Out of concern for your spiritual well being, we kindly remind you of the proper manner in which to receive Holy Communion.
To Holy Communion we can only invited Catholics who are well disposed. First, please make sure you are in the state of grace; meaning you have been to Confession within the last year and you are not conscious of any mortal sin on your soul such us: missing Sunday Mass, sexual sins, hatred and other grave sins related to the 10 commandments as well as 7 deadly sins. (for list of most serious sins click the link below: (https://holyannunciation.com/images/List_of_Grave_Sins_from_the_Catechism_of_the_Catholic_Church.pdf)
If you are married, please make sure your marriage is recognized by the Catholic Church. What is an Invalid Marriage ? (click here https://www.catholicmarriageprep.com/convalidation) If you are in an Invalid Marriage in the eyes of the Church, please refrain from Holy Communion and see a Priest.
It is essential to approach this sacred moment of Holy communion with reverence and respect. We ask that you receive the Eucharist either on the tongue (preferred option) or on your hand, using both hands: one should be underneath the other to make a kind of a throne. (See photo above.) I personally encourage you to receive Communion on your tongue (standing or kneeling) as this practice diminishes the danger of Jesus falling on the ground as well as prevents any particles of the Body of Jesus from being spread from one hand to the other and on. It is the most common and lasting way of distribution of Holy Communion in the Catholic Church. However, reception on the hand is also permissible. If you choose the latter way of reception, please read this article carefully. Please refrain from receiving the host with only one hand or attempting to grab it. Instead, allow the priest or deacon to place the Eucharist gently in your hands. This practice ensures that the Blessed Sacrament is handled and received with the utmost care. Dear Beloved Elderly Parishioners, We write this message with heartfelt consideration for your unique circumstances and to provide guidance on receiving Holy Communion. We understand that some of you may experience trembling hands, and we want to ensure that your experience of receiving the Eucharist remains reverent and free from any difficulties. In light of this, we kindly request that you consider receiving Holy Communion on the tongue rather than in your hands. This approach minimizes the risk of accidentally dropping the host and allows fora more secure and dignified reception. Dear Parents in Our Parish, We recognize the beautiful challenge of attending Mass with young children and want to provide guidance on receiving Holy Communion while ensuring the safety and reverence of this sacred moment. We understand that parents often hold their children in their arms during the Eucharistic procession, and we appreciate your devotion in bringing your little ones closer to Christ. To ensure the utmost care and respect for the Blessed Sacrament, we kindly request that parents who are holding their children in their arms receive Holy Communion on the tongue. This approach minimizes the risk of accidentally dropping or mishandling the host while allowing you to maintain a secure and loving hold on your child. Our priests and deacons are well-trained in handling such situations with care and sensitivity. They will be attentive to your needs and place the host gently on your tongue, ensuring that you receive the Blessed Sacrament with reverence and love. By adhering to these guidelines, we demonstrate our deep reverence for the Holy Eucharist and foster an environment of unity and reverence within our parish community. What is the proper way to receive Communion on the tongue? If receiving the Sacred Host on the tongue, one should fold one's hands. After saying "Amen" in response to the minister of Holy Communion, the communicant should open the mouth wide and extend the tongue far enough so that the Sacred Host may be placed upon it without danger of falling. Let us approach the Lord’s Table with humility and gratitude, remembering the great gift we receive in the Eucharist. We deeply appreciate your understanding and cooperation in making this adjustment. Our primary goal is to ensure that you are able to partake in the Holy Eucharist with peace of mind and without any undue concerns.
