The Mass, step by step 19 of 21

Part 3: We offer and receive

19Holy Communion

  1. Take
  2. Bless
  3. Break
  4. Give
What you’ll see: the priest holding up the Host: “Behold the Lamb of God… Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.”

We walk up to receive Jesus himself. To “The Body of Christ” we answer “Amen”: yes, I believe it. If you’re preparing for your First Communion, this is what you’re getting ready for: being united with Jesus, and with everyone who receives him, as one body.

Do Walk up in the line; bow your head just before receiving; receive on the tongue, or in your hands and then straight into your mouth before you step away.

Say “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.” Then: “The Body of Christ.” — “Amen.”

Did you know?

When did Christians start taking Communion to people who couldn’t come to Mass?

For parentsThe theology behind this moment, and where every fact comes from

Go deeper

Worth knowing

  • Catholics receive once they’ve made their First Communion, aren’t aware of serious sin (CCC 1385; Can. 916), and have fasted an hour (Can. 919). Teaching
  • Children who haven’t made their First Communion often come up with arms crossed for a blessing; some parishes ask them to stay in the pew. It varies, so check your parish. Tradition
  • “Why can’t my friend receive?” Receiving is also a sign of being one in faith with the Church (CCC 1395, 1398–1401). See Who receives Communion, and why. Teaching

Where this comes from

  • Teaching Communion unites us with Jesus and with each other as one body, the Church (CCC 1331, 1391, 1396).
  • Teaching St Augustine: to “the Body of Christ” you answer “Amen”, meaning “yes, it is true!” (CCC 1396).
  • Teaching Receiving the Host alone gives the whole Christ and all the grace of Communion (CCC 1390).
  • Teaching In Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei the norm is to receive standing, with a bow of the head first; kneeling is also allowed, and each person chooses the tongue or the hand (Archdiocese of Singapore). The Host is consumed at once (GIRM 161).
  • Teaching Communion wipes away everyday (venial) sins and strengthens us against serious ones (CCC 1394–1395).
  • The centurion: “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof” (Matthew 8:8); “Blessed are those who have been called to the wedding feast of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:9); “I am the living bread” (John 6:51).

What the labels mean: Teaching, Tradition and Tip.

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