When it is our turn to receive Holy Communion we can receive the host while kneeling or standing.

If we choose to receive the host while kneeling, we gently drop to both knees with our hands folded before us in prayer. The priest, deacon, acolyte, or extraordinary minister will raise the consecrated host and proclaim “The Body of Christ” and we reply firmly, not meekly  “Amen!”  We then tilt our heads back and extend our tongue far enough so the host can be laid on it without falling off. We then rise, move one step to the side and make the Sign of the Cross.

If we choose to receive the host while standing, we should bow our heads to the consecrated host which is Jesus and step forward. The priest, deacon, acolyte, or extraordinary minister will raise the consecrated host and proclaim “The Body of Christ” and we reply firmly, not meekly  “Amen!”

If we choose to receive on the tongue, which is the norm in most parts of the world, we then extend our tongue far enough so the host can be laid on it without falling off. If we choose to receive in the hand, we cup one hand under the other to make a ‘throne’ for Christ and raise them high to receive the Body of Christ. We immediately consume the host. We then move one step to the side and make the Sign of the Cross. 

If we choose to receive Holy Communion from the chalice, we again should bow our heads to the Precious Blood which is Jesus and step forward. We do not kneel to receive the chalice so as to make sure none of the Precious Blood is accidentally spilled. The priest, deacon, acolyte, or extraordinary minister will raise the sacred chalice and proclaim “The Blood of Christ” and again we reply firmly, not meekly “Amen!”  We then receive the chalice that is offered and sip a small amount of the Precious Blood. Carefully hand the chalice back then make the Sign of the Cross.

After receiving Communion we return to our seats and silently pray a prayer of thanksgiving to God for what we have just received: the REAL Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ himself!  We may kneel or sit until the distubution of Holy Communion is finished and Jesus has been removed from the altar.

St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.