What is the name of the anthem sung at the beginning of Holy Communion?

Answer 1

It is usually called the Communion Antiphon. Traditionally a Psalm was recited during Communion with a refrain, or Antiphon, repeated every two lines. Organ music, chant, polyphony and in modern churches, church bands or mixed choirs, can also sing appropriate church music and songs during this time depending on how long it will take for Communion to be distributed to the entire congregation. At the end of the distribution of Communion, usually at the reposition of the Sacrament (i.e. putting the remaining Hosts into the tabernacle) the choir sings the Communion.

AnswerWhen Holy Communion is distributed, the choir often receives first that they might return to their places and sing uninterrupted for the rest of the distribution. During this time there is no hymn sung, though an organist might play a low background piece if they have received Communion in an earlier Mass or plan to receive Communion last. Whne the choir returns they sing the Communion Antiphon which is usually a Psalm or series of Psalms with a refrain that is repeated every two lines. If the choir wishes, and if there is yet many to receive, they may sing another song after the Communion Antiphon, so long as it is in keeping with the spirit of the event.