The Church desires the faithful to receive Communion frequently, but the faithful are not required to receive more than once each year during the Easter Season. Even if you are not receiving Holy Communion sacramentally, it is still a grave sin to miss Sunday Mass without a serious reason (e.g. illness, caregiving, severe weather).
Before receiving Communion, bow your head in reverence to the Blessed Sacrament. The ordinary manner of reception is on the tongue while standing, although Communion must not be denied solely because a communicant chooses to kneel. In the United States, Communion may also be received in the hand; however, this practice is not universal and should be avoided whenever there is risk of profanation.
Receiving in the Hand
- Raise your hands to chest level, placing one hand flat beneath the other hand.
- Allow the priest, deacon, or Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC) to place the Host on your palm; do not take the Host from the minister’s hands.
- Consume the entire Host immediately and in the minister’s presence. Do not walk away, return to your pew, or pass the Host to another person before consuming it.
- Do not break or crush the Host before placing it in your mouth.
- If your hands are occupied—for example, while holding a child or an object—receive on the tongue instead.
At the Moment of Reception
- When the minister says “The Body of Christ” or “The Blood of Christ,” respond “Amen.” Do not add “thank you” or another greeting.
- Consume the Host immediately and carefully. Check your hands and consume any particles or crumbs. If receiving from the chalice, bow your head before receiving the Precious Blood.
- You are not required to receive under both forms. Receiving either the Host or the Precious Blood is reception of the whole Christ.
- Do not chew gum during Mass, especially when preparing to receive Holy Communion. It does break the one-hour fast.