Why do many Catholics receive only the Body of Christ at communion?

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John_NY

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I am not Roman Catholic, but some of my family members are. I have noticed that when I attend Mass with them that most times when they receive Holy Communion they receive the Body of Christ only. :confused: Is there a reason for this. In our Orthodox tradition, we always receive both.
 
Your Orthodox tradition is somewhat similar to the Catholic method of intinction whereby the consecrated bread is dipped into the consecrated wine before reception. But even when distributed separately reception of the bread only is quite sufficient as each species is fully the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ (cf. Catechism, 1377).

Probably the most common reason many forego reception from the chalice is to prevent the spread of germs – their own or those of others.
 
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