The Basilica of Saint Mary is now using our altar rail for distribution and reception of Holy Communion at all Masses

The Basilica of Saint Mary is now using our altar rail to distribute and receive Holy Communion at all Sunday Masses and on Holy Days. We have already been doing this for more than a year at our weekday Masses and it has worked well. This is the way our school children receive Communion when at the Basilica for First Friday Mass and Holy Days. It’s also how Communion is received at weddings and funerals.

I’m confident this will be a reverent, but also efficient way to receive Our Lord in the Eucharist. It actually takes less time since the priest and/or Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion moves along the rail with the ciborium and the communicant is already in place.

How does it work? Only those seated in the nave (main section) of the church will receive at the altar rail. Those seated in the balconies and side pews will continue to receive Communion at their usual stations. Exit your pew as you normally would, toward the center aisle. Approach the rail and fan out to fill open spaces. Kneel or stand at the red cushions. If you kneel, there is no need to bow or genuflect before receiving as kneeling itself is a proper show of reverence.

You may choose to receive the Sacred Host on your tongue or in your hand. Many people find receiving Our Lord on the tongue is more natural and more comfortable due to the height at which the Host is distributed at the rail.

Yours in Christ,
Father Edward Hathaway
Rector, Basilica of Saint Mary