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The Communion Rite is composed of several elements. Some elements occur simultaneously, and others are short. The three primary elements are the Lord's Prayer, the Communion Pro cession and song, and the Prayer after Communion.
The Lord's Prayer with Embolism: This "is a petition for daily food, which for Christians means also the Eucharistic bread, and for forgiveness form sin, so that what is holy ma be given to those who are holy. The priest invites all the faithful to sing or say the Lord's Prayer with him. He alone adds the Embolism, "Deliver us…" (The Embolism is "an expansion asking the Lord to grant perfect peace" (Lawrence Johnson, Mystery of Faith, page 94). The people conclude this with the Doxology, "For the kingdom, the power and the glory…" (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 56a).
The Sign of Peace: "Before they share in the same [eucharistic] bread, the people express their love for one another and beg for peace and unity in the Church and with all [humankind] (GIRM, 56b). It is to be exchanged with those who are seated close to us, and we need not attempt to give a personal greeting to all, not even to many, in the assembly. This gesture, a handshake, a hug or a kiss, should be done with all sincerity, with firmness and with reverence.
The Fraction Rite: This rite, also known as the "'breaking of the bread' (see Acts 2:43) [is a] gesture of Christ at the Last Supper [which] gave the entire Eucharistic action its name in apostolic times. In addition to its practical aspect, it signifies that in communion we who are many are made one body in the one bread of life which is Christ (see 1 Corinthians, 10:17)" (GIRM, 56c). The priest, assisted by the deacon or other ministers, distributes the Hosts from the single vessel used for consecration into smaller communion vessels. Where it is customary to receive the Blood fo Christ, it is poured from the large flagon or pitcher into the Communion cups.
The Lamb of God: This sung litany accompanies the entire Fraction Rite. It is brought to an end when the priest is ready to make the Invitation to Communion. The invocations, "Lamb of God, You…" are all titles addressed to Christ as Savior. Other titles can be used, "Prince of Peace, Lord of Lords, Wine of Peace, etc."
The Commingling: In this minor rite, which concludes the Fraction Rite, the priest drops a small particle of the Host into the Chalice. A short, silent prayer accompanies the rite. Since the eighth century, it has come to symbolize the Resurrection of Christ, and this reuniting of the Body and Blood of Christ before Communion was a kind of symbolic reenactment of this (Johnson, p. 102).
The Silent Preparation of the Priest and the People: Simply put, this time offers the priest and the members of the assembly the opportunity to prayerfully prepare, in silence, to receive Communion.
The Invitation to Communion: The formulas for this invitation, made by the priest, are taken from Scripture. As he shows the Host to the people, he says, "This is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29)", and he adds, "Happy are those who are called to his supper" (Revelation 19:9). We respond, "Lord, I amnot worthy to receive you but only say the word and I shall be healed" (Matthew 8:9) (Johnson, p. 102).
Distribution of Communion and Processional Song: "It is most desirable that the faithful should receive the Body of the Lord in hosts consecrated at the same Mass and should share the cup when it is permitted. Communion is thus a clearer sign of sharing in the sacrifice that is actually being celebrated" (GIRM, 56h). Bringing forth the reserved Eucharist from the tabernacle, while not prohibited, should be left to the moment that it should become necessary to do so.
The song that accompanies the procession and the reception of Communion is intended to express the unity of the communicants. We are all called to sing throughout this entire time, to express our willingness to be joined to one another in this act of faith.
The Purification of the Vessels: This functional and simple task, the cleansing of the Ciboria (Plates) and Chalices (Cups) make "take place after the celebration to allow both ministers and people an opportunity for prayerful silence or common song before the Prayer after Communion which serves to conclude the Rite." (Johnson, p. 93)
In Thanksgiving--Silent Prayer or Song of Praise: This period should be of sufficient length to foster true prayer. We can pray in silence, or pray together in song. These songs after Communion should contain texts which express thanksgiving that, though opitonal, we can all sing together.
The Prayer after Communion: This is a prayer which asks for the effects of the mystery just celebrated to be granted to those who have received it (GIRM, 56k). We respond, "Amen."
Questions for Reflection:
When I exchange the sign of peace, do I understand its meaning? What is the quality of my prayer after Communion?
Action Statement:
To prepare myself for receiving Communion, I will...
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