Instruction on the Eucharist - JUNE 18, 2006

Implementation of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal & Instruction on the Eucharist

In his Encyclical on the Eucharist (Ecclesia de Eucharistia), Pope John Paul II wrote: “The Holy Eucharist stands at the center of the Church’s life and…is the most precious possession which the Church can have in her journey through history.” In his letter to the Priest of our Diocese, Bishop Tobin writes: “The implementation of these directives provides us with an opportunity, then, not only to review our liturgical practice, but also to renew our personal reverence for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, this ‘precious possession’ of the Church, and to encourage our people to a more active and vibrant participation in the holy mysteries.”

Norms Concerning the Assembly:

1. During the recitation of the Creed, all should bow their heads at the words:
“by the power of the Holy Spirit, he was born of the Virgin Mary
and became man.”

2. After the priest washes his hands, returns to the center of the Altar and says:
“Pray brethren…, all should STAND first and then respond: “May the
Lord accept…”

3. When receiving Holy Communion, the communicant bows his/her head before the Sacrament as a gesture of reverence, and then receives the Body of Christ.