Receiving in the hand - question

[MooCowSteph]

I just came across this. I always thought you were supposed to receive in the left hand and place it in your mouth with the right. Is this right??

TO RECEIVE IN THE HANDS

• Hold out both hands, palms up. The hand you use for eating should be placed under the other and acts as a plate.
• Hold your hands high enough so that the Priest/Extraordinary Minister knows that you are going to receive in the hands.
• When the Priest/Extraordinary Minister holds up the Host and says Body of Christ, look at the Host and say Amen. (Amen
  

     means I believe.)

• After the Host is placed in your upper palm, pick up the Host with your other hand and immediately place the Host in your mouth.
  

    (Do not carry the Host away with you.)

• You may chew the Host or allow the Host to slowly dissolve in your mouth.
• Be sure to eat any crumbs that may fall in your hands.

 

[Christy_Beth]

This is, I believe, the “appropriate” way to receive. One can also receive on the tongue. Either way is acceptable.

 

[Orogeny]

MooCowSteph:

I just came across this. I always thought you were supposed to receive in the left hand and place it in your mouth with the right. Is this right??

That information is correct. It does not matter which hand you use.

Peace

Tim

 

[mercygate]

Orogeny:

That information is correct. It does not matter which hand you use.

Peace

Tim

The point is to be handling the host with your “good” hand to prevent accidents.

 

[Della]

mercygate:

The point is to be handling the host with your “good” hand to prevent accidents.

I’m a lefty, though. When I receive in the hand I place my right hand over my left and hold the host in place with my left thumb while I bring both hands up to my mouth. That is how I was taught as an Episcopalian, and being an old dog who finds learning new things with the hands difficult, as well as being a lefty, that is what works best for me.

 

[cargopilot]

In the USA, only through indult, are we allowed to receive the Precious Body of Christ in the hand. There are plenty of reasons not to, though. From particles to people swiping the Blessed Sacrament, it is still better to recieve in the traditional manner, on the tongue.

catholic-pages.com/mass/inhand.asp

Pray for me, a sinner.
cargopilot

 

[rcn]

cargopilot:

it is still better to recieve in the traditional manner, on the tongue.

That is just your opinion, and it really has no place in this thread since we are discussing what is “correct” and what may not be. Please don’t hijack the discussion.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Della:

I’m a lefty, though. When I receive in the hand I place my right hand over my left and hold the host in place with my left thumb while I bring both hands up to my mouth. That is how I was taught as an Episcopalian, and being an old dog who finds learning new things with the hands difficult, as well as being a lefty, that is what works best for me.

Christ is not popcorn or an M&M! Pick up the Host with your fingers and place it in your mouth.

 

[pnewton]

MooCowSteph:

Be sure to eat any crumbs that may fall in your hands.

I have yet to see the first crumb left over from thetype of hosts we use. Still, I always look and will always inspect my hand to be certain. I wish to leave nothing to chance and it is one more reminder to me of what I received.

 

[baltobetsy]

Steph, I’d leave out the part about letting the host dissolve in the mouth. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that Jesus is present in the Eucharist AS LONG AS the species of bread and wine subsist (#1377). If you let the host dissolve completely in your mouth, that which you swallow (and that’s what really constitutes eating) is no longer Jesus, because it is no longer in the form of bread. A better alternative to chewing is to allow the host to soften in the mouth and swallow it whole. Jesus said, “Take and eat,” not “Take and dissolve.”

BTW, I’m delighted that you’re being allowed to craft an instruction on receiving the Eucharist correctly.

Betsy

 

[MooCowSteph]

baltobetsy:

Steph, I’d leave out the part about letting the host dissolve in the mouth. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that Jesus is present in the Eucharist AS LONG AS the species of bread and wine subsist (#1377). If you let the host dissolve completely in your mouth, that which you swallow (and that’s what really constitutes eating) is no longer Jesus, because it is no longer in the form of bread. A better alternative to chewing is to allow the host to soften in the mouth and swallow it whole. Jesus said, “Take and eat,” not “Take and dissolve.”

BTW, I’m delighted that you’re being allowed to craft an instruction on receiving the Eucharist correctly.

Betsy

That was my thought, too. I also added that one may make the sign of the cross if they wish. I don’t want anyone to think we’re saying they can’t make the sign of the cross. Most people do, anyway. I also added a section about not going to communion if you are in a state of mortal sin and fasting. I am looking forward to this being published!

 

[KCT]

cargopilot:

In the USA, only through indult, are we allowed to receive the Precious Body of Christ in the hand. There are plenty of reasons not to, though. From particles to people swiping the Blessed Sacrament, it is still better to recieve in the traditional manner, on the tongue.

In my parish we have a number of old, shaky EM’s. Also an older and slightly shaky priest. I receive on the hand because some of these people can’t properly place it on my tongue. It’s safer in my hand. —KCT

 

[chevalier]

The only time I’ve ever received in the hand, out of conformity with the local custom, I got it right where the hands were joining. Somehow, I did manage not to drop the host.