And now a few words on "Active Participation"

"In order to join in Holy Communion rightly, you must give heed to several things:

In the beginning, and before the priest goes up to the Altar, make your preparation with his - placing yourself in God's Presence, confessing your unworthiness, and asking for forgiveness;

Until the Gospel, dwell upon the Coming and the Life of our Lord in this world;

From the Gospel to the end of the Creed, dwell upon our Dear Lord's teaching, and renew your resolution to live and die in the faith of the Holy Catholic Church;

From thence, fix you heart on the mysteries of the Word, and unite yourself to the Death and Passion of our Redeemer, now actually and essentially set forth in this Holy Sacrifice, which, together with the Priest and all the congregation, you offer to God the Father, to His Glory and your own salvation;

Up to the moment of communicating, offer all the longings and desires of your heart, above all desiring most earnestly to be united forever to our Saviour by His Eternal Love;

From the time of Communion to the end, thank His Gracious Majesty for His Incarnation, His Life, Death, Passion, and the Love which He set forth in this Holy Sacrifice, entreating through it His favor for yourself, your relations and friends, and the whole Church; and humbling yourself sincerely, devoutly receive the blessing which our Dear Lord give you through the channel of His Minister."

- St. Fracis de Sales, Introduction to the Devout Life, Ch. XIV, 5.