Communion in the Hand

When I was a child, everyone received Communion on the tongue. (Many churches still allowed you to kneel, when receiving.)

A number of years later, this would change. In fact, I remember very vividly the arguement put forth was "This is a more adult way of receiving Christ."

Now, at the time, I kept attempting to find arguements to refute this, but could not. The wave of this change was unstoppable.

Over the years, I think that I have recieved Holy Communion only once or twice in the hand. To this day, I continue to receive it on the tongue.

Over the years, I have watched people receive Communion to see if they are doing it correctly (yes, I know, I should have been focusing on the mystery of it).

When going up, some bow, a couple have knelt, some make the sign of the cross, and some are who knows where.

Of course, there seem to be mutiple ways to receive it: left hand flat out with the right hand under it, right hand with the left under it, both hands out side to side.

Finally, you may put it in your mouth with your fingers or just pop it in, like an M&M.

Aufer a Nobis has some thoughts on this.

Personally, I think he is on the mark and I would love to see a return to Communion on the tongue.

Communion in the Hand - The Days May Be Numbered!

For years, we have been told that receiving the Holy Eucharist in the hand is a more adult way. But looking at what people do when they receive it shows that they are no better than children.

I have seen adults pop the Holy Eucharist in their mouths as they were poping a couple M&Ms. Others put it in, and then walk away like it was nothing.

For many, but not all, there is no reverence. And it seems to be getting worse.

In the Catholic Church in the US, with every restriction and tradition dropped -- no kneeling when receiving Communion; no kneeling until the tabernacle is closed; and, no reminding the congregation that the Mass is not over until the final blessing is given, and don't get me started with liturical dance -- there is less and less respect.

Now, there is word that the Vatican may reconsider the option of recieving the Body of Christ in the hand.

I cannot remember ever receiving Communion in the hand and I don't consider it to be a "less adult" way.