Distribution of Communion

Adapted from the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (2011)

The distribution of Holy Communion under both kinds has been the norm for more than a millenium. It began during the first days of the Church's celebration of the Eucharist in fulfillment of the Lord's command to "take and eat . . . take and drink." This practice continued until the late eleventh century when the custom of distributing communion to the faithful under of the form of bread alone began to grow.

The Fathers of the Second Vatican Council restored the distribution of Holy Communion under both kinds at the bishop's discretion. Support for this practice has grown even more strongly with the third typical edition of the Roman Missal:

Holy Communion has a fuller form as a sign when it takes place under both kinds. For in this form the sign of the Eucharistic banquet is more clearly evident and clearer expression is given to the divine will by which the new and eternal Covenant is ratified in the Blood of the Lord, as also the connection between the Eucharistic banquet and the eschatological banquet in the Kingdom of the Father

Resources

The following resources address specific issues related to the distribution of Holy Communion.

Guidelines for the Reception of Communion