Ask a Priest

Q: There seems to be more parishioners accepting the Holy Eucharist on the tongue, as was the only method only a few decades back. And, of course, accepting via the hands is allowed as well. But do priests have a preference? And is there a movement to perhaps move toward a return to only on the tongue? I'm sure there's some curiosity in the pews.

Anonymous 
 
A: This is a good question, as the topic of how to receive the Eucharist has become a “hot topic” over the last few years.

While it is true that priests do have a preference, the preference changes from priest to priest. However, while the priest’s preference may be different depending on a variety of factors, there is one common preference: that the Eucharist be received reverently.

As you rightfully pointed out, reception on the tongue and in the hands are both permitted and so long as the Eucharist is received in a reverent and approved manner, the choice of which posture to receive with is a matter of personal preference. This individual preference is protected. In the United States we find the appropriate postures in number 160 of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal.

“The norm established for the Dioceses of the United States of America is that Holy Communion is to be received standing, unless an individual member of the faithful wishes to receive Communion while kneeling. When receiving Holy Communion, the communicant bows his or her head before the Sacrament as a gesture of reverence and receives the Body of the Lord from the minister. The consecrated host may be received either on the tongue or in the hand, at the discretion of each communicant. When Holy Communion is received under both kinds, the sign of reverence is also made before receiving the Precious Blood.”

This echoes the 2004 document from the Vatican, “Redemptionis Sacramentum” paragraph 91 which states, “In distributing Holy Communion it is to be remembered that sacred ministers may not deny the sacraments to those who seek them in a reasonable manner, are rightly disposed and are not prohibited by law from receiving them. ... Therefore, it is not licit to deny Holy Communion to any of Christ’s faithful solely on the grounds, for example, that the person wishes to receive the Eucharist kneeling or standing.”

So, what is most important isn’t the priest’s preference but rather the preference of the individual receiving communion. So long as that individual is rightfully disposed, not barred by canon law, and receiving in a worthy and reverent manner then they are not to be denied the sacrament regardless of whether they are receiving on the hands, on the tongue, or kneeling.

So, while I know your question centered on priest preferences, I felt it important to highlight that ultimately it comes down to the preference of the person, and each of the faithful should feel comfortable receiving, so long as it’s done reverently and in a manner understanding that what we are receiving is Jesus Christ! To those who do receive on the hands I do stress that you ensure that your hands are clean and not covered in marker, or dirt or pen, etc. Remember, you are receiving Jesus.

You are also to create a throne with your hands, (left hand resting over your right hand so that the Eucharist can be placed in your palm. This order is reversed depending on handedness). The faithful are not to attempt to reach for and grab the Eucharist out of the hands of the priest, deacon, or extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. While arguments can be made regarding which manner is most reverent, the purpose of my answer is not to settle that debate. Rather my hope is to invite everyone to ask these questions, "Am I receiving the Eucharist in a reverently manner? Do I recognize what it is that I am receiving? When we receive the Eucharist, we are truly receiving the BODY, BLOOD, SOUL, and DIVINITY of Jesus Christ!
So for this particular priest, his preference is that so you follow the norms particular to the United States, and most of all, that you receive the Eucharist worthily and in a manner that recognizes that you are receiving Christ King of the Universe! 

Father William Banowsky
Associate Judge, Metropolitan Archdiocesan Tribunal of Oklahoma City