Redemptionis Sacramentum

[The Archdiocese of Chicago has correctly noted that, even in light of the Covid-19 virus, Holy Communion on the tongue is not to be denied-Ed.]

Redemptionis Sacramentum

On certain matters to be observed or to be avoided
regarding the Most Holy Eucharist
.

The distribution of Holy Communion

The faithful should normally receive sacramental Communion of the Eucharist during Mass itself, at the moment laid down by the rite of celebration, that is to say, just after the Priest celebrant’s Communion.[172] It is the Priest celebrant’s responsibility to minister Communion, perhaps assisted by other Priests or Deacons; and he should not resume the Mass until after the Communion of the faithful is concluded. Only when there is a necessity may extraordinary ministers assist the Priest celebrant in accordance with the norm of law.[173]
[89.] “So that even by means of the signs Communion may stand out more clearly as a participation in the Sacrifice being celebrated”,[174] it is preferable that the faithful be able to receive hosts consecrated in the same Mass.[175]
[90.] “The faithful should receive Communion kneeling or standing, as the Conference of Bishops will have determined”, with its acts having received the recognitio of the Apostolic See. “However, if they receive Communion standing, it is recommended that they give due reverence before the reception of the Sacrament, as set forth in the same norms”.[176]
[91.] In distributing Holy Communion it is to be remembered that “sacred ministers may not deny the sacraments to those who seek them in a reasonable manner, are rightly disposed, and are not prohibited by law from receiving them”.[177] Hence any baptized Catholic who is not prevented by law must be admitted to Holy Communion. Therefore, it is not licit to deny Holy Communion to any of Christ’s faithful solely on the grounds, for example, that the person wishes to receive the Eucharist kneeling or standing.
[92.] ALTHOUGH EACH OF THE FAITHFUL ALWAYS HAS THE RIGHT TO RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION ON THE TONGUE, AT HIS CHOICE,[178] IF ANY COMMUNICANT SHOULD WISH TO RECEIVE THE SACRAMENT IN THE HAND, IN AREAS WHERE THE BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE WITH THE RECOGNITIO OF THE APOSTOLIC SEE HAS GIVEN PERMISSION, THE SACRED HOST IS TO BE ADMINISTERED TO HIM OR HER. However, special care should be taken to ensure that the host is consumed by the communicant in the presence of the minister, so that no one goes away carrying the Eucharistic species in his hand. If there is a risk of profanation, then Holy Communion should not be given in the hand to the faithful.[179]

[89] 1 Pet 2,9; cf. 2,4-5.

[90] Missale Romanum, Institutio Generalis, n. 91; cf. Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, n. 41.

[91] Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen gentium, n. 10.

[92] Cf. St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, III, q. 63, a. 2.


[172]
 Cf. Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, n. 55.

[173] Cf. S. Congregation of Rites, Instruction, Eucharisticum mysterium, n. 31: AAS 59 (1967) p. 558; Pontifical Commission for the Authentic Interpretation of the Code of Canon Law, Response to dubium, 1 June 1988: AAS 80 (1988) p. 1373.

[174]Missale Romanum, Institutio Generalis, n. 85.

[175] Cf. Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, n. 55; S. Congregation of Rites, Instruction, Eucharisticum mysterium, n. 31: AAS 59 (1967) p. 558; Missale Romanum, Institutio Generalis, nn. 85, 157, 243.

[176] Cf. Missale Romanum, Institutio Generalis, n. 160.

[177]Code of Canon Law, can. 843 § 1; cf. can. 915.

[178] Cf. Missale Romanum, Institutio Generalis, n. 161.

[179]Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Dubium: Notitiae 35 (1999) pp. 160-161.