MyCatholicSource.com - 'Quick Help' Page: Should Communion Be Received Under Both Species?

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First, receiving under both species is not required. As the Council of Trent states...

"If any one saith that the precept of God or by necessity of salvation all and each of the faithful of Christ ought to receive both species of the most holy sacrament of the Eucharist: let him be anathema." (Council of Trent)

Second, there are very good reasons to communicate only under the species of bread, as required under the old Canon Law (Church Law)...

"The most Holy Eucharist is to be given only under the form of bread." (1917 Code of Canon Law)

For more information, try here.

Note: Novelties such as 'lay ministers' daring to distribute the Precious Blood of Christ are specific to the Novus Ordo (New Order) Mass of the 1960's. To avoid such novelties, consider attending the Traditional Latin Mass. Thankfully, the Traditional Latin Mass is still lawfully said throughout the world. This ancient & incomparable, highly reverent Mass contains numerous & significant differences from the 1960's Novus Ordo Mass (try here for more information). To locate a Traditional Latin Mass in your area, try here.

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"If anyone says that the holy Catholic Church has not been influenced by just causes and reasons to give communion under the form of bread only to layman and even to clerics when not consecrating, or that she has erred in this: let him be anathema." (Council of Trent)

"To safeguard in every possible way the dignity of so august a Sacrament, not only is the power of its administration entrusted exclusively to priests, but the Church has also prohibited by law any but consecrated persons, unless some case of great necessity intervene, to dare handle or touch the sacred vessels, the linen, or other instruments necessary to its completion. Priests themselves and the rest of the faithful may hence understand how great should be the piety and holiness of those who approach to consecrate, administer or receive the Eucharist." (Catechism of the Council of Trent)

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