem the Syrian, Hymns on Faith 10, trans. The author claims that Communion in the hand could only be authorized in countries where it was an established practice but doesnt give a citation. The same Instruction contained a reminder that the laws of the Church and the writings of the Fathers give ample witness of a supreme reverence and utmost caution toward the Eucharist and that this must continue. Do we have faith in the efficacy of the sacraments or not? For example, Augustine writes, Someone might say that the Eucharist should not be received daily. Madagascar 2 March 1970 It also rules out arguing for an intrinsic link between a rejection of the true presence and communion in the handthe Fathers, on the whole, speak of Christs presence in the Eucharist in highly realistic terms and also received on the hand. In this case, the person is to be mindful of the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition, including the intention of confessing as soon as possible (canon 916). It is always helpful to review instructions for receiving Communion. This is precisely why there are occasions when pastoral prudence can lead to suspend the permission. R. E. Heine FotC 21 (Washington, DC: Catholic University of America Press, 1982). Those who receive Communion may receive either in the hand or on the tongue, and the decision should be that of the individual receiving, not of the person distributing Communion. [11] Council of Constantinople in Trullo, canon 101. 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. Pope Benedict XVI 1927-2022 tribute page and access to resources here. So the authors claim that he is exactly Vatican II is doubtful. The wind has left our sails and many of us are adrift on uncertain seas. 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]. 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. Eucharistic sharing in exceptional circumstances by other Christians requires permission according to the directives of the diocesan bishop and the provisions of canon law (canon 844 4). How should this evidence be brought to bear on the modern conversation? The new manner of giving communion must not be imposed in a way that would exclude the traditional practice. Aaron, But back in the West, where most of us at PT are from, the Church is struggling. This means that Jesus has no eyes but our eyes, no feet . The guidelines recommend against serving Communion until gatherings of more than 50 people are allowed. The history of the liturgy, however, makes clear that rather early on a . Communion in the hand is no more hygienic than Communion in the mouth. The two ways of receiving communion can without question take place during the same liturgical service. The Pope grants that throughout the territory of your conference, each bishop may, according to his prudent judgment and conscience, authorize in his diocese the introduction of the new rite for giving communion. I dont mean how did it come about. Another will say the opposite; he says, On the contrary, if the wound of sin and the attack of the disease is in fact so great that such medicines need to be postponed, one ought to be removed from the altar by the authority of the bishop in order to do penance, and one ought to be reconciled by the same authority. For pastoral reasons this manner of receiving communion has been legitimately established as the most common form in the Latin rite. 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. In this he shows a great fear, and since the hand that is stretched out holds a higher rank, it is the one that is extended for receiving the body of the King, and the other hand bears and brings its sister hand, while not thinking that it is playing the role of a servant, as it is equal with it in honour, on account of the bread of the King, which is also borne by it. From this brief historical survey, however, we know that this need not be the case, and we can look to the Fathers for a pious example as we seek to foster reverence towards the Eucharist in the liturgy today. And having hollowed your palm, receive the Body of Christ, saying over it, Amen. What if we were passionate about all that? 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. It must also increase their faith in the sublime reality of the Lords body and blood, which they touch with their hand. Never receive Holy Communion in the hand when your hands are impeded; e.g., carrying a cane or some other walking-assistance device, carrying a child in your arms, carrying a purse, have a tissue or handkerchief in your hand, have a cast on your hand, etc. It is not clear as to how widespread it was or if it was a regular practice. Rather maddeningly, it is the Anglicans who in the West have retained the practice as described by St. Cyril, while contemporary Latin-rite Catholics tend to consume the Host as if it were a potato chip., 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. If Your Hand/Hands are Impeded . Germany, 6 June 1969 Their attitude of reverence must measure up to what they are doing. 3. A frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance is encouraged for all. Care must also be taken that the communicants have clean hands and that their comportment is becoming and in keeping with the practices of the different peoples. A perception such as this is a dreadfully inaccurate and impoverished understanding of what is a significant religious action. However, cases of a deplorable lack of respect towards the Eucharistic species have been reported, cases which are imputable not only to the individuals guilty of such behavior but also to the pastors of the church who have not been vigilant enough regarding the attitude of the faithful towards the Eucharist. Our worship ought to create common unity under Christ, not destroy it. 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. 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. Space doesn't allow all the details, but the propaganda in the 1970s that was used to sell Communion in the hand to a trusting, vulnerable people was a campaign of calculated half-truths that didn't tell the whole story. Archbishop Anthony Fisher, OP, of Sydney published an excellent paper on the topic of conscience and authority which can be found at:https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=7833or, in a slightly briefer form athttps://zenit.org/articles/bishop-fisher-on-conscience-and-authority/. Has the Holy Eucharist any other effect? Among Catholics, there is a sincere difference of opinion with respect to the opportunity of this practice, as to its possible spiritual benefits or detriments. Pope Paul Vl approved this Instruction, confirmed it with his authority, and ordered its publication, setting the day of publication as its effective date. Communion received on the tongue and while kneeling. Confess it and move on. [3] Augustine, Answer to Petilian 2.23.53and Against Parmenian 2.7.13. These guidelines replace the guidelines approved by the Administrative Committee of the NCCB in November 1986. I think that settles it. 2023 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. More people have received Communion in the past century. Scotland, 7 July 1977 For example, to say that Communion in the hand is a sign of spiritual maturity, or that Communion on the tongue reduces the lay faithful to infancy, is belied by centuries of lay saints who received in this manner. cites vote tallies to defend a claim that a large majority (longe plurimos) of bishops not only oppose introducing Communion in the hand but consider it tum sensui tum spirituali cultui [] offensioni France, 6 June 1969 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. Since Christ is really, substantially, sacramentally present but not physically, being OC over crumbs is not devotion. Fire consumed the offering Im skeptical of the claim that collecting absentee ballots for bishops conference votes is unlawful. These practices have wide evidence of use and in some ways never died out completely. [9] Theodore of Mopsuestia, Catechetical Homilies 6. The [Seraph] did not hold it, and [Isaiah] did not eat it But as time passed it became the practice to receive Communion directly on the tongue in order to assure that the Host was received reverently. Finally, to the end that their coming to this heavenly table may be completely worthy and fruitful, the faithful should be instructed on its benefits and effects, for both the individual and society, so that their familial relationship to the Father who gives us our daily bread, may reflect the highest reverence for him, nurture love, and lead to a living bond with Christ, in whose flesh and blood we share.. Ruff, I think we both agree that internal reverence is the most important aspect of this discussion (and therefore the ways each manner serves that) and I know many reverent people who do both. In approaching therefore, come not with your wrists extended, or your fingers spread; but make your left hand a throne for the right, as for that which is to receive a King. 915). Communion in the hand is legitimate only where permitted, and it remains in the realm of a permission. It is reported that a bishop shouted out, On the tongue or in the hand?. Indeed, it can be dangerous for contagion. Its just BREAD!!. 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. For some, however, the experience of the Communion Procession is far more prosaic, analogous perhaps to standing in line in the supermarket or at the motor vehicle bureau. In an even more elevated tone, Ephrem the Syrian, in a stunning passage, invites the Christian communicant to feel awe at what is placed in his or her hand, since even the Seraph did not take the divine coal with his hand, nor did the prophet Isaiah eat it (see: Isa 6:6). With your hand hollowed, receive the Body of Christ and answer Amen. It was designed: 1. [2] Cyprian, On the Good of Patience 14, On the Lapsed 16 and 26,and Letter 55.9. The rationale for Communion on the hands being an ancient practice is from St. Cyril of Jerusalem. "You're talking to someone who has only owned a smartphone for a yearI resisted," he said. 843 1; cf. In light of some genuinely moving testimonies on the merits of reception in the hand, we cannot ignore that reverence for the Eucharist and belief in the Real Presence among Catholic laity has greatly declined since around the time in which this practice reenterred the Roman Rite after a millennium of absence. If, however, Communion is given under both kinds, the rite prescribed in nos. Theres no simple solution to this issue. Devotion and reverence toward the Eucharist in the case of communion in the hand. For it is a deed fraught with destruction to take the tongue which serve such awesome mysteries, which has become purpled with a blood so precious, which has become a sword of gold and to change its course to abuse, insolence and ribald jests. All our lives we who believe in Christ are moving in time toward that moment when we will be taken by death from this world and enter into the joy of the Lord in the eternal Kingdom he has prepared for us. Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread (1 Cor 10:16-17). As with all historical practices, one must examine the context and circumstances which are usually not repeatable. Henry Percival and ed. Chad, 18 September 1969 These need to be taken seriously if one wants to effectively engage in these discussions with the likes of Cardinal Sarah and others. In fact, however, this hymn is prayer, the corporate thanksgiving prayer of the members of Christ's Body, united with one another. I used the wordnecessarilyas an equivalent to in and of itself. There is no inherent reason why Communion in the hand is less reverent. 1996, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. I would like to remind people to indicate clearly how they wish to receive. Basil the Great, Doctor of the Church (330-379): "The right to receive Holy Communion in the hand is permitted only in times of persecution.". There are particles, and there are particles. All rights reserved. It is adoration of Christ, meal of fellowship, union with other communicants (hence the Church wants us to sing during reception), sharing in Christs self-sacrifice, mystical union with angels & saints, sharing even now in the heavenly banquet, having the life of the Risen Christ in oneself, a call to charity and works of justice and making real on earth the peace foreshadowed in Communion, etc. Paul VI had a measure of it in 1974, and we hav emostly missed the wisdom of Evangelii Nuntiandi. If Communion is received in the hand, the hands should first of all be clean. The recent survey asking Catholics about Holy Communion indicates that 70% DO NOT BELIEVE that Holy Communion is the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus. Think of what you receive in your hand and keep it clean of all greed and theft. The Church understands the Communion Procession, in fact every procession in liturgy, as a sign of the pilgrim Church, the body of those who believe in Christ, on their way to the Heavenly Jerusalem. This blog is not associated with Pray Tell: An open forum on faith in South Texas. His blood now flows through our veins. 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. This norm is supported by an Instruction by the Holy See regarding the Eucharist: "In distributing Holy Communion it is to be remembered that 'sacred ministers may not deny the sacraments to those who seek them in a reasonable manner, are rightly disposed, and are not prohibited by law from receiving them'(Code of Canon Law, can. When permitted, the choice as to the form of reception falls upon the communicant and not upon the priest. 160-161; English translation here) What if our reception made us all more loving of one another, whatever our views on how to receive? 51 (Feb), pg 62). It is still the practice of millions of committed Latin-rite Catholics all over the world and of many Eastern Churches who administer the Eucharist under both species on the tongue. There are many devout Catholics who find this practice helpful. 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. If Communion is given only under the species of bread, the Priest raises the host slightly and shows it to each, saying, The Body of Christ. awr. [20] Cyril of Jerusalem, myst. But there is more to the story. We have no nets to cast deeply. Bolivia, October 15 1969 The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 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. | Irondale, AL 35210 |. 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. Hence, my theory is that the wide granting of the indult exceeded its initially intended scope as continued prompting from advisors and larger-than-anticipated requests from conferences overcame the popes reluctance. Communion should not be received on the run, as you're walking back to your place; it should be consumed before you leave the area below the altar. To continue the sacrifice of the Cross in His Church. For this alone is the eating referred to by our Lord ( John 6:58 ). 3. Copyright PrayTellBlog.com Sure, Ill go along with that. 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. However, it was a brief exchange with ones immediate neighbors and at a time when men and women occupied separate aisles in the church. Featured Image: Rossano Gospels, Last Supper, 6th c.; Source: Wikimedia Commons, PD-Old-100. I have celebrated Mass in places where there is no Communion in the hand and yet have observed some people approach the Eucharist in a slovenly and distracted manner with nary a trace of reverence in sight. The usage of communion in the hand must be accompanied by relevant instruction or catechesis on Catholic teaching regarding Christs real and permanent presence under the eucharistic elements and the proper reverence toward this sacrament. A Journal of the McGrath Institute for Church Life, by Elizabeth Klein As further documentation,Pray Tell provides this excerpt from the 2002General Instruction of the Roman Missal in Latin and English on the reception of Communion. These considerations can perhaps help balance our perspective (whether in favor or against the practice of communion in the hand), and alert us to the fact that reverence is a complex phenomenon that, of course, does involve postures of the body, but most importantly, the attitude of the heart. Malaysia and Singapore, 3 October 1977, * * * * *. The problem is a lack of intentionality across the board, starting with the laity. Councils establish principles (and rarely go into specific points) and then leave it to a commission to carry out the detailed work after the Council. It must be presumed that a priest has sufficient formation in moral principles so as to exclude an erroneous conscience in such matters. Excelling, therefore, every sensible creature, he who by the saving Passion has attained to the celestial dignity, eating and drinking Christ, is fitted in all respects for eternal life, sanctifying his soul and body by the participation of divine grace. It preserves us from mortal sin by exciting us to greater fervor and strengthening us against temptation. We owe the Lord as much attention to detail. Personally, I think that when a priest with the care of souls holds the view that Communion on the tongue is preferable to the alternative practice, then the best thing he can do is inform the faithful of the bishops permission. I am from India. And of course Pope Paul VI was adamant that all the reforms carried out under him were faithful to the Second Vatican Council. The infamous coffee cup masses Dorothy Day describes in her book may have had good intentions behind them, but the way they appeared to trivialize the Holy Sacrifice of the mass lent no dignity to the then new Pauline mass.