What should a non-Catholic do at Communion time?

[ashain]

I was baptized as a Presbyterian, but for the past couple years have attended a Catholic church. I have not entered into RCIA to join the Church yet, but plan to this year.

I was wondering what I should do during Communion. I know as a non-Catholic that I cannot receive Communion but at the same time I feel out of place sitting in the pew while others do. Should I just do as I have been and sit in the pew, or should I do as the children who have not reached First Communion do and cross my arms on my chest and go receive a blessing from the priest?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

You may certainly go forward and request a blessing from the priest if you wish. Whether or not you decide to request a blessing, there *is *something else you can do at Communion. You can make an act of spiritual communion. Here is one such formula:

My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most holy Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen. (Source.)

In its Guidelines for the Reception of Communion, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) also recommends to those Christians not receiving Communion:

All who are not receiving holy Communion are encouraged to express in their hearts a prayerful desire for unity with the Lord Jesus and with one another.

Recommended reading:

Mass Appeal by Jimmy Akin