Communion is the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, the first rule on how Catholics should receive communion is with reverence. Reverence means with respect, honor, and a healthy fear of the Lord. We are to approach our Lord with awe. Here are some good guidelines to follow for reverence.
 
First, to reverence the Eucharist, we should prepare our mind & heart for Jesus, knowing that he will come ‘under our roof’ at this Mass. Use your time at Mass well. Let the words of the Eucharistic Prayer, the Our Father, the Sign of Peace, the Lamb of God, and the Communion chant lead your prayer. They are not distractions; they are doorways for Christ to enter your life.
 
Second, as you approach the minister to receive the Eucharist, make a slight bow of your head. This is a fitting gesture of reverence. Respond “Amen” when the minister shows you “The Body/Blood of Christ.” If you are receiving communion in your hand, St. Cyril of Jerusalem reminds you, “When you approach, take care not to do so with your hand stretched out and your fingers open or apart, but rather place your left hand as a throne beneath your right, as befits one who is about to receive the King.” If receiving on the tongue, allow the minister to place the Eucharist there without withdrawing or reaching out for the host. When receiving from the cup, be sure to take the cup gently from the minister and consume a small sip of the precious Blood so there is some left for others. All of these guidelines make communion a reverential experience and prevent accidents from occurring. 
 
Finally, take time after receiving communion to be grateful for the gift you have received with the rest of the congregation. Listen to the Prayer after Communion when the priest says, “Let us pray.” These prayers change each week and open up a new dimension of the mystery of the Eucharist as it unfolds in our lives. God loves you and is with you, so go glorify him by your life!