COMMUNION PROCESSION at HOLY REEMER

“It expresses the humble patience of the poor moving forward to be fed, the alert expectancy of God’s people sharing the paschal meal in readiness for their journey, the joyful confidence of God’s people on the march toward the promised land.” ["Introduction to the Order of Mass," Bishops' Committee on the Liturgy, ©2003, USCCB publications, #135.]

The following are the procedures we observe here at Holy Redeemer as we respond to Jesus’ invitation to share in the banquet He has left us in Holy Communion.

1. As soon as we have recited the “Lord I am not worthy...” all who will be sharing in Holy Communion begin to form a procession. We try to stay focused on the Lord we will be receiving by joining in the Communion song and avoiding any socializing with the people around us.

2. As the person in front of you is receiving Holy Communion, make a bow of the head and shoulders acknowledging the presence of Christ in the Sacrament and then respond to the minister’s words, “The Body/Blood of Christ”, with “Amen.”

3. The Sacred Host may be received either in the hand or on the tongue, but it must be consumed at once. It is never permitted to carry the Sacred Host to the cup to be dipped in the consecrated wine.

4. If you intend to receive the Sacred Host in your hand, extend both hands palm upwards toward the minister, placing one hand directly on top of the other. You should do this as you approach the minister so that it is obvious to the minister that you wish to receive Communion in the hand.

5. Once the Body of Christ has been placed in your hand, immediately consume the Sacred Host. You should pick up the Host from the palm of your hand with the fingers of your other hand and reverently place the Host in your mouth. Then either join the procession to receive the Precious Blood from the minister holding the chalice or return respectfully to your pew.

6. If you are going to receive the Sacred Host on your tongue, keep your hands joined over your heart as you approach the minister. After the minister holds the Host in front of you and says “The Body of Christ” and you respond “Amen”, tilt your head slightly backwards, open your mouth and extend your tongue. The minister will then place the Host on your tongue. Once you feel the Host on your tongue, take the Host into your mouth with your tongue and open your eyes. Do not attempt to reach for the Host with your tongue or mouth. Instead, remain still with your eyes closed so that the minister will have no difficulty placing the Host on your tongue.

7. If you wish to receive the Precious Blood. approach the minister with your hands joined reverently over your heart, bow your head and shoulders slightly as the person before you is receiving from the chalice. The minister will then hold the chalice in front of you and say, "The Blood of Christ," to which you respond, "Amen”. The minister will then hand you the chalice. Grasp the chalice firmly with both hands and bring it to your lips, taking care not to spill any of the Precious Blood within. Take a small sip of the Precious Blood and hand the chalice back to the minister who will wipe its rim to prepare it for the next communicant.

8. After receiving Holy Communion, return reverently to your pew and stand, kneel, or sit while joining in the Communion Song. After the Tabernacle door has been closed, sit in silence for quiet personal prayer.