Communion in hand or mouth

[jswranch]

Should I receive by hand or mouth? Does it really matter? Do I have a choice? Please document answers

[Noel's angel]

The new edition of the General Instruction asks the Conference of Bishops in each country to determine the posture to be used for the reception of Communion and the act of reverence to be made by each person as he or she receives Communion. The Conference of Bishops of the United States has determined that in this country Communion will be received standing and that a bow will be the act of reverence made by those receiving. These norms may require some adjustment on the part of those who have been used to other practices, however the significance of unity in posture and gesture as a symbol of our unity as members of the one body of Christ should be the governing factor in our own actions.

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. If Communion is received in the hand, the hands should first of all be clean. If one is right handed the left hand should rest upon the right. The host will then be laid in the palm of the left hand and then taken by the right hand to the mouth. If one is left-handed this is reversed. It is not appropriate to reach out with the fingers and take the host from the person distributing.

[url="http://www.usccb.org/liturgy/girm/bul5.shtml"]http://www.usccb.org/liturgy/girm/bul5.shtml[/url]

[jswranch]

[quote name='Noel's angel' date='Apr 13 2006, 07:19 AM']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. [url="http://www.usccb.org/liturgy/girm/bul5.shtml"]http://www.usccb.org/liturgy/girm/bul5.shtml[/url]
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Thanks for the easy answer.

So, which one should I choose? I am caught between the two options.

[Theoketos]

In the last 6 months at four different Churches I have seen 6 Blessed Hosts fall or bobble from people recieving on the tongue. I recieve in my hand so, because I do not want to repeat the same mistake.

[Dust's Sister]

[quote name='Theoketos' date='Apr 13 2006, 11:04 AM']In the last 6 months at four different Churches I have seen 6 Blessed Hosts fall or bobble from people recieving on the tongue. I recieve in my hand so, because I do not want to repeat the same mistake.
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me too, I'm afraid I'll drop it with the tongue or something... in fact I almost have when I was going through the fact that this is really the body and blood of jesus (this is a church where u have to receive by the tongue)..

[JudgedByGod]

I've never personally had any problems receiving on the tongue, other than a few confused looks by priests and extraordinary ministers. I used to receive in the hands, but I realized that I am not worthy enough to touch Jesus. My hands are dirty both physically and with sin. It also seems to add a certain reverence for me. The Church says you can do either, so it's entirely up to you. Personally, I will never go back to receiving in the hand.

[franciscanheart]

Perhaps it has something do to with an uncomfortable EMHC? If they place it firmly (but gently) in their mouth there should not be a problem.

I receive on the tongue.

[Dust's Sister]

[quote name='hugheyforlife' date='Apr 13 2006, 11:24 AM']Perhaps it has something do to with an uncomfortable EMHC? If they place it firmly (but gently) in their mouth there should not be a problem.

I receive on the tongue.
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maybe I should give it another try

[Noel's angel]

I feel closer to Jesus when receiving in my hand. Because I actually see His Body in my hand, it makes me feel closer than if the priest just sticks it in my mouth. It's all about what is comfprtable for you and which way you feel you can be most reverent.

[Dust's Sister]

[quote name='Noel's angel' date='Apr 13 2006, 12:27 PM']I feel closer to Jesus when receiving in my hand.  Because I actually see His Body in my hand, it makes me feel closer than if the priest just sticks it in my mouth.  It's all about what is comfprtable for you and which way you feel you can be most reverent.
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you make a good point too.

[franciscanheart]

I feel close to Jesus when they raise Him in front of me and say, "the Body of Christ". I don't think I should have to hold Him in my hands to know or to feel closer. I don't stick my finger in the cup and swish it around before drinking His blood, why should I hold His body before I consume it?

[magnificat]

[quote name='Dust's Sister' date='Apr 13 2006, 10:15 AM']me too, I'm afraid I'll drop it with the tongue or something... in fact I almost have when I was going through the fact that this is really the body and blood of jesus (this is a church where u have to receive by the tongue)..
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That's why they should use a paten....

I recently started receiving on the tongue. I was afraid at first about dropping the Eucharist, as I'm kinda clumsy sometimes. Since I got to Mass at several different churches (for various reasons), I decided to try one morning at a church where some people receive on the tongue fairly frequently and they have an altar server holding the paten. It gets easier after a couple times. And really, the priest (or extraordinary minister) should know how to give communion either way.

Edited April 13, 2006 by magnificat

[franciscanheart]

I know for a fact that our EMsHC are taught the "best" way to distribute communion to those wishing to recieve on the tongue. You don't get licked, bitten, or drop the host. Can't get much better than that.

[Noel's angel]

[quote name='hugheyforlife' date='Apr 13 2006, 06:23 PM']I feel close to Jesus when they raise Him in front of me and say, "the Body of Christ". I don't think I should have to hold Him in my hands to know or to feel closer. I don't stick my finger in the cup and swish it around before drinking His blood, why should I hold His body before I consume it?
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each to their own

[franciscanheart]

Na: I should clarify that I'm not bashing your reasons for receiving first in the palm. That is my take on receiving in the hand and only for me. I don't mean to offend. I do apologize.