A Visitor to Mass

[baxter112]

For some time now I have attended the Sunday 7am Mass as a visitor.
I am not catholic, and have never in my life had any religious affiliation or instruction. I do, however, feel drawn to the church in ways I do not understand and cannot explain. Especially I am drawn to the sounds and images of the liturgy. I love early liturgical music (Palestrina, Monteverdi) I love to follow the English translations of Latin Prayers.
I know that I am not to participate in the communion, and remain seated and in prayer during that part of the Mass.
My question is this, I read somewhere that non catholics may proceed to the altar with the rest of the congregation, but approaching the priest should cross arms at the chest to receive a blessing instead of the eucharist. Is this common and/or acceptable at Catholic Mass?
Baxter

 

[KarenElissa]

That is a loaded question around here! It will depend on who you ask, many parishes have this practice, but other people will say that it isn’t acceptable. I would say either watch other people at your parish, and if you see anyone doing it, it is probably ok there. You can also ask the priest and he can let you know how it works where you are.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

For some time now I have attended the Sunday 7am Mass as a visitor.
I am not catholic, and have never in my life had any religious affiliation or instruction. I do, however, feel drawn to the church in ways I do not understand and cannot explain. Especially I am drawn to the sounds and images of the liturgy. I love early liturgical music (Palestrina, Monteverdi) I love to follow the English translations of Latin Prayers.
I know that I am not to participate in the communion, and remain seated and in prayer during that part of the Mass.
My question is this, I read somewhere that non catholics may proceed to the altar with the rest of the congregation, but approaching the priest should cross arms at the chest to receive a blessing instead of the eucharist. Is this common and/or acceptable at Catholic Mass?
Baxter

It is essentially a local innovation that is not found in ANY official Liturgical documents from the Church. It in my opinion should not be done.

 

[benedictgal]

Welcome to the forums. Unfortunately, what you ask is not allowed. Here is the relevant letter from the Congregation for Divine Worship:

1. The liturgical blessing of the Holy Mass is properly given to each and to all at the conclusion of the Mass, just a few moments subsequent to the distribution of Holy Communion.

1. Lay people, within the context of Holy Mass, are unable to confer blessings. These blessings, rather, are the competence of the priest (cf. Ecclesia de Mysterio, Notitiae 34 (15 Aug. 1997), art. 6, § 2; Canon 1169, § 2; and Roman Ritual De Benedictionibus (1985), n. 18).

1. Furthermore, the laying on of a hand or hands — which has its own sacramental significance, inappropriate here — by those distributing Holy Communion, in substitution for its reception, is to be explicitly discouraged.

1. The Apostolic Exhortation Familiaris Consortio n. 84, “forbids any pastor, for whatever reason to pretext even of a pastoral nature, to perform ceremonies of any kind for divorced people who remarry”. To be feared is that any form of blessing in substitution for communion would give the impression that the divorced and remarried have been returned, in some sense, to the status of Catholics in good standing.

1. In a similar way, for others who are not to be admitted to Holy Communion in accord with the norm of law, the Church’s discipline has already made clear that they should not approach Holy Communion nor receive a blessing. This would include non-Catholics and those envisaged in can. 915 (i.e., those under the penalty of excommunication or interdict, and others who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin).

I hope this helps.

 

[PacoG]

For some time now I have attended the Sunday 7am Mass as a visitor.
I am not catholic, and have never in my life had any religious affiliation or instruction. I do, however, feel drawn to the church in ways I do not understand and cannot explain. Especially I am drawn to the sounds and images of the liturgy. I love early liturgical music (Palestrina, Monteverdi) I love to follow the English translations of Latin Prayers.
I know that I am not to participate in the communion, and remain seated and in prayer during that part of the Mass.
My question is this, I read somewhere that non catholics may proceed to the altar with the rest of the congregation, but approaching the priest should cross arms at the chest to receive a blessing instead of the eucharist. Is this common and/or acceptable at Catholic Mass?
Baxter

Perhaps instead of quoting Church rulings to baxter, it would be more appropriate to advise on what non-Catholics attending Mass can do in lieu of Communion. I don’t think he was asking for the black letter law. His question was more practical…what can he during Communion. I think that we on this board need to be more attune to answering these questions and giving spiritual guidance to people who ask questions such as these instead of quoting Church documents.

Perhaps if we were more disposed to giving guidance to non-Catholics like baxter who ask what they can do and who want to participate at Mass, Our Lord will enter their heart and set them ablaze to come home to the Church. (The guy already has a love for the Mass.) Advice to pray the Act of Spiritual Communion has more potential to win souls because of the nature of the prayer than does quoting letters from the Congregation for Divine Worship.

Now to your question baxter…

A more profound and appropriate practice would be to pray an Act of Spiritual Communion. As you cannot receive the Body and Blood of Our Lord, you instead ask Him to enter your soul. This was the prayerful substitute for Communion for people who had impediments to receiving the Blessed Sacrament for ages until this cross-your-arms-and-get-a-blessing thing surfaced a few years ago.

The common (but not exclusive) wording of the Act of Spiritual Communion goes like this:
My Jesus,
I believe that You
are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment
receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.

Pray this during Communion.

 

[Stromboli]

For some time now I have attended the Sunday 7am Mass as a visitor.
I am not catholic, and have never in my life had any religious affiliation or instruction. I do, however, feel drawn to the church in ways I do not understand and cannot explain. Especially I am drawn to the sounds and images of the liturgy. I love early liturgical music (Palestrina, Monteverdi) I love to follow the English translations of Latin Prayers.
I know that I am not to participate in the communion, and remain seated and in prayer during that part of the Mass.
My question is this, I read somewhere that non catholics may proceed to the altar with the rest of the congregation, but approaching the priest should cross arms at the chest to receive a blessing instead of the eucharist. Is this common and/or acceptable at Catholic Mass?
Baxter

It most certainly is a very common, accepted and licit practice here in the USA unless a local bishop has a specific prohibition against it which is very rare. If you are feeling a bit nervous, give the office of the parish you attend a call during the week to ensure it’s OK in your locality. If you feel unsure because you have been given mixed information here, again call the parish office or the chancery of the diocese. Better yet ask the local pastor after a Mass in person.

Whatever you do, don’t allow yourself to get mired-down in technical legalese that is being interpreted here by non-experts. Rely on the clergy, that’s what they are there for. Be sure to get in the “line” of a bishop, priest or deacon as only they can impart a blessing.

I hope you continue to attend Mass and I hope that you will process up for a blessing should you feel the desire.

God is working to bring you Home…

 

[benedictgal]

[edited]

To the OP, PacoG gave you some excellent advise regarding what you can do in lieu of receiving Holy Communion. Making a spiritual communion is the best avenue for you as you explore the Faith of the Church. For my part, I will be praying for you. God bless you.

 

[malphono]

For some time now I have attended the Sunday 7am Mass as a visitor.
I am not catholic, and have never in my life had any religious affiliation or instruction. I do, however, feel drawn to the church in ways I do not understand and cannot explain. Especially I am drawn to the sounds and images of the liturgy. I love early liturgical music (Palestrina, Monteverdi) I love to follow the English translations of Latin Prayers.
I know that I am not to participate in the communion, and remain seated and in prayer during that part of the Mass.
My question is this, I read somewhere that non catholics may proceed to the altar with the rest of the congregation, but approaching the priest should cross arms at the chest to receive a blessing instead of the eucharist. Is this common and/or acceptable at Catholic Mass?
Baxter

You say “… I love to follow the English translations of the Latin prayers” which gives rise to a question: which form of the Latin Rite Mass do you attend? Is it the EF (“extraordinary form” aka the “TLM” (“Traditional Latin Mass”)) or is it the OF (ordinary form, aka Novus Ordo (NO))?

If it’s the EF, it’s not traditional to go up for a “blessing” in lieu of communion. But you can, of course, still have a chat with the priest. No doubt he’d be very happy to discuss things with you.

If it’s the OF, I can offer nothing beyond what benedictgal has already said.

 

[baxter112]

Thank you, especially Paco, for your reply.
I know I have a lot to learn and do not want to cause offense. Never having had any religious affiliation, I am quite new at this and just trying to be open to the spirit of the lord. Not really sure where to begin. I have often felt somewhat self conscious and an “outsider” at times during Mass. I appreciate your insightful answer.
Baxter

 

[Bo2418]

For some time now I have attended the Sunday 7am Mass as a visitor.
I am not catholic, and have never in my life had any religious affiliation or instruction. I do, however, feel drawn to the church in ways I do not understand and cannot explain. Especially I am drawn to the sounds and images of the liturgy. I love early liturgical music (Palestrina, Monteverdi) I love to follow the English translations of Latin Prayers.
I know that I am not to participate in the communion, and remain seated and in prayer during that part of the Mass.
My question is this, I read somewhere that non catholics may proceed to the altar with the rest of the congregation, but approaching the priest should cross arms at the chest to receive a blessing instead of the eucharist. Is this common and/or acceptable at Catholic Mass?
Baxter

It is fine to do this, you will see it in masses all over the world and i have seen it done at a mass with Pope Benedict, the Holy Father did not have a problem with it. If this is comfortable for you to do, then there is nothing wrong with getting a blessing.

 

[BSHoop96]

For some time now I have attended the Sunday 7am Mass as a visitor.
I am not catholic, and have never in my life had any religious affiliation or instruction. I do, however, feel drawn to the church in ways I do not understand and cannot explain. Especially I am drawn to the sounds and images of the liturgy. I love early liturgical music (Palestrina, Monteverdi) I love to follow the English translations of Latin Prayers.
I know that I am not to participate in the communion, and remain seated and in prayer during that part of the Mass.
My question is this, I read somewhere that non catholics may proceed to the altar with the rest of the congregation, but approaching the priest should cross arms at the chest to receive a blessing instead of the eucharist. Is this common and/or acceptable at Catholic Mass?
Baxter

Yes, we have a long thread about that and “officially” it is a no-no. But don’t forget. A few minutes later the priest will bless “everyone” at the close of Mass and that includes you!
Why not try out the next inquiry and/or RCIA class? No commitments…you can just try.

Also wanted to add that there is no reason to feel self-conscious if you remain in the pew. This is what even Catholics are supposed to do if for some reason they are unable to receive. The reason could be as simple as they forgot and ate something within the last hour or perhaps they haven’t had a chance to go to confession and they need to. Good luck!

 

[FrDavid96]

For some time now I have attended the Sunday 7am Mass as a visitor.
I am not catholic, and have never in my life had any religious affiliation or instruction. I do, however, feel drawn to the church in ways I do not understand and cannot explain. Especially I am drawn to the sounds and images of the liturgy. I love early liturgical music (Palestrina, Monteverdi) I love to follow the English translations of Latin Prayers.
I know that I am not to participate in the communion, and remain seated and in prayer during that part of the Mass.
My question is this, I read somewhere that non catholics may proceed to the altar with the rest of the congregation, but approaching the priest should cross arms at the chest to receive a blessing instead of the eucharist. Is this common and/or acceptable at Catholic Mass?
Baxter

Baxter,
You’re always welcome to become an “insider” rather than a visitor. Speak to the pastor there, who can guide you. You’re welcome to attend Mass anytime, but why not consider attending as a full participant?

You said “I do, however, feel drawn to the church in ways I do not understand and cannot explain.” The explanation is pretty straightforward; The Holy Spirit. Short of a phone call or an engraved invitation, it sounds like this invitation is about as direct as they come.

In answer to your last question, keep in mind benedictgal’s post and in particular paragraph #5, as well as PacoG’s contribution that you make a spiritual Communion. They’re both giving good information.

 

[baxter112]

Thanks,
At this point I"m just trying to understand the simple truths, like God’s mercy, I am not quite ready for the hard stuff like church law. I have not and will not take communion, just asking a question.
Baxter

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Thanks,
At this point I"m just trying to understand the simple truths, like God’s mercy, I am not quite ready for the hard stuff like church law. I have not and will not take communion, just asking a question.
Baxter

After the Consecration and during Holy Communion Christ is truly Really Present right there, you are in His Sacramental presence. There is no better time to talk to Him and Listen to Him.

 

[Texas_Roofer]

Thanks,
At this point I"m just trying to understand the simple truths, like God’s mercy, I am not quite ready for the hard stuff like church law. I have not and will not take communion, just asking a question.
Baxter

I have yet to see such a prohibition, we practice the blessing of those in line

Welcome to the forums. Unfortunately, what you ask is not allowed. Here is the relevant letter from the Congregation for Divine Worship:
I hope this helps.

Help me out, I do not see a prohibition. I see a prohibition for those known to live a state of sin (remarried, excommunicated, etc) and the prohibition against Laity/Extraordinary Ministers giving mass blessings.
The letter said that “this matter is presently under the attentive study of the Congregation”, so “for the present, this dicastery wishes to limit itself to the following observations.” - Protocol No. 930/08/L

So what places baxter112 into this list? Until further rulings my advice is to ask the local Priest after mass.

 

[stanthonyserver]

As an earlier post pointed out, the entire congregation receives a blessing at the end of Mass. But there is another alternative that I don’t think anyone suggested. What would stop you from approaching the priest after Mass, most are at the front of the church, and asking for a special blessing as you explore your faith.

I would think he would welcome the opportunity.

 

[benedictgal]

I have yet to see such a prohibition, we practice the blessing of those in line

Help me out, I do not see a prohibition. I see a prohibition for those known to live a state of sin (remarried, excommunicated, etc) and the prohibition against Laity/Extraordinary Ministers giving mass blessings.
The letter said that “this matter is presently under the attentive study of the Congregation”, so “for the present, this dicastery wishes to limit itself to the following observations.” - Protocol No. 930/08/L

So what places baxter112 into this list? Until further rulings my advice is to ask the local Priest after mass.

Please refer to the entire prescription from the Vatican. It is not up to the local priest nor the local bishop to decide as the Holy See has made its clarification:

1. The liturgical blessing of the Holy Mass is properly given to each and to all at the conclusion of the Mass, just a few moments subsequent to the distribution of Holy Communion.

1. Lay people, within the context of Holy Mass, are unable to confer blessings. These blessings, rather, are the competence of the priest (cf. Ecclesia de Mysterio, Notitiae 34 (15 Aug. 1997), art. 6, § 2; Canon 1169, § 2; and Roman Ritual De Benedictionibus (1985), n. 18).
2. Furthermore, the laying on of a hand or hands — which has its own sacramental significance, inappropriate here — by those distributing Holy Communion, in substitution for its reception, is to be explicitly discouraged.
3. The Apostolic Exhortation Familiaris Consortio n. 84, “forbids any pastor, for whatever reason to pretext even of a pastoral nature, to perform ceremonies of any kind for divorced people who remarry”. To be feared is that any form of blessing in substitution for communion would give the impression that the divorced and remarried have been returned, in some sense, to the status of Catholics in good standing.
4. **In a similar way, for others who are not to be admitted to Holy Communion in accord with the norm of law, the Church’s discipline has already made clear that they should not approach Holy Communion nor receive a blessing. This would include non-Catholics and those envisaged in can. 915 (i.e., those under the penalty of excommunication or interdict, and others who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin). **

Anyone who cannot receive Holy Communion (and this does not just refer to those who are in an invalid marriage, but, to non-Catholics, as well), should not be going up to receive a blessing in lieu of the Sacrament. That kind of call is not for the priest nor the bishop to make. The Holy See has made its statement and we should abide by it.

as posted by Bo2418If this is comfortable for you to do, then there is nothing wrong with getting a blessing.

The problem with encouraging this kind of behavior is that it does not take into account the purpose for the line. It is to receive the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, not a blessing. The blessing will be imparted to everyone after the Mass, at its proper time. We do not have the right to foster inappropriate behavior that the Church, for the time being, does not condone.

Incidentally, Pope Benedict XVI distributes Holy Communion to communicants who kneel and receive Our Lord on the tongue. He has not, of late, blessed any one in lieu of giving them Holy Communion. Furthermore, the letter comes from a discastery under his jurisdiction. The CDWDS is not going to issue a statement that would go against the norms of the Church.

To the OP, please do not take this whole discussion to mean that, as Catholics, we are being unwelcoming. It is a grace that you are worshipping with us. However, there is a very concrete reality regarding the Blessed Sacrament, Holy Communion, if you will. The fact, as you have acknowledged, is that only Catholics may receive Holy Communion. The blessing is imparted to everyone, regardless of whether or not they are Catholic, at the end of Mass. Please know that I will pray for your discernment as you continue to explore the Faith.

 

[Texas_Roofer]

Please refer to the entire prescription from the Vatican. It is not up to the local priest nor the local bishop to decide as the Holy See has made its clarification:

It would seem clear no clarification was made

Anyone who cannot receive Holy Communion (and this does not just refer to those who are in an invalid marriage, but, to non-Catholics, as well), should not be going up to receive a blessing in lieu of the Sacrament. That kind of call is not for the priest nor the bishop to make. The Holy See has made its statement and we should abide by it.

Again please point out this statement. The letter refers to certain people and certain practices but does not appear to exclude the blessings, nor the presents in line. I have seen on many occasions people process then simply walk pass sacramental’s and process back to the pew

The problem with encouraging this kind of behavior is that it does not take into account the purpose for the line. It is to receive the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, not a blessing. The blessing will be imparted to everyone after the Mass, at its proper time. We do not have the right to foster inappropriate behavior that the Church, for the time being, does not condone.

Legalist argue many things however the facts simply to not match. For example where the GIRM does the lecture on money appear? Yet have you heard such?

Incidentally, Pope Benedict XVI distributes Holy Communion to communicants who kneel and receive Our Lord on the tongue. He has not, of late, blessed any one in lieu of giving them Holy Communion. Furthermore, the letter comes from a discastery under his jurisdiction. The CDWDS is not going to issue a statement that would go against the norms of the Church.

Pope Benedict XVI is our spiritual leader so he may bless at will, not so for extraordinary ministers. The letter does not ban the practice

To the OP, please do not take this whole discussion to mean that, as Catholics, we are being unwelcoming. It is a grace that you are worshipping with us. However, there is a very concrete reality regarding the Blessed Sacrament, Holy Communion, if you will. The fact, as you have acknowledged, is that only Catholics may receive Holy Communion. The blessing is imparted to everyone, regardless of whether or not they are Catholic, at the end of Mass. Please know that I will pray for your discernment as you continue to explore the Faith.

Catholic is universal the OP may choose to be catholic at will. Eucharist is restricted to those in communion with the church. The OP has not attempted to receive so that is not the issue. I would encourage you to consider the affect on small children which commonly practice this procedure

 

[KC91]

At my parish the priest announces ‘Children and Catuchumen may now receive a blessing from the priest’ when communion is over.

 

[benedictgal]

It would seem clear no clarification was made Again please point out this statement. The letter refers to certain people and certain practices but does not appear to exclude the blessings, nor the presents in line. I have seen on many occasions people process then simply walk pass sacramental’s and process back to the pew Legalist argue many things however the facts simply to not match. For example where the GIRM does the lecture on money appear? Yet have you heard such? Pope Benedict XVI is our spiritual leader so he may bless at will, not so for extraordinary ministers. The letter does not ban the practice
Catholic is universal the OP may choose to be catholic at will. Eucharist is restricted to those in communion with the church. The OP has not attempted to receive so that is not the issue. I would encourage you to consider the affect on small children which commonly practice this procedure

A homily regarding money and the issue of blessings in lieu of receiving Holy Communion are two entirely different matters. On a few occasions, the Gospel reading will match up with that kind of a stewardship campaign (rendering to Caesar what is Caesar and to God what is God’s or the widow’s mite). The GIRM and RS state that the homily should tie into the Gosopel readings so your argument here would not apply.

Again, the document specifically states the following:

1. The liturgical blessing of the Holy Mass is properly given to each and to all at the conclusion of the Mass, just a few moments subsequent to the distribution of Holy Communion.

1. Lay people, within the context of Holy Mass, are unable to confer blessings. These blessings, rather, are the competence of the priest (cf. Ecclesia de Mysterio, Notitiae 34 (15 Aug. 1997), art. 6, § 2; Canon 1169, § 2; and Roman Ritual De Benedictionibus (1985), n. 18).

3. Furthermore, the laying on of a hand or hands — which has its own sacramental significance, inappropriate here — by those distributing Holy Communion, in substitution for its reception, is to be explicitly discouraged.

1. The Apostolic Exhortation Familiaris Consortio n. 84, “forbids any pastor, for whatever reason to pretext even of a pastoral nature, to perform ceremonies of any kind for divorced people who remarry”. To be feared is that any form of blessing in substitution for communion would give the impression that the divorced and remarried have been returned, in some sense, to the status of Catholics in good standing.

5. In a similar way, for others who are not to be admitted to Holy Communion in accord with the norm of law, the Church’s discipline has already made clear that they should not approach Holy Communion nor receive a blessing. This would include non-Catholics and those envisaged in can. 915 (i.e., those under the penalty of excommunication or interdict, and others who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin).

The OP is not Catholic and falls under #5. Furthermore, the blessings in lieu of receiving Holy Commnion is a practice that is not in any of the authoritative documents of the Church. Your claim that it would harm children is rather baseless, in my opinion, because the opposite would hold true. We would be teaching them that they have to expect to receive something in lieu of Someone in the Mass and that the Holy Sacrifice is all about receiving rather than giving God the worship, praise and honor due to him.

Receiving Holy Communion is not necessarily a right; rather, it is a privilege and one that is restricted to those who are in Communion with the Church and free of the pains of mortal sin. If I am living in an invalid marriage, not Catholic nor have confessed and been absolved from a mortal sin then I do not have the right ot present myself for Holy Communion. I am to sit in my pew and make a spiritual communion. Once my situations have been resolved and I have been restored to full Communion with the Church, then can I present myself to worthily receive Our Lord.

In the same manner, the only blessing imparted during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (unless a sacrament such as Baptism, Marriage, Holy Orders, or the Annointing of the Sick is embedded within the liturgy) is the one that occurs at the end. This blessing is applicable to everyone. The letter makes that perfectly clear.

You treat this matter as though it were legitimate, but, as the letter indicates, the opposite is true.

Regarding the person who posted prior to this response:

At my parish the priest announces ‘Children and Catuchumen may now receive a blessing from the priest’ when communion is over.

The pastor has no right to make that announcement since everyone will be receiving a blessing at the end of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.