Eucharist (Holy Communion) | What You Need to Know
In addition to entries on the richness of the Eucharistic mystery in general and on the Real Presence of Christ in particular, it is important to cover the reception of Holy Communion itself, which is our opportunity to enter into the Eucharist most deeply.
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Essential Perspective
- Cyril of Jerusalem on the Body and Blood of Christ
- Happy Are Those Who Are Called to His Supper (U.S. Bishops)
- Worthiness to Receive Holy Communion
Extra Reading
The body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ are equally present under either species, the bread or the wine. However, offering communion under both species, though more cumbersome, presents a richer sign of Christ's presence. Those interested in learning about the conditions under which this is permitted may consult the norms for offering communion under both species in the United States.
Receiving communion while in an irregular marriage presents special problems which were treated by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith under Cardinal Ratzinger (now Benedict XVI) in 1994: Concerning the Reception of Holy Communion by Divorced and Remarried Members of the Faithful.
Finally, see related information in the entry on the Mass (Sacred Liturgy).