Should Catholics receive Communion on the tongue or in the hand?

Catholics may receive Holy Communion on the tongue or, where the bishops have received permission for it, in the hand. Both are legitimate, and every communicant retains the right to receive on the tongue.

What the Church permits. The ordinary liturgical norms provide for receiving the consecrated Host on the tongue. In places where Communion in the hand has been lawfully permitted, the communicant may choose either manner. The minister should not deny Communion on the tongue merely because he prefers Communion in the hand. If there is a danger of profanation, however, Communion should not be distributed in the hand, as stated in Redemptionis Sacramentum 92.

Why reverence matters. The Eucharist is Jesus Christ Himself, truly and substantially present under the appearances of bread and wine (CCC 1374). Receiving Communion is therefore an act of worship, not the reception of ordinary food. St. Paul warns against receiving the Body and Blood of the Lord unworthily and calls Christians to discern the body (1 Cor 11:27-29). Our posture, attention, clothing, gestures, and manner of receiving should express faith in Christ's Real Presence (CCC 1387).

Receiving on the tongue. Approach prayerfully, make the prescribed sign of reverence, respond “Amen,” open your mouth, and extend your tongue enough for the minister to place the Host securely. Do not reach toward the Host or move away before receiving. When Communion is given by intinction, with the Host partly dipped into the Precious Blood, it is received on the tongue rather than in the hand.

Receiving in the hand. Place one open hand over the other to form a stable throne. After the minister says “The Body of Christ,” answer “Amen.” Receive the Host, step slightly aside, and consume it immediately before walking away. Check your palm for any visible fragments, since every part of the consecrated Host remains Christ as long as the appearance of bread remains (CCC 1377). Never carry the Host back to a pew or take it home.

How to choose. Choose the manner that helps you receive with faith, humility, and care. Do not judge Catholics who use the other lawful option. Before approaching, also make sure you are Catholic, have observed the Eucharistic fast, and are not conscious of unconfessed mortal sin (CCC 1385, 1387; Canon 916). Then receive the Lord with a sincere “Amen,” meaning, “I believe.”