Communion Antiphon



Dear Catholic Exchange:

I have been curious about the practice of reading aloud the communion antiphon right after the priest takes communion. Is this new since the liturgy changed in the 60s, and is this the actual rubric for the Mass? Some parishes let lay people recite it from the pew.

Thank You

Dear Friend,

Peace in Christ!

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), issued by the Vatican with approved adaptations from the U.S. Bishops, provides:

“During the priest’s reception of communion, the communion song is begun… If there is no singing the communion antiphon in the Missal may be recited either by the faithful, or by a group of them, or by a reader. Otherwise the priest himself says it after he has received Communion and before he gives Communion to them” (nos. 86, 87).

Therefore, it appears that when used, the communion antiphon should be begun during the priest’s reception of communion or before the people receive. The practice of laypeople reading the antiphon flows from the liturgical renewal of Vatican II and its emphasis on full participation in the Mass by the faithful.

United in the Faith,



Peter Balbirnie

Information Specialist

Catholics United for the Faith

827 North Fourth Street

Steubenville, OH 43952

800-MY-FAITH (800-693-2484)


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