Last week I presented certain guidelines for the reception of Holy Communion in the Catholic Church. As Catholics we welcome non-Catholics to worship with us, but we do not practice “open Communion” because we cannot deny the unfortunate but real differences that exist between our Church and other denominations, even those who are Christian. These differences involve important points of doctrine about the divinity of Jesus Christ and the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, doctrines that we Catholics hold very firmly.
Today, I would like to recall some rules of etiquette that govern our worthy reception of Holy Communion. The best way to prepare to receive our Lord in Communion is by making a good Confession. As I mentioned last week, any Catholic conscious of grave sin is not to receive Communion without prior sacramental confession except for a grave reason where there is no opportunity for confession. In this case, the person must make an act of perfect contrition with the intention of confessing as soon as possible. Now, Sunday Mass is a grave obligation for Catholics. Therefore, if a person has missed Sunday Mass through his/her own fault, he/she is to go to confession before receiving Communion.
The Euchari
stic fast is often misunderstood or forgotten by many. I often see persons chewing gum in church and then coming up to receive Communion. Remember, the gum has sugar and other things in it and therefore is a form of food The Church asks us to fast from food and drink for one hour before Communion. Water and medicine may be taken at any time. Persons who chew gum during Mass show a lack of respect for God’s house and the sacred mysteries celebrated here. In addition, they are breaking the Eucharistic fast. Please do not chew gum in church.
In the past we have explained the proper way to 
receive Communion. There are two ways to receive, on the tongue and in the hand. The preferred and simpler way is to receive on the tongue. This manner of reception has been the practice in our Church for many centuries until about 25 years ago.
Communion in the hand is a recent development. Permission was given to bishops conferences in certain countries, including the United States. At that time the correct way to receive Communion in the hand was explained. Here is how St. Cyril of Jerusalem explained it: In receiving the King, make your right hand a throne for your left.
See Figure Below. This illustrates the correct way to receive Communion in the hand. Again, it is a matter of reverence and respect due t
o Our Lord in this most Holy Sacrament.
A happy Easter season to you.
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