4/26/2021
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| Duccio, "Madonna" |
Paragraph 87 of RS concerns First Holy Communion. It indicates Sacramental Confession and Absolution as a necessary preparation. The priest is always to be the minister of First Holy Communion. First Holy Communion should never take place outside of Mass. It is more appropriately administered on Sundays, the day of the Eucharist. Insufficiently prepared children should not come forward. Exceptionally mature children who are judged to be ready and you have been sufficiently instructed may come forward even if they be young.
“The Distribution of Holy Communion”
Paragraphs 88-96 deal with the distribution of Holy Communion within Mass. Extraordinary ministers may assist only when there is a necessity. Paragraph 90 refers to the posture of kneeling or standing for the faithful when receiving Holy Communion. It indicates the determination of the bishops conference in the matter. The USCCB indicates that “Holy Communion is to be received standing, unless an individual member of the faithful wishes to receive Communion while kneeling.” Paragraph 91 indicates that it is illicit to deny Holy Communion solely on the grounds of the recipient’s desire to kneel or stand.
The faithful always have the right to receive Holy Communion on the tongue. The bishops can obtain for their conference the permission to receive the MBS on the hand. The host is to be consumed in the presence of the minister. “No one goes away carrying the Eucharistic species in his hand.” Holy Communion should not be given in the hand if there is a risk of profanation.
