Communion in the hand: how did it start? Is it licit? Is it the preferred method?

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I am writing a paper for a class presentation on communion in the hand, but unfortunately I can’t find the answers to the following. Your help would be appreciated!

Communion in the hand: how did it start? Is there any historical documentation?

Is it licit in the United States? If so, what are the OFFICIAL Vatican and USCCB documents that say so?

Does the Church OFFICIALLY prefer the new method (in the hand) vs. the traditional method (in the mouth)? Again, I would like to see official documents.

Also, I would like to understand if one method is better than the other from reverential, practical, or theological standpoints.

Thank you.
 
Go to the vatican web site; Google it. (Sorry but I’m on my way to a meeting or I’d do it for you.).

It is LICIT in the U.S. since the bishops petitioned for it sometime in the 1970s I do believe; you’ll get the exact date at the Vatican site. If for some reason it’s down, check out (use the search) either the library archives here or search at EWTN (google). When all else falls, try 'catholic-pages". You’ll get the answers you need.

Bottom line–you can receive in the hand or on the tongue as you prefer in the U.S. You may not be forced into doing one or the other; both are valid and licit.
 
lepanto said:
I am writing a paper for a class presentation on communion in the hand, but unfortunately I can’t find the answers to the following. Your help would be appreciated!

Communion in the hand: how did it start? Is there any historical documentation?

Is it licit in the United States? If so, what are the OFFICIAL Vatican and USCCB documents that say so?

Does the Church OFFICIALLY prefer the new method (in the hand) vs. the traditional method (in the mouth)? Again, I would like to see official documents.

Also, I would like to understand if one method is better than the other from reverential, practical, or theological standpoints.

Thank you.
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Instruction of the Eucharist: Chapter IV Holy Communion, # 90: “The faithful should receive Communion kneeling or standing, as the Conference of Bishops will have determined,” with it acts having received the recognito of the Apostolic See. “However, if they receive Communion standing, it is recommended that they give due reverence before the reception of the Sacrament, as set forth by the norms.”

92" Although each of the faithful always has the right to receive Holy Communion on the tongue, at his choice, if any communicant should wish to receive the Sacrament in the hand, in areas where the Bishops Conference with the recognitio of the Apostolic See has given permission, the sacred host is to be administered to him or her.​

General Instruction of the Roman Missal (approved by the USCCB/Holy See)"Chapter IV # 160: The norm for reception of Holy Communion in the dioceses of the United States is standing. Communicants should not be denied Holy Communion because they kneel. Rather, such instances should be addressed pastorally, by providing the faithful with proper catechesis on the reason for this norm. 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. God Bless
 
Tantum_ergo said:
Go to the vatican web site; Google it. (Sorry but I’m on my way to a meeting or I’d do it for you.).

It is LICIT in the U.S. since the bishops petitioned for it sometime in the 1970s I do believe; you’ll get the exact date at the Vatican site. If for some reason it’s down, check out (use the search) either the library archives here or search at EWTN (google). When all else falls, try 'catholic-pages". You’ll get the answers you need.

Bottom line–you can receive in the hand or on the tongue as you prefer in the U.S. You may not be forced into doing one or the other; both are valid and licit.
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If Holy Communion is being distributed via intinction, it MUST be received on one’s tongue.
 
Communion received in the hand has been done on and off since the beginnings. One of the best descriptions and catecheses about this is in St. Cyril of Jerusalem’s mystagogical sermons.

karen marie
 
It is a licit option in the US and most western countries.

But it is not universal. It would be illicit in most of Latin America, for example.

If one is traveling internationally, one should not assume they have the option of recieving the Eucharist on the hand.
 
I can say that nowadays communion in hand “IS AN OPTION” as what i heard in EWTN. Therefore, it is still communion in tongue that is the primary.
 
Here’s an interesting article-

unavoce.org/cith.htm

I think we should all ponder what most of our Latin Rite as well as Eastern Rite brethren do in regards to receiving Communion as well as our Eastern Orthodox brethren (who share a valid Eucharist and Priesthood) and ask ourselves if this practice is not a hindrance to fuller communion and unity. I think it is.
 
Tantum_ergo said:
Go to the vatican web site; Google it. (Sorry but I’m on my way to a meeting or I’d do it for you.).

It is LICIT in the U.S. since the bishops petitioned for it sometime in the 1970s I do believe; you’ll get the exact date at the Vatican site. If for some reason it’s down, check out (use the search) either the library archives here or search at EWTN (google). When all else falls, try 'catholic-pages". You’ll get the answers you need.

Bottom line–you can receive in the hand or on the tongue as you prefer in the U.S. You may not be forced into doing one or the other; both are valid and licit.
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Because it is allowed by indult, an individual Bishop COULD decide not to allow Communion in the Hand in his diocese. I have never heard of that happening in the US but there was a situation somewhere in South America (Brazil, I think) where one Bishop did not want to institute Communion in the Hand even though the rest of that country’s Bishops had asked for and received the indult. His option was upheld by the Vatican.

I bring this up because it it not a “right” but an option that we are currently allowed in each diocese in the US but that could be changed by any Bishop. If that was the case, you would be “forced” to receive on the tongue if you were in that diocese.

When I have attended Masses with Communion by intinction, there are still some people who prefer to receive in the hand and that is fine - they just receive under the one species.
 
It is possible, but is it more obedient in terms of respecting our Lord’s Presence.

Since it truly is God there we should take the ultimate caution in regards to respect and possibility of sacrilege.
It is possible for someone to have utmost respect in taking communion by hand, but this encourages disrespect for our Lord.
Pieces of the Host can remain in the hand, people can take it elsewhere, people take instead of recieve, etc…

True obedience to God means doing the most possible to respect Him, regardless of custom or preference. So even when the Apostles received in the hand they were essentially Bishops. They also did not always display the utmost respect or reverence to actions of Jesus as we should since sometimes they did not understand the significance of it.

Would you argue in front of Jesus if you would be first in heaven?
What is more respectful?

God Bless
Scylla
 
Personally I receive in the hand simply because it is the norm of the faithful in my diocese. I know people may say things like "well if the norm of the faithful was to do then would you do it? Of course the answer is no, but receiving in the hand is not an abuse. I am happy that I have thought long enough about what is appropriate with how I receive the Eucharist (ie on the tongue or in the hand), and so if you want to debate that with me, I am not interested. Of course, when I attend a TLM I receive on the tongue only, and I would be perfectly happy to receive on the tongue if the situation demanded it.

Anyway, I have a couple of questions about how we are to properly receive in the hand. I was actually going to start a new thread, but it is too similar to this thread so I thought it would be OK in here, and I hope the OP does not mind too much. Here are my questions:

  1. *]What is the “sign of reverence” as mentioned in the GIRM quoted by CRM? Is it just a bow, from the neck? Or from the waist?
    *]When should this sign be done? When it is your turn so to speak, or when the person in front of you is receiving, maybe?
    *]I have seen some people genuflect and sign themselves immediately before receiving the Eucharist, is that more appropriate?
    *]Does it matter which hand I receive in? I have always received it in my left hand with my right underneath, then picking up the host with my right hand. However, I have a feeling that this is not the right way to do it, in fact I should be doing it the other way around. Is that true?

    Thanks all, in advance.
 
Atreyu said:
Personally I receive in the hand simply because it is the norm of the faithful in my diocese. I know people may say things like "well if the norm of the faithful was to do then would you do it? Of course the answer is no, but receiving in the hand is not an abuse. I am happy that I have thought long enough about what is appropriate with how I receive the Eucharist (ie on the tongue or in the hand), and so if you want to debate that with me, I am not interested. Of course, when I attend a TLM I receive on the tongue only, and I would be perfectly happy to receive on the tongue if the situation demanded it.

Anyway, I have a couple of questions about how we are to properly receive in the hand. I was actually going to start a new thread, but it is too similar to this thread so I thought it would be OK in here, and I hope the OP does not mind too much. Here are my questions:

  1. *]What is the “sign of reverence” as mentioned in the GIRM quoted by CRM? Is it just a bow, from the neck? Or from the waist?
    *]When should this sign be done? When it is your turn so to speak, or when the person in front of you is receiving, maybe?
    *]I have seen some people genuflect and sign themselves immediately before receiving the Eucharist, is that more appropriate?
    *]Does it matter which hand I receive in? I have always received it in my left hand with my right underneath, then picking up the host with my right hand. However, I have a feeling that this is not the right way to do it, in fact I should be doing it the other way around. Is that true?

    Thanks all, in advance.
Click to expand...

  1. In the US a bow of the head is the norm, decided upon by the USCCB, performed prior to receiving. Most people do this while the person in front of them receives. There is no hard and fast rule as to when the exact time to perform it is.

    In the US the genuflection is not forbidden, but distinctly frowned upon in most parishes, much the same as kneeling to receive.

    The best way is: if right handed, receive in the right hand, supported by the left and raise immediately to the mouth. Reverse if left handed. This supposedly will minimize the chance of droppage while changing hands.
 
Atreyu said:
.

Anyway, I have a couple of questions about how we are to properly receive in the hand. I was actually going to start a new thread, but it is too similar to this thread so I thought it would be OK in here, and I hope the OP does not mind too much. Here are my questions:

  1. *]What is the “sign of reverence” as mentioned in the GIRM quoted by CRM? Is it just a bow, from the neck? Or from the waist?
    *]When should this sign be done? When it is your turn so to speak, or when the person in front of you is receiving, maybe?
    *]I have seen some people genuflect and sign themselves immediately before receiving the Eucharist, is that more appropriate?
    *]Does it matter which hand I receive in? I have always received it in my left hand with my right underneath, then picking up the host with my right hand. However, I have a feeling that this is not the right way to do it, in fact I should be doing it the other way around. Is that true?

    Thanks all, in advance.
Click to expand...

  1. In our parish we bow as the person before us is receiving. I have seen people bow from the waist and some just bow their heads. I have also seen people genuflect on one knee and one woman will drop to BOTH knees…and can hardly make it back up.:rolleyes:

    Since I am right handed, I make a throne with my right hand and place my left hand on it and then I use my right hand to put the host in my mouth. I think that is because maybe by using your power hand you are less likely to drop it. :eek:

    As for the sign of the cross…we make the sign of the cross after we put the host in our mouth. We take the host…step to the side and put it in our mouth and then make the sign of the cross. I think the reason for stepping aside and putting it in your mouth is so that the priest or the EM can see it is done. But, I have also noticed people putting it in their mouth as they walk away and as an after thought it seems making the sign of the cross.

    :heart:Blyss
 
palmas85 said:
In the US a bow of the head is the norm, decided upon by the USCCB, performed prior to receiving. Most people do this while the person in front of them receives. There is no hard and fast rule as to when the exact time to perform it is.

In the US the genuflection is not forbidden, but distinctly frowned upon in most parishes, much the same as kneeling to receive.

The best way is: if right handed, receive in the right hand, supported by the left and raise immediately to the mouth. Reverse if left handed. This supposedly will minimize the chance of droppage while changing hands.
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GIRM # 160 1) When receiving the communicant bows his or her head, 2) Before the Sacrament, as a gesture of reverence receives the Body of the Lord. The norm is to bow, not sign or genuflect. 3) Our Church teaches (not in the GIRM) that you raise your left hand, supported by the right hand to receive (this allow you to catch the Sacrament should it fall and also receive by the right hand.

Interesting point of the GIRM# 137: Only during The Creed - at the words by the power of the Holy Spirit…and became man, all make a profound bow, but on the solemnities of the Annunciation and of the Nativity of the Lord, all genuflect.

Another interesting point: How many, after receiving, take a few steps to the left or right and sign and genuflect to an empty Tabernacle? We have receive the Lord and many are now approaching the precious Blood which also requires a bow of the head.

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/9289/eucharistchaliceqx0.jpg
 
And again let me make the truth known to you all…
And you can find the truth in Holiletic and Pastoral Review March 1997 issue, “Re Thinnking Communion in the hand”.

Is there one post here that said it?

Communion in the hand STARTED AS AN ABUSE by dissobedient clergy in Europe who were so happy with the new “protestant like” Novus Ordo Liturgy they thought we should do things more like the Protestants and have communion in the hand.

It spread so quickly. Pope Paul VI tried to stop it but it happened so fast the rest of the Bishops thought that to stop it may lead to confusion so they let it go! They granted the practice an indult status and that is how it remains under law IN THE NOVUS ORDO - BUT NEVER EVER IN THE TRIDENTINE MASS.

So you take it to fact - follow the liberals in their hand indult- see the truth as to why the practice came about- The ones who started it WANTED TO CHANGE CATHOLIC TEACHING ON THE REAL PRESENCE!!! That is how it started!

Ken
 
It has become so common place in America, that many of us seem to think that is the way it has always been. Disuse of the Communion rail doesn’t help.

The overemphasis on the “communal meal” aspect of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has also played a part. Rarely do I see patens used anymore. Communion has often become far too casual.
 
kleary said:
And again let me make the truth known to you all…
And you can find the truth in Holiletic and Pastoral Review March 1997 issue, “Re Thinnking Communion in the hand”.

Is there one post here that said it?

Communion in the hand STARTED AS AN ABUSE by dissobedient clergy in Europe who were so happy with the new “protestant like” Novus Ordo Liturgy they thought we should do things more like the Protestants and have communion in the hand.

It spread so quickly. Pope Paul VI tried to stop it but it happened so fast the rest of the Bishops thought that to stop it may lead to confusion so they let it go! They granted the practice an indult status and that is how it remains under law IN THE NOVUS ORDO - BUT NEVER EVER IN THE TRIDENTINE MASS.

So you take it to fact - follow the liberals in their hand indult- see the truth as to why the practice came about- The ones who started it WANTED TO CHANGE CATHOLIC TEACHING ON THE REAL PRESENCE!!! That is how it started!

Ken
Click to expand...
Yes the Holy Spirit truly has deserted His Church, hasn’t he?
 
Atreyu said:
Yes the Holy Spirit truly has deserted His Church, hasn’t he?
Click to expand...
NO----the Holy Spirit will never leave the Church----but this doesn’t mean we will not have people, priests, and bishops that go wayward.
 
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