Proper Posture and Sign of Veneration

for

Reception of Holy Communion

By Fr. Vincent Gluc, OFM Conv.

(With excerpts from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops - USCCB) 

The new norms for celebrating the Eucharist have been promulgated by Archbishop John Francis Donoghue, Archbishop of Atlanta.  In many ways, St. Philip Benizi Church already reflects some of the new norms; the others will be adopted in the near future.

One of the new norms, as presented by the Bishops of the United States and approved by the Vatican, maintains that the “posture for receiving Communion should be standing.”  In addition, the new norms now indicate a specific sign of veneration before receiving the host or drinking from the cup.  Presently at St. Philip’s, there are many variations, some of which are not appropriate to a procession to communion and in fact, can be dangerous.  It has now been determined by the American Bishops and approved by the Vatican that the only acceptable sign of veneration when receiving communion is the bow of the head.  These norms do not allow for any other sign of reverence. 

Therefore, bowing at the waist, genuflecting, and kneeling to receiving communion is not permitted.  The new norms stress the importance of uniformity in this matter; such uniformity serves as a “sign of unity.”  A lack of uniformity, “can serve as a sign of disunity or even a sense of individualism.”  Therefore, when showing a sign of reverence before receiving communion, all the faithful are now directed to simply bow their head as they say “Amen.” 

While we are on the topic of receiving communion, if one chooses to receive communion in the hand, it is not appropriate to take the host from the minister with your fingers.  The act of receiving the host in the palm of your hand from the minister is an important liturgical sign.  It demonstrates our openness to the Lord and our humble act of receiving the gift of God’s Son. 

All are reminded to declare their faith in the Body and Blood of the Lord by saying “Amen” after the minister proclaims “The Body of Christ” or “The Blood of Christ.”  The bow of the head seems most appropriate at this time.  Our "Amen" and our sign of reverence declare our belief in the gift of Jesus in his body and blood at the Eucharist.  Also, please be aware that the new norms direct Ministers of the Eucharist to not use a person’s name when distributing communion.

In addition, if you are receiving communion in the hand, please raise your open hands to receive communion so that it is obvious to the minister of communion that that is your intention.  If you are coming for a blessing, please simply cross your arms over your chest.  This will eliminate the unnecessary guesswork.  If neither gesture is offered, we can only presume that you will be receiving the host on your tongue.

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The Communion Procession

By Fr. Vincent Gluc, OFM Conv.

(With Excerpts from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops – USCCB)

The Church understands the Communion Procession, in fact, every procession in Liturgy, as a sign of the pilgrim Church, the Body of those who believe in Christ and who are on their way to the Heavenly Jerusalem.  Our entire lives are moving in time toward that moment when we will be taken by death and enter into the joy of the Lord.

As we approach Communion in procession, we are a sign of the Church “on the way”.  Unfortunately, most of us miss the meaning of the Communion Procession and see it as analogous to standing in line at a supermarket.  The Communion Procession is, in fact, an action of the Body of Christ, responding to the invitation of the Lord.

This action by Christ’s Body, the Church assembled for the Eucharist, is manifested and supported by the Communion Hymn, sung by the united voices of those who believe in Him and share His life.  For some, however, the singing of the hymn is perceived as an intrusion on their own private prayer…their private prayer of thanksgiving after Communion.  However, this hymn IS our prayer, the corporate thanksgiving prayer of the members of Christ’s Body.  The General Instructions for the Roman Missal (GIRM) emphasize that when we come together to participate in the Eucharistic celebration, we come, not as individuals, but as united members of Christ’s Body.  The Communion Hymn is a sign of our unity and we are all called to participate in singing that hymn.

It is difficult for some of us to embrace this emphasis on Mass as the action of a community, rather than an individual act of one’s own faith and piety, but it is important that we make every effort to do so.

The fact that the Communion Procession is a profoundly religious action tells us something about the way in which we should participate in this procession.  We are the Body of Christ, moving forward to receive the Christ who makes us one with Him and with one another.  Our procession should move with dignity, with hymnals in our hands (when comfortable), united in song, movement, and Communion with the Lord and one another.

The General Instructions for the Roman Missal also offer us the option to either sit or kneel after receiving Communion and returning to our pew.  It is expected that we continue singing the Communion Hymn until all have received Communion and are in their places.  At that time, a period of silence is observed as the appropriate time for personal prayer and personal thanksgiving before the conclusion of Mass and dismissal.  Otherwise, keep singing!!

In addition, when the Tabernacle is located outside of the main worship area, personal prayer and devotion, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, is encouraged either before or after the celebration of the Liturgy.