What do we do if a consecrated host falls on the floor?

July 26, 2026

The last few weeks have been busy, and in general it has been a busy summer at the parish so far. All the while I have been racking my brain trying to decide on what to write for the next series of articles for the bulletin. I have had a number of good suggestions from others along with my own mediocre ideas. I believe that for the time being I will take one of the suggestions and use the space to answer some questions and possibly provide some clarity to concrete things regarding our faith and sacramental practice. We all know that there is a bevy of information out there today online and in print. Some is good, some is bad. One of the hard things to discern is whether or not someone’s take is what the Church actually teaches or just their opinion and understanding of it. All of those who have heard me speak at meetings or presentations know that I generally divide the two categories pretty clearly. I try and state “this is what the Church teaches” or “this is my preference” when there is the option to choose. I do try to make very clear what the Church actually teaches and if there are options or not. With that being said, going forward, if there is a question you may have or something about the teachings of the Church or sacramental practice that you might be wondering about, drop an email or catch me after Mass and if possible, I will include it in this series.

Today we are going to look at the first question that was brought up by someone, not for themselves, as they knew the answer, but for others as they had spoken to some folks who simply were not aware.

What do we do if a consecrated host falls on the floor, in particular during communion? Are we supposed to pick it up ourselves?

The short answer is no, do not pick it up yourself unless there is an immediate danger of the host being stepped on. While many think that picking up the Eucharist immediately is the best option and the concern is definitely commendable, and even some priests will tell them to do so, this is not the proper way. Firstly, we have to contend with the knowledge that the literal body of Christ has fallen on the ground. That is a moment when the world for us should stop. While accidents do happen, it is a big deal. The very fact that it is Christ, the most important person in the world that we are dealing with, makes it a very big deal.

What are the proper steps we should take?

We should first make sure that someone alerts the priest or deacon that the Eucharist has fallen. Next, we ourselves or someone else should stand next to the place to make sure no one walks on it. Then, once the Eucharist has been picked up by the priest or deacon the spot is to be covered by a white cloth that serves as sign that no one should tread upon that spot until it has been purified. What many do not realize is that when the host falls there are always small fragments that stay on the floor once the Eucharist has been picked up. Those fragments are just as much Christ as the rest of the host. As the Church teaches “in each and every piece of the Eucharist is all of Christ”. Many of you have probably seen me use a white cloth with some water on it to purify the spot where the Eucharist fell. We put some water on the cloth because that causes the particles to stick to it and fully removes them from the ground. The goal is to make sure that the good Lord does not end up being walked upon or stuck to the bottom of someones shoe. That cloth is then laundered in the same special manner as the rest of the Mass linens.

God love you,

Fr. Anthony