The Catholic Church has specific guidelines on how to receive Holy Communion. Here are the rules for receiving communion in the Catholic Church:
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State of Grace: One must be in a state of grace, free of mortal sin, to receive Holy Communion.
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Fasting: Each communicant should refrain from eating or drinking anything (except for water) for one hour prior to receiving the Eucharist.
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Reverence: As the person in front of you is receiving Holy Communion, bow your head as a sign of reverence. If you are receiving the Host in your hand, extend both hands palms up toward the Priest/Eucharistic Minister, placing one hand directly on top of the other hand. If you are right-handed, the right hand goes on the bottom so you can receive the Host in your left hand and then pick it up with your right hand. If you are left-handed, the other way around. The Priest/Eucharistic minister will hold the Host in front of you and say, "The Body of Christ." The correct response is simply "Amen".
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Mode of Receiving: One may receive the Sacred Host either in their hand or on their tongue. The choice is theirs.
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Non-Catholics: Members of other Christian denominations are not ordinarily admitted to Communion, except in certain circumstances.
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Eastern Catholic Church: In the Eastern Catholic Church, Catholics receive the Eucharist at the time they are baptized, which is urged to take place “as soon as possible” after the birth of an infant. Eastern Catholics are obliged to receive the Eucharist when they are in danger of death, and according to the customs and laws of individual Eastern Catholic Churches, “especially at Easter time, during which Christ handed down the eucharistic mystery” .
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Impediments: Never receive Holy Communion in the hand when your hands are impeded; e.g., carrying a cane or some other walking-assistance device, carrying a child in your arms, carrying a purse, have a tissue or handkerchief in your hand, have a cast on your hand, etc. Never receive Holy Communion by extending only one hand. Never reach and grab the Host.
It is important to note that these guidelines are issued by the U.S. bishops and published in many missalettes, and they seek to remind all those who may attend Catholic liturgies of the present discipline of the Church with regard to the sharing of Eucharistic Communion.
