How to Take Communion in the Catholic Church

In the Catholic faith, Communion is the central part of the Mass. To receive the Eucharist, you must, among other requirements, be a Baptized Catholic, and be in a state of grace. At Communion, you may receive the Body and the Blood of Christ. The priest will either place the host on your tongue or in your hands, then another priest (or Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist) will offer the chalice containing the Blood of Christ, from which you may take a small sip.

Part 1

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Qualifying for Communion

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1
Become Catholic if you are not already. You must be of the Catholic faith to take Communion. Baptized children will be prepared to receive Sacraments in their regular classes, but if you are an adult you will most likely participate in a process called RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults), learning what the Catholic Church teaches, and preparing you for Reconciliation, first Communion, and Confirmation. If you were Baptized in another Christian denomination you will make what is called a "Profession of Faith," to convert to Catholicism.^{[1]XResearch source}
- This RCIA Process is the way in which you are prepared to be formally received by the Church; this is necessary before you can take Communion.^{[2]XResearch source}
The Eucharist may not be received while a person has mortal sin in their soul. If you have committed a mortal sin (a major sin which has seriously damaged your relationship with God and fulfills the three requirements of full knowledge of the sins’ grave nature, complete and unhindered consent to commit the sin, and grave matter.), you must go to Reconciliation and repent before receiving Communion. To receive communion knowingly in a state of mortal sin constitutes the sin of sacrilege.^{[3]XResearch source}
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You must believe in transubstantiation, which means that the bread and wine are actually transformed into the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ. The offerings only appear as bread and wine, but are believed to actually be parts of Christ himself.^{[4]XResearch source}
This means you cannot eat or drink anything for at least one hour before taking Communion. Water and medicine are excluded from the fast. Those who are elderly or ill can be excused from fasting, with the priest's permission.^{[5]XResearch source}
Those who are under ecclesiastic censure, meaning they have been excommunicated from the church or continually commit grave sins, cannot receive Communion.^{[6]XResearch source}

Part 2

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Receiving Communion

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Go to Mass. You will take Communion during Mass. Prepare yourself mentally during the Consecration of the Eucharist (when the host is changed into the body and blood of Christ) to participate in Communion. You can do this by giving your thanks, appreciation, and reverence to Jesus Christ through prayer.
The priests and altar servers will prepare to give Communion by taking their customary places. Wait for the usher to guide your row to walk up. When leaving the pew there is no need to genuflect (to kneel and cross oneself). Wait in line and do not skip people.^{[7]XResearch source}
3
Receive the host. Depending on the church and your personal preference, you can either have the host fed to you or handed to you. In the Traditional Rite, the host is fed to you. Open your mouth and extend your tongue so that the host does not fall. The host will be placed on your tongue. Close your mouth and allow the host to dissolve on your tongue while thinking of the sacrifice made.^{[8]XResearch source}
- If you wish to have the host handed to you, hold out your hands, left on top of right. Do not take the host from the priest, but rather allow them to place it in your hand.
- When you approach the priest or Extraordinary Minister, he/she will proclaim "the Body of Christ,". You proclaim your faith, both in word and in a gesture: as you say "Amen." (meaning I believe it!) you also bow as a way of showing your respect and faith.
4
Receive the Precious Blood. After receiving the host, you may choose to receive the Blood of Christ. Take a small drink from the chalice that is offered to you. The person offering the cup will say “the Blood of Christ,” and you should respond (as above) with a bow and a proclamation of your faith: "Amen."^{[9]XResearch source}
- The lip of the chalice is wiped off after each member receives the blood as a way to limit germs, but if you know you are contagious, refrain from receiving from the Cup.
This is a time to reflect and thank Jesus for coming to you in the Holy Eucharist. Return to your pew and pray, until the priest is finished offering the Blessed Sacrament. Follow the lead of more established church members if you are unsure what to do.^{[10]XResearch source}

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Do I take the Host in the right hand first?
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Your left hand should be over the right when you choose to receive it in your hands.
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Will I drink the blood of Christ for the first time at my Confirmation?
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No, you can receive the blood of Christ as soon as you make your first Communion.
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What seat do I take after taking communion?
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Your original seat. However, you should not sit after communion; you should kneel, pray, and reflect until the priest is finished serving everyone.
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Tips

If you accidentally drop the host (the Body of Christ) while receiving it, the appropriate thing to do is to pick it up and consume it. If you are uncomfortable with that, pick it up and give it to the priest or Extraordinary Minister. The Host must not be left on the ground to be trampled.
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If you fear fumbling with your hands when receiving Communion, receive on the tongue; overall this is the easier way to receive.
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If you want the host handed to you, put your hands one under the other; it does not matter which hand is above the other, but the hand underneath will pick up the Host, and carry it to your mouth.
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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of How.com.vn readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on How.com.vn, please submit it in the field below.

When you're taking communion, do not talk to other people in the line. Whisper if you absolutely need to say something, but don't break the silence if you can.
If you are handed the host, it's important to eat it right away. Don't try to take it back to your seat to eat.

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Warnings

Certain Catholic parishes have different customs for receiving Eucharist. To some people, particularly older churchgoers, it may be considered disrespectful to chew the host. To avoid offending others at Mass, it's best to learn about the traditions of a particular church.
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