GUIDELINES FOR RECEIVING COMMUNION
IN THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH


Communion Image
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For Non-Catholics:

All are welcome to the celebration of the Eucharist. As Baptism is the "door" to all the other sacraments, an invitation to receive Communion cannot be extened to those who are not baptized. However, they are invited to be united in prayer with the celebration of the Eucharist.

Christians from other denominations who are not fully united with us are also welcome to the celebration of the Eucharist. Unfortunately, as a consequence of the sad divisions in Christianity, a general invitation to receive Communion cannot be extended as it implies a oneness which does not exist, and for which we all must pray. An alternate sign of our Christian unity is to join the Communion line to receive a blessing. Or, if you wish, you may remain in your pew and join with us in silent prayer.

To Receive a Blesssing:

You indicate that you wish to receive a blessing by approaching the priest or extra-ordinary minister, in the Communion line, with both arms across your chest (in the form of an X).

For Returning Catholics:

If you have been away from the practice of your faith for some time, you are urged to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession). If you are aware that you may be in mortal sin, it is necessary to go to individual confession "before" receiving Communion. Be assured that God's mercy is available to all who ask for it, in the meantime please go forward for a blessing.

For Those Receiving Communion:

Normally, only the host is offered at Communion and possibly the Chalice on special occasions. When the Chalice is offered, you are invited to take and drink, but not to "dip" the Host. Only the minister can dip the Host for intinction and then it must be received on the tongue.

You may receive the Host either on the tongue or on the hand. It is appropriate to make a gesture of reverence when approaching the minister. When you are two or three people away from the minister, you may wish to bow or make the sign of the cross. Cosume the host while standing before the minister. DO NOT WALK AWAY WITH THE HOST IN YOUR HAND.

Celiac Sufferers:

If you suffer from Celiac disease and are unable to receive the regular wheat host, you should check at the Sacristy of your church to see if they offer a low gluten host or maybe the Chalice for you at Communion.

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