The Invitation To Receive Communion

Before the distribution of the bread and wine, the celebrant, holding up or indicating the gifts, invites the people to Communion. This moment, of course, is most effective when the people come up from their seats to receive. The celebrant says a private prayer of preparation before receiving the Communion, as the members of the congregation also pray silently. In liturgical worship the celebrant genuflects, then, taking the bread and cup and holding it for the people to see, says, This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper. He adds, once only, with the people: Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed. (Catholic tradition, The Roman Missal) or The gifts of God for the people of God. The celebrant may add: Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving. (The Book of Common Prayer) The servers and choir ar…