Question on varying ways of receiving communion in hand

[TSF]

In every Catholic mass that I have been to (where people received communion in the hand) I have noticed that it is always done this way:

The Host is placed on the left hand, it is picked up with the right hand, and then placed in the mouth.

In the old days when I was anglican, I once was in a parish where the tradition was to receive in the hand, but in this way:

The Host is placed in the palm of the right hand, the right hand is raised to the mouth, and the Host is allowed to slip into the mouth without being picked up.

Somehow this seems more reverent to me than picking up the host with your fingers (though my personal preference is always to receive on the tongue).

Has anyone ever seen this practice in a Catholic mass?

 

[agapewolf]

Actually, I believe that those receiving in the hand are taught to “pick up” the Eucharist with their “good” hand, thus presenting their other hand to receive it…since the majority of people are right handed, this is what seems to be happening.

What you describe seems like popping M&M’s in the mouth…not very reverent to me. Sounds a lot more risky too.

 

[reginacaeli]

Actually, this is how it was back in the early Church. And they did this with a profound bow, so it was more reverent.

More info here.

And the way Catholics in this country do it now make it seem more like we’re snacking on potato chips. You think I’m exaggerating? I saw that depicted in an elementary student’s drawing about receiving the Eucharist at a Catholic school a few years ago.

 

[kristie_m]

Hmmm…I’ve actually done it both ways. I don’t think it’s ever been an issue of reverence, just whatever happens to suit me at the time.

 

[Lepanto]

Why not just receive it on the tongue?

 

[muffinmojo]

It seems like letting it slip would make it far more likely to fall on the ground.

If you recieve on the hand you approach the minister, make the sign of reverence, say ‘Amen’, recieve in your hands, and step to the side, CAREFULLY, GENTLY put it in your mouth, preventing it from falling, THEN go back to your pew. This would prevent most accidents. Also, don’t just jab your hands out- move slowly and purposefully. The way people just thrust out their hands has caused ALL of the near-drops I’ve seen(and saved! I love being an altar server).