Communion Policy
Attire
Arrival
Enter Church
Quite Time
Kneeling
Sign of Peace
Receiving Communion
Sign of the Cross
Leaving Church
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Who may receive Communion at a Catholic Mass?
The National Conference of Bishops offers these stipulations
for practicing Catholics: “In order to be properly disposed to receive
Communion, participants should not be conscious of grave sin and normally
should have fasted for one hour. A person who is conscious of grave
sin is not to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord without prior sacramental
confession except for a grave reason where there is no opportunity for confession.
In this case, the person is to be mindful of the obligation to make an act of perfect
contrition, including the intentions of confessing as soon as possible (canon 916)”.
For all practical purposes, non-Catholics are excluded from taking Communion
at a Catholic church. Explaining their reasoning, the National Conference of Catholic
Bishops teaches that reception of the Eucharist by Christians not fully united with
us would imply a oneness which does not yet exist, and for which we must all pray.
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Attire
The idea of “Sunday best” should be honored; churchgoers of all
ages should dress conservatively. Coat and tie is appropriate for
men, but not required. Women should wear modest dresses, skirts
and slacks; no tank Back Homes, short skirts or tight-fitting clothing.
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Arrival
Arrive at least 10 minutes before Mass begins. This helps reduce
distractions and provides time to get settled. Latecomers should
wait to be seated by ushers so as not to disrupt the service and the congregation.
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Entering the church
It is optional to bless yourself with holy water, but as a sign of
respect for the Blessed Sacrament, genuflect before taking your seat.
Slide over to the center of the pew to accommodate others who arrive after you.
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Quiet time
The liturgy is not the time to socialize with friends or prepare
the offering envelope. Instead, sit quietly or pray. Turn off cell phones and pagers.
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Kneeling
Respect for the Eucharist demands that we kneel on our knees without
leaning back on the pew. Be careful not to drop or bang the kneelers.
If ill or disabled, it is acceptable to sit.
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Sign of Peace
People usually shake hands or exchange a quick kiss, but if you have a
cold or cough, you can politely say, “Peace be with you,” without shaking hands.
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Receiving Communion
Receive the holy Eucharist with reverence, bow slightly and respond “Amen.”
If receiving the host by hand, place the left hand over the right (or opposite
if you are left handed) and raise your arms slightly. Gum or candy should never
be in your mouth when taking the host.
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Sign of the Cross
Join your hands; touch the forehead with the tips of your three longest fingers
on your right hand, to the center of your chest, then to your left and right
shoulder (in that order).
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Leaving the church
The final part of Mass is singing a closing hymn. Leaving before the
hymn ends is inappropriate. Genuflect toward the altar before leaving
the pew or at the end of the pew.
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