'Do This in Remembrance of Me'

	Fifth of a six-part series
	Related articles ... November 7, 2003 issue: • Part four of six: --     The Prayer of Praise and Thanksgiving October 31, 2003 issue: • Part three of six: --     The Altar, the Cross and the Book October 24, 2003 issue: • Part two of six: --     Why make any revisions in the Mass? October 17, 2003 issue: • Part one of six: --     How to enrich our experience of Mass • Compass Editorial --     Focusing on Instruction August 22, 2003 issue: • Bishop Banks' Corner --     The church's source of energy August 8, 2003 issue: • Bishop Banks' Corner --     Current Mass links us to Apostles

By Diann Wimmer
Diocesan Director of Worship

Near the time of death, a person often desires to leave a legacy, a remembrance of their presence with loved ones. Jesus, aware of his impending death, gave us the farewell gift of the Eucharist, his presence in the Bread of Life and the Cup of Eternal Blessing. This article will address issues related to our reception of Holy Communion.

Consecrated Bread and Wine: To fulfill the Lord's command, "Take and eat ... take and drink," the church encourages reception of Holy Communion with both Bread and Cup. This manner of reception is a fuller sign of the Eucharistic Banquet. Unless ill or unable, Catholics are encouraged to share in both forms. (The person administering the Cup needs to dry the inside and outside of the vessel well and turn it to provide a clean surface from which to drink.)

Reverence: As a sign of our understanding and love for the Eucharist, we Catholics are invited to renew their manner of reverence. Receiving Holy Communion thoughtfully and prayerfully will help to deepen life with Christ.

Procession: Walking in the Communion procession is a "bodily movement" that symbolizes the journey of our lives. It demonstrates that we, as a community, walk with the Lord during our lifetime. To celebrate our new life as the Body of the Risen Christ, Catholics are asked to walk slowly with hands folded, singing in unity and dressed in proper attire.

Standing for Reception of Holy Communion: The normative posture for receiving Holy Communion in the dioceses of the United States is standing. Standing is an active, attentive posture. It denotes our readiness for praise, thanksgiving and service. Also, to facilitate the movement and safety of the communion procession, it is necessary to follow the norm of walking and standing.

Bowing: The gesture of a simple bow of the head signifies recognition and honor. If they are able, Catholics are asked to bow their heads before receiving the Body of Christ and before receiving of the Cup, the Blood of Christ. To receive Communion on the tongue or in the hand is the choice of the person approaching the minister.

Lay Ministers of Holy Communion: In the dioceses of the United States, lay people trained as Ministers of Eucharist assist in the distribution of Holy Communion. We are blessed with large numbers of people participating at Masses. Therefore, the church has authorized Extraordinary Ministers of Communion to assist with distribution.

Indeed, the Green Bay Diocese is blessed with many generous people who have stepped forward to assist at Mass as ministers of Eucharist, altar servers, lectors, musicians, ushers/hospitality ministers, ministers caring for the worship environment and others for Communion to the sick and the homebound. It is a privilege to serve at Mass and we continue to value the legacy of the life of Christ given to us at his farewell.

If you have specific questions about the Mass or the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, send them by e-mail to dwimmer@gbdioc.org or call (toll-free) 1-877-500-3580, ext. 8311.