Offering Communion

[stuckinamo]

i feel like i am bombarding this thread with questions. (okay, only two so far) i'm sorry...but my parents just brought us to church on Sundays, never really taught us anything. And I didn't learn much in CCD and I go to a very corrupted Public School. But anways, my question is this:

is there a right way to offer up your Communion at mass for someone? do you do it when you recieve or before or after? i've always kind of just done my own thing, but i fear i am wrong in the way i do it! is there a proper way to offer one's communion up for someone or the souls in purgatory? & as an aside, does it count as you recieving the Eucharist when you offer it up?

please pardon my ignorance! God's blessings!

[Pontifex]

The reception of the Eucharist is a person's most intimate union with God this side of the veil. So, in regards to your last question, "does it count as you recieving the Eucharist when you offer it up? the answer is a resounding yes. When you receive the Eucharist it is always primarily food for your journey, giving your strength as you receive the consciousness of Christ. (so to speak)

I do not think it matters if you offer your communion for someone after or before. What matters is that your heart is pouring out in intercession for the souls in purgatory or for a loved one, etc.

I certainly would not let that thought process dominate your experience at Mass. Simply offer your petitions and receive the Eucharist focused upon the passion of Jesus.

I have always encouraged people to offer their personal offerings when they are invited during the Mass. The priest asks everyone to "Lift up Your Hearts." The heart is the part of us that contains all those petitions, struggles, dreams, fears, etc. It is a perfect opportunity to offer your hearts concerns with the one sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

On a side note. Don't apologize for asking your questions. Ask as many as you want. I commend you for seeking the Truth.

Peace,

Pontifex