ON GIVING

COMMUNION
GENERAL DISCUSSION:

• Everyone of us has friends among the

congregation and also some whom he
likes less. How can we show when
distributing communion that we are not
making the least distinction?
• ( no facial expression at all, always have the
same tone of voice always the same peed of
action; no looking at persons....
absolute equality).
OUR RULE:

•Avoid discrimination
in giving Communion
• If somebody comes forward for communion, it is
better to take the risk of giving communion to the
wrong person, than to offend somebody.
• If in doubt, we rather give communion. Refusal of
communion to an adult is a rare case.
• We can refuse communion to small children when
we know that they have not yet received their
first communion.
• If you think that somebody is still a catechumen, do
not refuse to give.
• If a stranger comes forward, let us not refuse even
if we have doubts.
• We do not ask questions at the place of
communion.
• Lack of reverence. Did you ever see people coming
forward for communion in a very irreverent way?
• Although we feel highly offended, we will not make
remarks during distribution of Communion. Also, if
people do not open their hands nicely for
communion or fail to open their mouth properly, let
us not in any way, show any reaction.
COMMUNION FOR THE SICK IN A
HOME

• 1. The minister who brings Holy Communion

to the house greets in a warm and personal
way to the people: “ Peace be with you this
house and with all of you”.
• 2. He puts the sacrament on a table. All
kneel for some time before the Blessed
Sacrament , either in silent adoration, or
singing a hymn of adoration.
• 3. The minister then invites the sick person
and all to an act of repentance:
• “Brothers and sisters, let us be mindful of our
sins, so that we may be worthy to take part in
this service of Holy Communion”.
• 4. After a few moments of silence:
• “ I confess to Almighty God.....
• 5. The minister concludes:
• “ May Almighty God have mercy on us....
Amen.
• 6. One of those present or the minister himself
now reads a suitable passage from the Holy
Scriptures.
• 7. Then, the Minister says, “ To prepare
ourselves to receive the body of Christ, let us
now pray together as our Lord taught us: Our
Father......”
• 8. Showing the Holy Sacrament to the sick, he
says:
• “ This is the Lamb of God..... Lord. I am not
worthy.....”
• Minister: “The Body of Christ”
• 9. After the communion , the pyx is
purified as usual, and a period of silence
may then be observed. In conclusion,
the minister prays for the sick.....

• 10. the minister then invokes the

blessing of God, signing himself, saying:
“ May Almighty God bless you..........”
DIVERSE PROBLEMS

• 1. When the sick falls unconscious or

become delirious, not talking sense anymore,
do not give communion, but lead a
prayer.....
• Why? Holy Communion does not help through
physical contact, but through conscious
participation. It is like a celebration, which
needs your attention, your consent, your
emotions, your inner agreement with what is
said and done)
• 2. When a sick person is conscious but cannot
swallow anything dry, give communion and
immediately afterwards, give water to drink

• 3. If the sick person asks for the sacrament

of confession, tell him that a priest is not
around and lead him into prayer for the
forgiveness of his sins.

• 4. When the situation calls for it, inform

your priest that the sick needs to receive the
sacrament of the Anointing of the Sin.
COOPERATION OF ALL
LAY COMMUNION
MINISTER

• In case when internal misunderstanding and gaps

occur among the ministers regarding which ritual to
follow and what should be modified in the ritual, it
is suggested that the ministers come together
regularly for formation and meeting so that unity of
purpose and relationships will be strengthened.
Only then can we claim that we are truly Lay
Communion Ministers, servant-leaders.