Distribution of Holy Communion Under Both Species at Weekend Masses
Beginning with Masses celebrating the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (July 1-2), St. Michael Parish will begin offering Holy Communion under both species at weekend Masses, as long as there are enough Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to assist with the distribution at each Mass.
Each Sunday we join together as a parish community to celebrate Christ's presence in our community, in His Word, the Sacred Scriptures, and "truly, really, and substantially" in Holy Communion. His presence is not momentary nor simply signified, but wholly and permanently real under each of the consecrated species of bread and wine (c.f. Council of Trent, Session viii).
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has outlined the Norms for the distribution and reception of Holy Communion in their 2002 document, Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion Under Both Kinds in the Dioceses of the United States of America.
Catholics are encouraged to receive Holy Communion devoutly and frequently. 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 intention of confessing as soon as possible (Canon 916). A frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance is encouraged for all (c.f. Norms, 5).
The communicant may choose whether to receive the Blessed Sacrament either in the hand or on the tongue. Before receiving, the communicant should make an act of reverence to Jesus’ presence in the sacred species with a bow of the head. The minister will say "The Body of Christ", to which the communicant responds, "Amen" in a sincere tone reflecting their faith. Then the communicant outstretches both hands or their tongue to receive. The communicant immediately receives the Blessed Sacrament before moving away from the minister. Again, when approaching to receive the Precious Blood, the communicant should make an act of reverence to the sacred species with a bow of the head. The minister will say, "The Blood of Christ", to which the communicant responds, "Amen." Then the communicant receives the chalice with both hands and takes a small sip before returning the chalice into the hands of the minister. Christ's Presence fully subsists in both species, therefore, the taking of Holy Communion, when offered under both species, remains optional for the communicant (c.f. Norms, 41-46, Redemptionis Sacramentum, 90-92).
For those with gluten sensitivities, a low-gluten host may be consecrated for you with prior approval from the Bishop of Portland. For those with serious gluten intolerance who cannot even receive a low-gluten host, the Precious Blood is available. Please contact the parish office with any questions or to begin the process of seeking approval.
Resources: Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion under Both Kinds in the Dioceses of the United States of America, USCCB, 2002; Redemptionis Sacramentum, Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, 2004.