FROM THE PAROCHIAL VICAR’S DESK
Dear Parishioners,
Since Fr. Monteleone is away, he gave me the task of writing an article for this weekend. However, this article contains more of a catechetical and practical approach toward the Holy Eucharist rather than a reflective one.
This Sunday’s Gospel is the continuation from last Sunday’s reading. Jesus continues to reveal himself as the Bread of Life, that is, his flesh is real food, and his blood is real drink.
If we truly believe that Jesus is present Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Holy Eucharist, as the Church teaches us, we should have a proper attitude and disposition toward the Blessed Sacrament.
Eucharistic Etiquette: When we come into church we genuflect. We all know that. At our church, the tabernacle with the Blessed Sacrament is in the center, so it’s normal to genuflect toward the center. If, however, the tabernacle is off to the side, it is proper to genuflect in the direction of the Blessed Sacrament and not simply toward the middle. And because details are important, we genuflect by bending our right knee. This shows reverence, acknowledging the presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.
Eucharistic Fast: The Church requires an hour of fasting before receiving Holy Communion. This is simply for us to have a period of time for our body to prepare to receive Jesus. Exceptions can be made for those with medical issues, and various other issues that might require one to eat within that timeframe. If you haven’t fasted, it is okay to make a ‘spiritual communion’ to ask for the grace that you would have gained from the Eucharist. The Lord honors our desire for Him.
Receiving by tongue or hand?
Both are permitted, but either way I ask that you really focus on reverence in receiving. If you receive on the tongue, it is good to make sure to stick out your tongue and open your mouth far enough to permit easy distribution. A good general rule is to touch the tip of your tongue to the bottom of your bottom lip. There is also a proper way to receive by hand: if you are a right-handed person, put your right hand under your left hand, so that after the Sacred Host is placed on your left hand, you will use your right hand to take the Sacred Host and consume it. If you are a left-handed person, you do the other way around. It is also good to be attentive to the particles that may come from the Sacred Host and remain on your hand. Remember that even the smallest particle is still the fullness of Christ. So be sure to check your hand and fingers used to receive Communion – you’ll be surprised sometimes to find the little pieces still present.
What happens if the Sacred Host is dropped?
This has happened at some point to nearly every person who receives Holy Communion in the hand; the handoff is poor and Our Lord falls to the floor. At that point, we have two options. First, we can eat the Host off the floor (by picking it up, not by getting down on all fours like a dog!) or we can get the Host and give it to the minister and they will give another Host and care for the Host that was dropped. The Church also prescribes that the place where the Host fell be purified by a special process of cleansing with liturgical linens.
If you see someone receive the Host in their hand and not consume it, it is okay to approach them about it?
It is okay to approach them about it. You can simply ask, “Are you going to consume that?” and if not, then I ask you to get it from them and bring it to the altar. If you don’t feel comfortable, we priests do, so please don’t hesitate if you know for a fact a Host has been taken but not consumed. All of us are guardians of the Holy Eucharist.
What happens if a Host is found in the pew, on the floor, in the hymnal, or somewhere else?
This has happened in other places and it is something to be aware of. If this is the case, you should bring it to our attention (Priests or Eucharistic Ministers). If no one is around, please put the Sacred Host on the altar and inform us immediately.
Hopefully, dear brothers and sisters, this short catechism would be useful for all of us as we continue to adore and receive Jesus who is present in the Most Blessed Sacrament. If you have any other questions regarding the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, please do not hesitate to ask.
Cheerfully in Christ,
Fr. Emerson
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