The Only Right Way to Receive Holy Communion

[GinaMoss]

My sister has been recieving the Eucharist
at Communion in her tongue and would not receive it any other way no matter what. I started receiving it in my hand since there were a couple of times in the past when the minister dropped it when I go to communion. To prevent me from feeling anxious in the communion line, I have decided to just receive it in hand thinking that it is allowed in our faith anyway.
Since the pandemic started and churches only give the communion in hand for safety, my sister has stopped receiving it for many months. She believes that receiving it in tongue is the only right way and she rather not receive the Body of Christ than receiving it in hand. She believes that reciting the spiritual comminion prayer is enough. Am I wrong to be disappointed at her for not treating the receiving of the Eucharist as one of the most important aspects in the mass no matter how you might have to receive it?

 

[Pattylt]

You will find many threads on here discussing receiving in the hand vs receiving on the tongue. Some people feel very strongly about how they receive. Both are acceptable by the church so it just boils down to personal preference.

You sister has decided she will not receive in the hand. This is her decision and needs to be respected no matter how you feel. Offer it up in prayer, receive how you wish and allow her to do as she prefers.

 

[Maximian]

There is no requirement to receive communion every Sunday

 

[Vico]

My sister has been recieving the Eucharist
at Communion in her tongue and would not receive it any other way no matter what. I started receiving it in my hand since there were a couple of times in the past when the minister dropped it when I go to communion. To prevent me from feeling anxious in the communion line, I have decided to just receive it in hand thinking that it is allowed in our faith anyway.
Since the pandemic started and churches only give the communion in hand for safety, my sister has stopped receiving it for many months. She believes that receiving it in tongue is the only right way and she rather not receive the Body of Christ than receiving it in hand. She believes that reciting the spiritual comminion prayer is enough. Am I wrong to be disappointed at her for not treating the receiving of the Eucharist as one of the most important aspects in the mass no matter how you might have to receive it?

Spiritual Communion has “if not the entire [benefit], at least very great benefits”.

Modern Catholic Dictionary, Fr. John Hardon, on Spiritual Communion (excerpt)
According to the Catechism of the Council of Trent, the faithful who “receive the Eucharist in spirit” are “those who, inflamed with a lively faith that works in charity, partake in wish and desire of the celestial Bread offered to them, receive from it, if not the entire, at least very great benefits” ( On the Eucharist ).

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

To prevent me from feeling anxious in the communion line, I have decided to just receive it in hand

I do the same; it’s perfectly acceptable and permitted by the Church.

Others have given great information. I think it’s perfectly ok for you to feel… disappointment (?) with her not receiving. There’s really no theological reason not to, and she is possibly depriving herself of great grace, HOWEVER, she is still doing the Lord a great service by being at Mass and praying the Spiritual Communion. She’s obviously devoted to the Lord and her way of showing reverence. It’s really not for you to act on this situation in anyway.

ETA: she shouldn’t be directing you or anyone else, either, as if you’re doing something wrong by receiving.