How to properly receive the Eucharist

[tee_eff_em]

Is it redundant to make the sign of the cross on ourselves while the priest makes the sign of the cross over the congregation at the end of the Mass? (I don’t think so)

If it is, should we cease to do so? If not, why not?


tee

 

[jmcrae]

In case it got lost in the morass of this thread (no offense, people = ] ), the proper ways to receive Communion are:

-bow your head, approach ‘amen’ and receive on the tongue
-bow your head, approach, ‘amen’ and receive on the hand, take one step to the side, consume the Host, walk away
-genuflect, ‘amen’, approach and receive on tongue/hand
-‘amen’, kneel and receive on the tongue

If you do not receive the Precious Blood but pass by the chalice, make a profound bow or genuflect towards it, then turn and return to your pew(the Blood is just as much Christ as the Host in the Tabernacle, we just aren’t as used to respecting it).

I agree with all of this. I would also want to point out that “take one step to the side” means ONE step, only - not, “keep walking along and consume it while walking.” Take one step, STOP, then consume it, and then proceed back to your place.

 

[Isaacsdad]

Is it redundant to make the sign of the cross on ourselves while the priest makes the sign of the cross over the congregation at the end of the Mass? (I don’t think so)

If it is, should we cease to do so? If not, why not?


tee

I have heard a priest describe making the sign of the cross as a personal devotion, but it is not required. I think the real question comes down to true devoition and public displays of piety that Our Lord condemned. Of course, only God and the individual can properly make this discernment.

 

[jmcrae]

I have heard a priest describe making the sign of the cross as a personal devotion, but it is not required. I think the real question comes down to true devoition and public displays of piety that Our Lord condemned. Of course, only God and the individual can properly make this discernment.

I make the Sign of the Cross because I feel the need to respond to Jesus in this most intimate encounter with Him. To simply walk away without responding would seem - thoughtless I think - at any rate, profoundly inappropriate.

 

[Isaacsdad]

I make the Sign of the Cross because I feel the need to respond to Jesus in this most intimate encounter with Him. To simply walk away without responding would seem - thoughtless I think - at any rate, profoundly inappropriate.

I think you made my case in point of personal devotion. Hopefully, everyone upon taking the Body would responds at least inwardly and if making the physical sign of the cross helps you to do that, I believe that you are right in doing so.