Expert: Edward Bode - 11/4/2009

Question
Hi Edward,
With my retirement, I have become very interested in Medieval church history-say 600-1500, currently focused on Jan Hus and the Hussite heresy. I am not a Catholic and indeed not even Christian therefore, I have no real experience of the modern Christian service beyond my books. Among other issues, the Hussite movement demanded the right to receive or to participate in Communion at more frequent intervals then the then accepted yearly-Easter-time ceremony as well as free access to the “chalice” for at that time only the priests were entitled to partake of the wine, the “blood of Christ, believers were allowed only the bread of the “body of Christ”. I am writing to ask what is the accepted modern practice concerning Communion time or intervals and if you can, when did this custom change? Thank you

Sincerely Yours ,
Michael Elior
Jerusalem

Buon Camino-yes, I will be participating in the pilgrimage to
Santiago de Compostela this upcomming Holy Year, my studies demand this experience and spirituality, even of others, can only help ones' soul.


Answer
For many centuries from mediaeval times in the Latin Rite, the practice of the laity receiving Holy Communion varied in regard to frequency.  With the passing of time, receiving became more frequent.  In  the early 20th century, the practice of young children [instructed; use of reason] receiving was officially promulgated.  Later, after the 1960s, the option of the laity to receive from the chalice became universal.    
From ancient times, some Eastern rites of the Church practiced Communion under both species.
If you do desire more, please feel free to write again.
Best wishes, Michael.