Which hand to take communion with

[choy]

Yes I do think that the subject is being overanalized.
I’ve seen many forms of accepting the host, right over left, left over right, hands cupped, even one handed (when the recipiant has something in the other hand such as a cane or a baby). I’ve also seen many reverent and irreverent receptions (judging by the appearance of reverence (bowing) when approaching and how one signs themselves after receiving)

In the end, God alone knows if one recieves worthily or not. The left or right and matters little, except to the person

Personally I resolved all of these issues by receiving on the tongue. I’ve never been refused (that is not permitted) and I feel that I am receiving in the most reverential way possible.

For those who prefer the hand I can only suggest, since we don’t seem to be able to give a clear instruction from Rome, that you do so in, what to you seems, the safest, and most reverential way possible.
Then give praise to God for His glorious gift to you.

Peace
James

i believe its supposed to be both hands all the time. my former pastor does not allow CITH for those who are carrying a baby. not only would he not allow the host to be handled by one hand, he’s also concerned that the babies might snatch the host from the parent’s hand

but i know what you’re saying. there are those who try to receive CITH with one hand only. the reason CITH has been allowed again is because its an ancient practice. therefore the form of the ancient practice should be followed. if we change the form then it would become a new practice, not a re-introduction of an old one.

 

[ProVobis]

I see several beat me to it. And I was going to say something clever too, ah well.

Like it reminds you of an old joke “Which hand do you stir your coffee with? Funny, I use a spoon” maybe?

 

[ProVobis]

This matter is not, to my knowledge, strongly regulated.

It makes sense to me to receive the host in one’s non-dominant hand and to transfer it thence to the mouth with the dominant hand. :twocents:

tee

Anything but the sinister hand, tee.

 

[choy]

here’s instructions from the USCCB

If Communion is received in the hand, the hands should first of all be clean. If one is right handed the left hand should rest upon the right. The host will then be laid in the palm of the left hand and then taken by the right hand to the mouth. If one is left-handed this is reversed. It is not appropriate to reach out with the fingers and take the host from the person distributing.

usccb.org/liturgy/girm/bul5.shtml