Communion in the Hand

Pope JPII Gives Communion in the Hand

There has been a great deal of debate about the option for communion in the hand. A vocal segment of the traditionalist community would argue that it shows a shocking disrespect for the sacrament. Others, like the excommunicated sedevacantists, would claim that it is external proof of heresy. It is not. While permitted elsewhere, the practice was not permitted in Rome out of fear that ignorant Catholics and others might keep the papal host as a souvenir of their visit. It is true that the practice demands particular scrutiny and caution lest the host not be consumed by confused believers or by non-Catholics who mistakenly come forward.

Some critics claim that communion in the hand is a novelty that violates our Christian tradition. However, historical investigation reveals that it was the accepted practice for nearly 900 years. Over a long stretch of time, communion on the tongue replaced it, becoming the norm around 1000 AD. Nevertheless, no matter what the mode of reception, Jesus remained truly present in the Eucharist. His body, soul, humanity, and divinity-- under the accidental forms of bread and wine-- were unaffected by how one received holy communion.

Reception in the hand has been officially allowed for some time at this writing. Nevertheless, there continues to be confusion about the practice. Conducted correctly, with the permission of the local bishop, it can be a sign of humble faith. Communicants have the option of receiving on the tongue or in the hand. Once there is episcopal permission, no priest, deacon, or extraordinary minister can oblige one way over another.

The permission itself does not signify that there is a Church preference for communion in the hand. It is merely an option and communion on the tongue is still regarded as normative. No matter how one receives, there should be no rebuking one another. The sacrament is to be a sign of our Christian unity, not of separation and contention.

Obviously, communion in the hand brings with it a whole assortment of concerns that must be addressed. Any peril of profanation or hint of irreverence must be rebuked and removed. The communicant receives the host in his open hand, left over the right, steps to one side, picks up the host with his right hand, and immediately consumes the sacrament. He literally makes a throne for Christ the King. The communicant must not carry the host down the isle (receiving it while in motion) or take it to the pew. The minister distributing the sacrament can rightly pursue the communicant and either compel reception or confiscate the host (if they obviously do not know what it is about). Children must be instructed very carefully. It may be preferable that they receive on the tongue to prevent embarrassing situations.

When there is INTINCTION, the dipping of the consecrated host into the chalice of the precious blood, communion in the hand is not permitted. The host, soaked from the precious blood, is placed directly upon the tongue. What the priest may do, the communicant may not. It is an abuse for the communicant to take the host and then to dunk it in the chalice held by the minister.

When the precious blood is given from the chalice, the communicant first receives the host and then moves to the next station where the chalice is offered. The communicant is handed the chalice, takes a sip, and gives it back to the minister. The minister wipes with a purificator the area where the recipient drank and turns the cup for the next communicant. Under no circumstances whatsoever may the chalice be left on the altar for the communicants to serve themselves.

Great care must be taken with communion in the hand that no broken fragments of the host are lost.

There is a particular ritual adopted by the Church for communion in the hand and it must be insisted upon at all times. The communicant does not cup his hands, side by side, a situation which might allow the host to slip between his hands. He does not slurp the host out of his hands. He makes no sacramental gestures, no matter how well-meaning, with the host. The communicant may not sign himself with the host. Further, if the communicant is holding something, like a purse or hymnal, then communion is received on the tongue. The situation is the same for those carrying babies. It is very disrepectful for the communicant to stretch out one hand and/or to pinch the host from the minister's fingers. This violates the posture of receptivity that should be maintained by the communicant. Self-communication only comes after we have been served the host.

We must allow the priest, deacon, or extraordinary minister to place the host on our tongue or in our hand. When the latter option is chosen, the communicant should extend his arms somewhat and raise his hands to chest level. As for the former, the communicant should move close enough so that the minister need not reach out awkwardly. He should extend his tongue and keep the head still.

Many Catholics feel unworthy to touch the host with their hands. This is well and good. We do not deserve to receive the host upon the tongue either. However, we come to the Lord in fear and trembling, trusting in the one who forgave his murderers from the cross. Knowing our unworthiness to receive the Son of God, we say prior to communion: "O Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed." Jesus in his boundless love gives himself to us, despite our venial sins and weakness. We need to remember that the God who made the tongue also made the hand. Both can be used to God's purposes, or distorted in sin. Christ shed his blood that we might be healed and made holy in body and soul.