How do you receive Holy Communion?

[CatholicAtHeart]

I usually use my tongue and kneel, but sometimes I feel nervous to kneel in some churches without kneelers, because I don't want to cause a fuss for a priest (what if he has a bad back?!) I know I'm entitled to kneel but I really don't want to cause a fuss. Christ knows my heart and knows my desire to kneel, so I don't see that a big deal if there are no kneelers

 

[Anhelyna]

Standing - no option But having said that we do have some Latin Traditionalists who come and they always Receive kneeling

 

[JimR-OCDS]

I usually use my tongue and kneel, but sometimes I feel nervous to kneel in some churches without kneelers, because I don't want to cause a fuss for a priest (what if he has a bad back?!) I know I'm entitled to kneel but I really don't want to cause a fuss. Christ knows my heart and knows my desire to kneel, so I don't see that a big deal if there are no kneelers

My understanding is that, if you kneel, the priest can not refuse you, but should instruct you afterwards if possible, on why that receiving as the rest of the congregation does, is the proper.

To me, if you kneel without a kneeler or at an altar rail, you much lower than the priest and he has to bend over to give you communion.

Also, you run the risk of tripping some one else as your legs are stick out behind you, which they don't expect to happen.

Either way, it's how the majority of the congregation receives that should be observed, in order not to make yourself stand out. It's actually and act of humility.

Jim

 

[KatherineS]

Jim is correct. In the USA, the rubric is to stand.

To use the terms of civil law, it is as kneeling is illegal, however there is no penalty for violations of law. But it is still the law, you are not entitled to do it.

 

[Anhelyna]

I would gently remind you that CaH lives and worships in the UK .

When ever I have been to Mass here [ not often I'll admit ] I have seen people who stand and people who kneel and there have never been any obvious problems.

 

[Anhelyna]

double post bug hits again

 

[AMDG]

Standing--no option. But I sure wish there was. IMO the kneeling at a rail is so much more reverential (and graceful). I can't stand too easily anymore.

 

[Chrystal-J]

My priest made it known he prefers me to receive (standing) on tongue. But, people receive all the ways listed above at my church and it's not a problem.

 

[CatholicAtHeart]

Well, I had the intention to go to Mass tonight but there was no priest! So we have a Lay-led Eucharistic service?!?!? It was extremely alien to me, I've never experienced it, and receiving communion from a woman reminded me of being back in the Anglican Church... I wish I didn't receive at this service, but the body of Christ, is the body of Christ

 

[Andres88]

During my first three months as Catholic, I received it in my hands. From that moment on, I do it in the tongue. I make a reverence with my head.

Sometimes I go to Heralds of the Gospel, and they have kneelers to receive Communion. Their Mass is more "traditional" though still N.O., and they are rigorous with the liturgy. I like going to their Mass.

 

[Andres88]

Well, I had the intention to go to Mass tonight but there was no priest! So we have a Lay-led Eucharistic service?!?!? It was extremely alien to me, I've never experienced it, and receiving communion from a woman reminded me of being back in the Anglican Church... I wish I didn't receive at this service, but the body of Christ, is the body of Christ

Lay-led Eucharistic service... hmm...... wasn't it more a Celebration of the Word with Communion?

 

[Angeldove97]

Standing and in the hand ~ even though I'm young, it would still be hard for me to get down on my knees and back up quickly enough. Also, I don't like people putting their hands by my face for any reason (I tolerate my husband touching my cheek with his hands) so I prefer to receive in my hand.

I know some will make the argument the best way- the most respectful way- would be kneeling and in the mouth. Lord forgive me if I may be doing it wrong.

 

[Brooklyn Knight]

I think I should start doing standing and receiving it on the hand because I have a tongue like a cow. Always some nun asks me if I'm a Kiss fan.

 

[MikeK]

I go with the flow. The Real Presence matters to me more than my preferred personal physical gymnastics. If at a NO Mass, standing and hand. If at a TLM Mass, kneeling and tongue.

 

[sonshine234]

I recieve in my hand sitting down.

 

[Michie]

I think I should start doing standing and receiving it on the hand because I have a tongue like a cow. Always some nun asks me if I'm a Kiss fan.

 

[Andres88]

I recieve in my hand sitting down.

I thought Anglicans railed-up the aisles to receive standing.

 

[WarriorAngel]

Here is the proper way to receive - in the Tridentine Mass - you 'must' kneel to receive.

In the Norvus Ordo you 'must' stand to receive.

I receive by tongue... i like the ancient custom of not touching the Eucharist. Straight into my being. Because i attend NO - i must stand.

 

[WarriorAngel]

I think I should start doing standing and receiving it on the hand because I have a tongue like a cow. Always some nun asks me if I'm a Kiss fan.

Someone giving Communion missed my mouth this week. But we got it in there eventully.

 

[Anhelyna]

Here is the proper way to receive - in the Tridentine Mass - you 'must' kneel to receive.

In the Norvus Ordo you 'must' stand to receive.

I receive by tongue... i like the ancient custom of not touching the Eucharist. Straight into my being. Because i attend NO - i must stand.

Correction - the US Bishops have said that they wish you to stand to Receive

It is NOT the NO Mass - it is the normative Mass - it is the Ordinary Form as distinct from the Extraordinary Form [ i.e. Tridentine ]


Please also remember that the OP is NOT in the USA - I have no idea what the Bishops Conference for England and Wales have asked for as the way to Receive.