Week 37: Communion Rite: how to receive the Eucharist

By Archbishop Michael Jackels

Witness Publisher

The Vatican left it up to the Conference of Bishops in each country to decide the posture and manner in which the people there would receive Holy Communion.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops decided that we should stand to receive the Eucharist, and make a bow as an act of reverence before receiving. Each person can choose whether to receive Holy Communion on the tongue or in the hand.

The cup is also often offered to people. If it is not offered, or if you choose not to partake, not to worry: when we receive just the Host, or just from the cup, we receive the whole and entire Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus.