All Baptized Catholics are welcome & encouraged to receive Holy Communion provided they have fasted and go to Confession regularly.
All Orthodox are encouraged to follow the Canons of their Church and are welcome to Holy Communion as well in the spirit of Oeconomia.
In places where it is offered, everyone is welcome to receive the “Antidor”, the Blessed Bread at the end of Divine Liturgy. However this is not normally done at Holy Cross Parish.
Baptized infants and children, are normally presented in the arms of their parents/God-parents/grandparents. In the case of babies and very young children, only the Blood of Christ is given.
Older children are encouraged to learn about both the HOLY Mysteries of Confession and Eucharist at “First Solemn Communion” classes* which are offered primarily to children in grade 2 or 3.
If you are receiving Holy Communion:
- make the sign of the Cross
- cross your hands over your heart
- tell the priest your name
- come up close to the Holy Cup
- if you are significantly taller than the priest or Eucharistic Minister you can lower yourself so that they can reach your mouth more easily; however this is only necessary if you are taller.
- tilt your head back slightly
- open your mouth wide
- ensure that your tongue is well back in your mouth; do NOT stick out your tongue
- do NOT close your mouth, lick, or otherwise touch the spoon; the distributer will drop the Eucharist into your open mouth
- after receiving, you do not need to say “Amen” as do those receiving in the Roman Catholic Church
- make the sign of the Cross again
- return to your spot, and thank the Lord for this opportunity to receive this Sacrament
* We have begun to discuss our “First Solemn Communion” program for this year here at Holy Cross Parish. Details will be shared in this weekly bulletin when they are solidified. In the mean time, if you have a child who is of that age and maturity, please send Fr. Bo an email.
