From Gert’s Catholic Library
The fourth part of the Communion Rite is Communion. The priest offers a prayer and holds up the Eucharist to the faithful, proclaiming “Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world, Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.” The congregation’s response is “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.” The priest than receives Communion and with the help of other ministers distributes Communion to the faithful. We should remember that receiving the Eucharist at Mass is a gift of Christ. The procession going up to receive Communion should be dignified and reserved with our hands folded, contemplating the great moment that is about to take place.
We may receive the Eucharist on the tongue, or in the hand. If we receive the Lord in our hand we should hold our hand open, making a throne for the Sacrament to be placed in. Then meaningfully we should take the Sacrament from our hand and place it in our mouth. When the priest says “The body of Christ” our reply is “Amen.” If we receive from the cup, we should allow the minister of the cup to present the cup to us. We again reply “Amen” to the minister’s saying “The blood of Christ.”
After receiving Communion the congregation returns to their pew to pray and give thanks to God for the wonderful gift of receiving his Son in such a miraculous and intimate manner. After everyone has received Communion the priest offers a concluding prayer.