“Elbows off the table” was a phrase often heard in my family’s home. My parents were very keen on instilling good manners in my siblings and I. We were taught that table manners matter because they help to prevent drawing any unwanted attention to ourselves that might be embarrassing or considered rude to the host when we were at someone’s home for dinner. To this day, occasionally my elbows make their way onto the table, and I find myself saying, “elbows off the table!” 

This Sunday, as the Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, it might be good to remind ourselves of the appropriate ways for receiving Holy Communion. At Mass we partake in the Eucharistic feast, of which Christ is the host, the meal itself (the sacrificial lamb), and the table (altar) on which the sacrificial lamb is offered. In turn, as guests at the feast, we would never want to inadvertently draw any attention away from the saving mystery that takes place every Sunday.

The majority of the procedures for the reception of Holy Communion are spelled out in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM). Some additional procedures are further determined by each country’s conference of Catholic bishops. And finally, each parish has mostly logistical procedures, such as where communion stations will be located. As the last one is pretty self evident, I’d like to focus on the procedures that come from the first two.

When we approach the communion minister, the GIRM asks that communicants show a sign of reverence to the Holy Eucharist before receiving Holy Communion. The GIRM leaves it to the judgement of the local conferences of bishops to determine, according to cultural norms, what that reverence should look like. For our country, The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has determined that the sign of reverence will be a simple bow of the head before reception of communion.

Why does the USCCB or any bishops’ conference settle on just one way for showing reverence, and not leave it up to the individual? The reason is that our worship should always reflect our sacramental theology. The Eucharist is what binds all the faithful as the Body of Christ. Holy Communion is our communion. That is to say, we are in communion with each other through the Body of Christ that we receive, and in the way we receive Him. That is why one form of reverence is chosen for everyone, so as to express through our rituals what we believe. You may in fact see some communicants show a different kind of reverence. But, rest assured, the slight bow of the head is what is required, and suffices in showing proper reverence.

As for how to receive Holy Communion the GIRM offers two options, reception on the tongue and reception in the hand, and once again leaves it to each conference of bishops to decide which one they will use in their respective countries. The USCCB has determined that communicants are allowed to choose either option. After the communicant shows the proper reverence the communion minister will proclaim, “The Body of Christ,” to which the communicant responds “Amen.” Then the communicant is to clearly show which of the two ways they prefer to receive the sacred host.

If receiving on the tongue, the communicant should keep their hands folded, and not in an open position, which can be confusing to the minister of communion. With hands folded, after saying “Amen,” the communicant opens their mouth, and slightly sticks out their tongue. Once the host is placed on the tongue they can close their mouth and consume the host. It’s important to note that communicants should not lunge forward or crouch down when receiving the host. God gave ministers of communion arms which can stretch as necessary!

If receiving in the hand, the communicant should cup one hand over the other, with the dominant hand being on the bottom. This way, when the host is placed on the non-dominant hand, the host can be picked up with the communicant’s dominant hand and be immediately placed in their mouth. Communicants who walk with a cane, walker, etc., as well as parents carrying a child may only have one hand free to receive the host. This is understandable, and holding out one cupped hand will suffice. In either case, a communicant should never reach and grab the host from the minister of communion’s hand. Once again, our rituals are meant to reflect our sacramental theology. And in this case, the Eucharist is something we receive through God’s infinite grace, and not something we take through our own merits.

An addendum might be in order at this point. At any given Mass there may be some people who for any number of reasons may choose not to receive communion, i.e. they’re not Catholic, they don’t feel they can receive worthily, they were not able to keep the Eucharistic fast, or they received communion at an earlier Mass on the same day. Some of these individuals may choose to remain in their pew as everyone else joins the communion line. Others though may join the communion line, even though they do not intend to receive communion. This is a more recent development, mostly in the United States, that the GIRM does not address. The practice that has developed is that if a person chooses not to receive communion, but comes up in the communion line, they should cross their arms over their chest. This indicates their preference to the communion minister, who may instead give them a blessing. 

The Eucharistic meal in many ways is very much like any other family meal. It can be a challenge keeping everything in order with so many people at the table. These procedures for communion are not meant to promote or maintain a regimented order. They are meant though to keep some semblance of order, which at its very best can communicate harmony, love, and respect amongst the members. It’s not too much to keep in mind and follow. Thankfully, we won’t ever have to worry about our elbows!

Ackermann Playlot Playdates 

Come check in with your friends this summer.  There will be an informal meet up for families on the playlot on June 8, July 13 and August 13 at 10am. Bring a cup of coffee and a juice box to catch up with friends.

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