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Communion in the hand
The optional practice of receiving Communion in the hand was voted on favorably by the Bishops in the United States and approved by the Congregation for Divine Worship in 1977. In all cases the practice is an option, the communicant’s personal choice. Should Communion be given by intinction, it may not be given in the hand, nor may the communicant dip the Host into the chalice.
The faithful have the option of kneeling or standing and of receiving Holy Communion on the tongue or in the hand.
© Evangelization Station, 2010
Communion in the hand
The optional practice of receiving Communion in the hand was voted on favorably by the Bishops in the United States and approved by the Congregation for Divine Worship in 1977. In all cases the practice is an option, the communicant’s personal choice. Should Communion be given by intinction, it may not be given in the hand, nor may the communicant dip the Host into the chalice.
The faithful have the option of kneeling or standing and of receiving Holy Communion on the tongue or in the hand. If you receive Communion-in-the-Hand please do it in the proper manner. The National Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on the Liturgy produced a pamphlet in 1977 entitled The Body of Christ, which describes the proper method of receiving communion in the hand.
“You are always free to receive communion on the tongue, but if you should decide to receive in the hand, you should approach the minister of the Eucharist with one hand resting on the other, palm up (ordinarily the left hand uppermost) extended toward the minister. You ought to have your hands uncovered, with no objects in them. Your hands should be extended sufficiently outward and upward so it will be evident that you wish to receive the consecrated bread in your hand. The minister will then place the sacred host in your extended hand after the usual words: “The Body of Christ,” and your customary response, “Amen.” Once the minister has placed the consecrated bread in your hand, step to one side and immediately place the host in your mouth. Only then should you move to receive from the cup (if the consecrated wine is offered) or return to one’s place.”
© Evangelization Station, 2010