MyCatholicSource.com - 'Quick Help' Page: Proper Reception of the Holy Eucharist (Guidelines)

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First, one must prepare properly to receive Holy Communion. As stated in the Catechism of St. John Neumann...

Q. How should we be prepared in order to receive Holy Communion?

A. We should be in the state of grace, should be fasting, and should be devout.

One must also prepare mentally to receive the Blessed Sacrament. According to the Catechism of Pope St. Pius X...

Q. In what does the preparation before Holy Communion consist?

A. Preparation before Communion consists in meditating for some time on Whom we are about to receive, and on who we are; and in making acts of faith, hope, charity, contrition, adoration, humility, and the desire to receive Jesus Christ.

One should also...

* Act/behave/dress properly (see here)

* Receive Holy Communion only on the tongue [See here for "Communion in the Hand: Why Not?"]

* Receive Holy Communion only from a priest [See here for "Lay 'Eucharistic Ministers': Why Not?"]

* Receive under one species (bread) [See here for "Communion Under Both Species: Is it Required?"]

* Receive Holy Communion kneeling, if physically able

* Discern the Real Presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist & offer proper adoration

* Note that at the traditional Mass, the communicant does NOT say 'amen' when receiving Holy Communion (see here)

* Pray silently after Holy Communion (kneeling, if physically able) [Try here for some prayers]

* Offer private prayers of thanksgiving after Mass (kneeling, if physically able)

Did you know? It is still possible – thanks be to God! – to lawfully attend the Traditional Latin Mass. The Traditional Latin ('Tridentine') Mass differs from the 1960's Novus Ordo Mass in many & significant ways (try here for more information). To locate a Traditional Latin Mass in your area, try here.

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