Instructed Eucharist June 30, 2019, 3 Pentecost PDF

The Breaking of the Bread (Fraction)
This dramatic moment in the liturgy is marked primarily by silence. In silence, the bread, the Body of
Christ, is broken, and it is broken both symbolically and literally for us. Bread must be broken to be
shared and Christ's body was broken on the cross so that all might be redeemed. After a period of
silence, a "Fraction Anthem" is usually said or sung. The Prayer Book provides a verse and response
drawn from 1 Corinthians 5:7, (Christ our Passover …).
The Invitation to Communion ("The Gifts of God for the People of God") comes from the liturgies of
the Eastern church where the usual form is "Holy things for Holy people." The optional addition of the
Anamnesis (“in remembrance of me”) has been part of Anglican Prayer Books since 1552 when it was
a sentence used in administering communion.
Communion
To receive communion, come forward to the chancel rail and kneel unless you are physically unable.
Extend your hands in a flat and cruciform shape, palms up. The minister will say the words of
administration, “The Body of Christ, the Bread of Heaven.” Your response is “Amen.” Lift your hands to
your mouth (not using your fingers to hold the bread), and eat the bread. Next, a chalice bearer will
approach. As they approach put out your hands to guide the chalice to your lips, and drink. The
chalice bearer will also say the words of administration, “The Blood of Christ, the Cup of Salvation.”
Your response, either before or after is simply “Amen.” Intinction (dipping) is done by simply receiving
the host (bread), as stated above, then, place the host between your fingers, and dip it slightly into the
chalice before placing it in your mouth.
Make the sign of the cross after receiving both elements (optional, this is a custom and not a rule).
In the Anglican Communion, all Christians are welcome to receive the sacrament of Holy
Communion, regardless of denominational affiliation or age. We offer welcome to everyone at God's
table. Those who do not wish to receive communion may come forward to receive a blessing by
kneeling at the rail and simply crossing their arms across their chest.
Psalms, hymns, and choir anthems are often sung during the time of communion.
After Communion
In the early days of the church, it seems likely that people simply left after receiving communion, and
certainly that action would emphasize the need to go out into the world with Christ to serve him, and
make him known. By the end of the period of persecution, formal postcommunion prayers and a
dismissal became standard.
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