Why do we "Bow before receiving the Eucharist"
Before receiving Communion, each person is asked to make “a gesture of reverence,” which is a slight bow of the head. This small gesture invites us to slow down and to think about what we are doing while humbly acknowledging Christ, present in the Eucharist. Since receiving Communion is something that we do every week (or maybe every day), it can become “routine.” Our bow of the head and our response of “Amen” when the minister says “The Body of Christ,” “The Blood of Christ” reminds us that this is anything but routine. Jesus Christ--God Made Man--feeds us with his own Body and Blood! We recall his Passion and remember that God is not relegated to the past, but walks with us each and every day.
Why do we "Say Amen "
When distributing Communion, the minister says, "The Body of Christ" or "The Blood of Christ." Our response of "Amen" to the statements is very important. It is a statement of faith -- "Yes, I believe" that these elements that look like bread and wine are actually fully and completely transformed (transubstantiated) into the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ.
It is also a pledge or promise. Saint Augustine told his parishioners in one of his homilies, "For you hear the words, "the Body of Christ" and respond, "Amen." Be then a member of the Body of Christ that your "Amen" may be true" (Sermo 272). Our "Amen" both states our belief and commits us to become fuller members of the Body of Christ.
So when you receive Communion, take the time to say "Amen." It is our pledge of faith.
Why do we "Receive Communion from the Chalice (Cup)"
When the mother of James and John asked Jesus to seat her sons on his right and left in his kingdom, Jesus said in reply, “Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?” (Matthew 20:20-28). Immediately before his Passion, Jesus asked his Father to “let this cup pass from me; yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). This cup of suffering is also a cup of blessing (Psalm 116), for those who drink the Blood of the New Covenant are reminded that we glory in the cross of Jesus Christ (Galatians 6:14).
In recent times, more and more parishes offer Communion under both species. While our belief is that the entire Christ is present in each species individually, the Church reminds us that there is value for us to “Take and eat; take and drink.” No one is required to drink from the cup (or chalice, as it is called in Church documents), but all must be reverent, even if not receiving in this manner.
When receiving from the chalice, remember the following:
- Say “Amen” after the minister says, “The Blood of Christ” .
- If you are sick or have a suppressed immune system, please refrain from receiving Communion under this form.
Through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults-- those who wish to become Catholic or wish to learn more about the Catholic Faith are invited to participate in a group of inquiries. For more information contact Molli Vassar at
mvassar@atlanticbb.net
