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Setting in motion the worthiness to receive Holy Communion, the Communion Procession 

As Catholics, we should understand that our Communion Procession is a sign of the pilgrim Church, the body of those who believe in Christ, on their way to the Heavenly Jerusalem. When we move in procession to receive the Body and Blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus in Communion, we are witnesses of the pilgrim Church "on the way." 

For some people, the experience of the Communion Procession can be ordinary and uninspiring. It may be likened to standing in the checkout line at the supermarket.  Such a perception greatly diminishes the significance of the moment.  At Christ's invitation, extended by the priest acting in Christ's person, "Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb." 

The faithful who are in the state of grace are called toward the altar to share in the sacred meal, to receive the Body and Blood of Christ which is the sign and the source of their unity.  We join the countless ranks of all the baptized who have gone before us, our loved ones, the canonized and uncanonized saints, who at their time in history formed a part of this mighty stream of believers. (Even the angels are jealous of this opportunity – St. Maximilian Kolbe.) 

This uniform action by Christ's body, the Church assembled for the Eucharist, is manifested and supported by the Communion song, a hymn in praise of Christ sung by the voices of those who believe in him and share his life. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) takes this hymn very seriously, mandating that it should begin at the Communion of the priest and extend until the last person has received Communion. 

There are those who feel the singing of this hymn is an intrusion on their own prayer, their private thanksgiving after Communion. However, this hymn is prayer that encompasses thanksgiving of the members of Christ's Body united with one another.  The prayers of the liturgy and the norms of the GIRM emphasize this fundamental concept of the unity of the baptized, coming together to participate in the Eucharistic celebration.  We come, not as individuals, but as members of Christ's Body. Christ himself at the Last Supper pleaded with his Father: "Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are." (John 17:11). 

The Communion Procession is a profoundly religious action. We are the Body of Christ, moving forward to receive the Christ who makes us one with Himself and with one another. Our procession should move with dignity; knowing that we have been redeemed by Christ and are coming to receive our God. 

Next week, I will continue this conversation and provide some insight on what the Church asks of the faithful as they are about to reverently receive the Holy Eucharist at Mass. 





Author Bio:
Deacon Dan Vaughn