Why do Catholics sometimes receive only the host, and sometimes the chalice too? Dr. Brant Pitre traces communion under one or both kinds from the Last Supper through Trent to today — presenting the history and the Church's teaching, not a partisan case.
Communion Under Both Kinds: History and Catholic Teaching
The Roman Missal teaches that Holy Communion "has a fuller form as a sign when it takes place under both kinds," while affirming that "Christ, whole and entire… is received even under only one species." Dr. Pitre grounds this in the Bread of Life discourse (John 6:51) and the Last Supper command to "drink of it, all of you" (Matthew 26:26-28), then follows the practice through St. Justin Martyr, the Apostolic Constitutions, and the papal responses to heretics who rejected the chalice (Pope St. Leo the Great, Pope St. Gelasius I). He examines why the Latin Church developed the custom of Communion under one kind — St. Thomas Aquinas' reasons of reverence and caution — the rulings of the Council of Constance (1415) and the Council of Trent (1562) (after which, permission of the chalice was still granted to some by Popes), and the renewed permission for both kinds at Vatican II. The doctrine of concomitance runs throughout.
Key passages & sources examined: John 6:51; Matthew 26:26-28; GIRM nos. 281-287; St. Justin Martyr, 1 Apology 65-67; Apostolic Constitutions 8.13; Pope St. Leo the Great, Sermons 43; Pope St. Gelasius I, Letter 37; St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae III, q. 80.12; Council of Constance, Cum in Nonnullis; Council of Trent, Session 21; Sacrosanctum Concilium no. 55; CCC 1390.
What does "communion under both kinds" mean? Receiving both the consecrated host and the Precious Blood from the chalice — the "fuller sign" of the Eucharistic banquet described in the GIRM. The session explains when and how it is offered.
Do you receive less grace if you receive under only one kind? The Church's norm affirms that "Christ, whole and entire" is received under either species, and the session examines the doctrine of concomitance behind that teaching alongside why the GIRM still calls both kinds the "fuller sign." Dr. Pitre lays out the sources on both sides of the question rather than settling the debate for you.
Why did the Church restrict the chalice for centuries? The video walks through Aquinas' pastoral reasoning and the decrees of Constance and Trent — and how Vatican II reopened Communion under both kinds.
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I told him I do not know what I would do without all the knowledge I have gained from this program. Period. Dr. Grant Pitre is phenomenal and an excellent teacher.
This video series helped me to more deeply enter into Mass. Understanding the biblical and historical context brings me attention back to the altar, even when the kiddos are at their most distracting!
This supported by doctrine study illuminates a personal struggle and provides the necessary coping mechanisms to overcome adversity. Doctor Brant has an exquisite methodology of presenting the material in an informative manner that keeps you engaged in the discussion.
Love this subscription. Dr Pitre’s explanations are so understandable and helpful. Michael in customer service is always available and quickly answers any questions I might have.
I told him I do not know what I would do without all the knowledge I have gained from this program. Period. Dr. Grant Pitre is phenomenal and an excellent teacher.
This video series helped me to more deeply enter into Mass. Understanding the biblical and historical context brings me attention back to the altar, even when the kiddos are at their most distracting!
This supported by doctrine study illuminates a personal struggle and provides the necessary coping mechanisms to overcome adversity. Doctor Brant has an exquisite methodology of presenting the material in an informative manner that keeps you engaged in the discussion.
Love this subscription. Dr Pitre’s explanations are so understandable and helpful. Michael in customer service is always available and quickly answers any questions I might have.
