Expert: Tom Schott - 5/24/2009

Question
In an attempt to broaden and deepen my understanding of Catholicism, I've recently been attending several distinctly different parishes in my home archdiocese.  I've been especially fascinated with the minor differences of culture and practice within the larger structure of the mass.

One example in particular still confuses me, though.  Here's what I understand of the accepted methods for receiving communion.  Please correct me if I'm mistaken.

- There are two general methods that are appropriate: receiving the Host on the tongue and receiving the Host on the hand (if the bishop has said so, which I don't actually know of anywhere in the US that hasn't accepted it, but I've also not attended every diocese in the country and can't hazard a guess).

- Kneeling is permitted (and seems more prevalent in some of the more traditional parishes) and is understood to be a sign of reverence to the Host (not, as a confused Protestant friend assumed, to the priest).

- Standing is also permitted and is not seen as an insult to the Host.  (Though I will admit I've never attended a mass where everyone knelt; would it be an socially unacceptable to stand in that circumstance?)

If all of that is correct, here is the question:
- Is it required or is it just cultural habit to take the bread and eat it, or is it acceptable to dip the bread in the wine and take them together?  Is there an age component to it?  (I see mostly children doing it and I seem to recall being taught that it was appropriate when I was preparing for my own first communion.)

Answer
Angela,

  It is "acceptable" to dip the bread in the cup--no one will stop you--and it is perhaps wise for a person who is ill to do so (although not taking the wine is better), but it is discouraged. The whole idea of sacramental signs is to BE signs. The signs of the Eucharist are bread AND wine. Both should be taken separately therefore to reinforce our completeness with the body and blood of the Lord. In my opinion, it is better to take communion under just one species, bread or wine, rather than dip.