The Mass and the reception of the Eucharist are the centerpiece of the Christian life, so we need to take them seriously!
Unfortunately, whether it’s out of ignorance or laziness, it seems many Catholics do not receive the Eucharist correctly.
Here are three mistakes many Catholics make when receiving the Eucharist:
1) Not bowing before receiving the Eucharist.
Many Catholics move through the Communion line and receive the Eucharist with little or no outward sign of reverence. Yet in this sacrament, we are receiving Jesus Himself—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity—so a visible sign of adoration and love is not just fitting, it’s deeply important and necessary.
Some may not even realize that a specific gesture of reverence is expected before receiving Holy Communion. Yet, the USCCB clearly explains this requirement in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. It provides concrete norms for how we are to approach the Eucharist:
“When receiving Holy Communion, the communicant bows his or her head before the Sacrament as a gesture of reverence… [T]he sign of reverence is also made before receiving the Precious Blood.” (GIRM 160)
Though the norm in the United States is to receive while standing (after bowing your head), individuals can also receive while kneeling if they so choose. (GIRM 160)
But don’t do nothing!
2) Not saying “Amen.”
It’s easy for this part of the liturgy to get rushed, especially when the Communion line is long, and people feel pressure to move quickly. But the Order of Mass is clear: after the priest (or minister) presents the Host and says, “The Body of Christ,” the communicant is to respond, “Amen.”
This simple word matters—it is a personal profession of faith that you truly believe you are receiving Christ Himself, and a moment to renew that faith interiorly.
It’s just one word, so don’t skip it; slow down, look at the Host, and consciously say, “Amen.”
3) Are you in a state of grace?
Still, many Catholics seem unaware of a serious reality: you are only supposed to receive the Eucharist if you are a practicing Catholic in a state of grace.
If you have committed any mortal sin since your last good confession, you must first be reconciled in the sacrament of penance before approaching Holy Communion. You should still attend Mass, but if you are not in a state of grace, you should not receive.
This matters for at least two reasons.
First, receiving the Eucharist in a state of mortal sin is a sacrilege—an abuse of the sacrament and a grave offense against the Lord—so we must not do it.
Second, not receiving when you are not in the proper state shows your love and respect for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. If you are in the state of mortal sin, going to Mass but not receiving is a humble step back onto the right path, showing that you take both your soul and the Real Presence of Christ seriously.