Why can one skip receiving the precious blood?

[rciacandidate]

I was received into the Church at the Easter Vigil and received the Eucharist for the first time. I know that receiving Christ’s body is considered to be a very crucial part of being a Catholic; why isn’t the precious blood given the same status? I notice many congregants receiving the host but skipping the blood and know there must be a reason for the distinction but am not sure what it is.

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

First of all, welcome home!

In answer to your question, the precious blood does indeed have the same status at the host, but it is not necessary for laypeople to receive Communion under both forms. Because Christ is present body, blood, soul, and divinity under either the host or the precious blood, a person receives a full Communion by receiving one or the other. Receiving both is a fuller sign of a complete Communion but it does not mean that one has received “more” Communion. Only the priest must receive both under the form of the host and the under the form of the wine because his reception of both signifies the “reunion” of the body and blood of Christ and thus signifies Christ’s Resurrection.