In the United States, the
Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion state:
Holy Communion under the form of bread is offered to the communicant with the words “The body of Christ.” The communicant may choose whether to receive the body of Christ in the hand or on the tongue (41).
These norms apply to the United States though, not Canada (where your Profile indicates you live). You will have to check with the
Canadian Catholic Bishops Conference to find out if the same permission holds true for Canada also. But even if it does, the attitude of “
Must the priest
comply?” is problematic. The priest is your father in Christ, not your employee, and so should not be treated disrespectfully even when he is incorrect. If you find documentation to prove he is wrong to deny you Communion on the tongue, I recommend making an appointment with him, showing him the documentation, and stating politely, “Father, this document indicates that I may choose to receive Communion on the tongue. Will you please allow me to do so at Mass from now on?”
So what if he says no? You can write to your bishop, asking him for permission to receive on the tongue and for help with your priest should permission be given, but in the meantime I recommend receiving Communion humbly and graciously in the manner in which the priest is willing to give it. It is more reverent to our Lord to be obedient to his priest in all that is not inherently sinful than it is to cause a ruckus in the Communion line over being denied (however unjustly) Communion on the tongue.
