About protestants at RC communion

[Zundrah]

About traditional catholicism;

why do some people tell me (because I haven’t been comfirmed yet) that I shouldn’t go up at communion and get the blessing that my priest told me to?

…seems a bit cruel…

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

About traditional catholicism;

why do some people tell me (because I haven’t been comfirmed yet) that I shouldn’t go up at communion and get the blessing that my priest told me to?

…seems a bit cruel…

Because they’re trying to do what the Vatican says rather than making up things as they go along.

See zenit.org/article-25463?l=english for the Vatican’s view including:

"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.

Once you enter the Church you’ll be able to receive Communion. (I believe your difficulty is that you have not yet made a profession of faith and completed your sacraments of initiation, not that you haven’t been confirmed. Children who are baptized as Catholics generally receive their First Communion before they are confirmed.)

 

[CB_Catholic]

About traditional catholicism;

why do some people tell me (because I haven’t been comfirmed yet) that I shouldn’t go up at communion and get the blessing that my priest told me to?

…seems a bit cruel…

Not cruel. Only people who are receiving Communion (and young infants and children who can’t be left alone in the pew) are supposed to be in the Communion line. Everyone who attends Mass (and stays to the end) receives a blessing. The Communion line is for receiving Communion!

 

[truevaticanii]

About traditional catholicism;

why do some people tell me (because I haven’t been comfirmed yet) that I shouldn’t go up at communion and get the blessing that my priest told me to?

…seems a bit cruel…

This is often for a number of reasons, but 3 good reasons would be…

if EVERYONE came up to Communion then there could be a mix up where someone might accidentally receive Communion.

Also, yes, the Communion “line” is there for those who wish to receive our Lord… and if people only come for a blessing, they often do not reverence the Lord, they come for a blessing that is given to them at the end and beginning of Mass any way, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY…

One who does not receive Holy Communion should be in the pew praying for a spiritual Communion, perhaps praying the Anima Christi.

 

[IHeartAquinas]

if EVERYONE came up to Communion then there could be a mix up where someone might accidentally receive Communion.

This is downright bloody important to understand because knowingly receiving communion when you are not supposed to is a mortal sin. If the priest knows he’s not supposed to give you communion as well, then he has also committed a mortal sin.

It’s the same thing when I attend my Protestant friends’ services–they all go up, I stay in the pew. They’ve asked me before why I don’t, and I tell them quite simply because I have my communion, they have theirs. Outside of the service I try and explain to them the real fundamental difference between the validity of the Catholic Eucharist and the invalidity of theirs, but such a discussion is not appropriate in the middle of a Methodist service.

If you are not a professed, active, participating member of whatever Church you are attending, it is improper and sinful to receive communion. Catholics have this browbeat into them at Confirmation. Or at least, my Confirmation class did.

 

[CB_Catholic]

This is downright bloody important to understand because knowingly receiving communion when you are not supposed to is a mortal sin. If the priest knows he’s not supposed to give you communion as well, then he has also committed a mortal sin.

It’s the same thing when I attend my Protestant friends’ services–they all go up, I stay in the pew. They’ve asked me before why I don’t, and I tell them quite simply because I have my communion, they have theirs. Outside of the service I try and explain to them the real fundamental difference between the validity of the Catholic Eucharist and the invalidity of theirs, but such a discussion is not appropriate in the middle of a Methodist service.

If you are not a professed, active, participating member of whatever Church you are attending, it is improper and sinful to receive communion. Catholics have this browbeat into them at Confirmation. Or at least, my Confirmation class did.

You have misread her post. She is not wanting to receive Communion, she is wanting to go up for a blessing. It has been explained why getting into the communion line for a blessing is improper.

 

[Zundrah]

About traditional catholicism;

why do some people tell me (because I haven’t been comfirmed yet) that I shouldn’t go up at communion and get the blessing that my priest told me to?

…seems a bit cruel…

In short I am just plain shocked at this response. My priest told me to go up at communion.

 

[Tantum_ergo]

I know it might surprise you, but shocked? Your priest is probably extremely well-intentioned, but the practice really is wrong. The kindest possible thing to do is that which you would do in any other circumstance where a kindly person, even an ‘expert’, has given you advice which, on your perusal of an authoritative source, has proven incorrect–to refrain from taking the incorrect advice.

Suppose your mother tells you to let your teething baby have a ‘bit’ of alcohol (a practice which was even followed by family doctors a couple of generations ago). Would you accept the advice on seeing the Association of Pediatricians giving the practice thumbs down? But you might not feel like telling your mum she’s out of line for the advice which was well-meant and (in a different era) accepted.

Well, it’s the same thing. Just because your priest is a priest doesn’t mean that he won’t make errors. The trick is to accept, “Well, in this matter Father has not yet gotten the memo”, to think that in charity he is doing this and doesn’t know it’s wrong according to the Church’s decision, and then not to immediately assume everything else Father says is ‘wrong’, and (in charity) not to assume everything Father says is right either. (Just like we do with our mums).

 

[Zundrah]

I know it might surprise you, but shocked? Your priest is probably extremely well-intentioned, but the practice really is wrong. The kindest possible thing to do is that which you would do in any other circumstance where a kindly person, even an ‘expert’, has given you advice which, on your perusal of an authoritative source, has proven incorrect–to refrain from taking the incorrect advice.

Suppose your mother tells you to let your teething baby have a ‘bit’ of alcohol (a practice which was even followed by family doctors a couple of generations ago). Would you accept the advice on seeing the Association of Pediatricians giving the practice thumbs down? But you might not feel like telling your mum she’s out of line for the advice which was well-meant and (in a different era) accepted.

Well, it’s the same thing. Just because your priest is a priest doesn’t mean that he won’t make errors. The trick is to accept, “Well, in this matter Father has not yet gotten the memo”, to think that in charity he is doing this and doesn’t know it’s wrong according to the Church’s decision, and then not to immediately assume everything else Father says is ‘wrong’, and (in charity) not to assume everything Father says is right either. (Just like we do with our mums).

But there were even occasions where I didn’t go up because I didn’t feel like it (I’m sure even comfirmed catholics have moments like that?) but the parishioner was signaling me to get up and go. It made me feel awkawrd and so I went up reluctantly. These days I just go up, as it has become a contional thing.

 

[amsjj]

I’ve never understood why people join the Communion line if they’re not going to partake. To me, it’s sort of like getting in the ticket line and then saying, oh I don’t want to get a ticket, I just want to be noticed. We all get a blessing at the end of Mass anyway.

I noted Zundrah said he/she was motioned to join the line. Remember, ushers don’t have the power to force one to get in line, though sometimes a few of them seem to think so!

Sure, on those times I wasn’t able to take Communion, when I wasn’t able to get in line, it did feel a bit embarrassing, you know, getting that “people are looking at me!” impression. I’m shy so it’s really not a great feeling! So I would “offer up” those feelings to the Lord. Besides in reality I doubt people were really staring at me; I reckon they have their own things to think about.

+++

Father has told us he will not do this. He is very kind and told us that he didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, but he’s conservative and if it didn’t come from Rome, he wasn’t doing it.

I can see the kind intention of the practise but in the end, it’s called the Communion line not the blessing line.

Take care.

 

[Snugglebugmom]

I can see the kind intention of the practise but in the end, it’s called the Communion line not the blessing line.

I agree with this statement. I have seen it done too, but in an elementary school mass. I didn’t understand it then either, I sort of assumed they do it to make sure that the kids that have not yet received their First Communion and the non-Catholic kids don’t feel left out. (Mass is mandatory, even for the non-Catholic kids attending the school.)
Or maybe it’s to teach them the proper procedure, I don’t know. Either way, that was the first time I saw people go up for a blessing instead of Communion. I understand that it makes Zundrah feel unwelcome, but I don’t see the necessity for a personal blessing when there is a general one, and usually Communion lines are long enough as it is.

 

[Zundrah]

I agree with this statement. I have seen it done too, but in an elementary school mass. I didn’t understand it then either, I sort of assumed they do it to make sure that the kids that have not yet received their First Communion and the non-Catholic kids don’t feel left out. (Mass is mandatory, even for the non-Catholic kids attending the school.)
Or maybe it’s to teach them the proper procedure, I don’t know. Either way, that was the first time I saw people go up for a blessing instead of Communion. I understand that it makes Zundrah feel unwelcome, but I don’t see the necessity for a personal blessing when there is a general one, and usually Communion lines are long enough as it is.

But everyone in my church goes up either for the blessing or the host. It’s just the norm. And besides, my priest tells me to, he was the one that first taught me too!

 

[Ultima_Ratio]

But everyone in my church goes up either for the blessing or the host. It’s just the norm. And besides, my priest tells me to, he was the one that first taught me too!

From what I’ve seen posted in this thread, it looks like the problem is that Rome said this is not supposed to be done, while your Priest has said it is alright. Maybe he is unaware of what Rome said?

If I were you, I would remain in my seat and do a spiritual communion. That’s what I used to do when I attended mass before I converted. Actually, I think I used to do three spiritual communions while the others were receiving communion. The benefits of spiritual communion are very great. Therefore, why not turn this “negative” into a positive by getting in the habbit of doing spiritual communions?

 

[Zundrah]

From what I’ve seen posted in this thread, it looks like the problem is that Rome said this is not supposed to be done, while your Priest has said it is alright. Maybe he is unaware of what Rome said?

If I were you, I would remain in my seat and do a spiritual communion. That’s what I used to do when I attended mass before I converted. Actually, I think I used to do three spiritual communions while the others were receiving communion. The benefits of spiritual communion are very great. Therefore, why not turn this “negative” into a positive by getting in the habbit of doing spiritual communions?

What is spiritual communion? And what if that parishioner calls me again, infront of everyone!?

 

[Ultima_Ratio]

What is spiritual communion? And what if that parishioner calls me again, infront of everyone!?

Regarding the parishioner. I would do one of two things, or possibly both. The first thing I would do is ignore him. Simply kneel down, close your eyes, and say your spiritual communions. If he keeps trying to get your attention, just tell him after mass that you would rather do spiritual communions that go up for a blessing.

A spiritual communion is where you pray that Jesus comes into your heart spiritually. A lot of the saints did many spiritual communions every day. If I’m not mistaken, St. Theresa of Avila did one every 15 minutes. Here’s the prayer:

“O Jesus, I desire to receive thee in Holy Communion, but at this time I cannot. Come nevertheless and visit me with thy grace. Some spiritually into my heart; purify it, sanctify it, render it like unto they own. Lord I am unworthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed”.

I always try to turn negatives into positives. This is a great opportunity for you to do just that, by getting into the habbit of making spiritual communions. God Bless.

 

[Zundrah]

Regarding the parishioner. I would do one of two things, or possibly both. The first thing I would do is ignore him. Simply kneel down, close your eyes, and say your spiritual communions. If he keeps trying to get your attention, just tell him after mass that you would rather do spiritual communions that go up for a blessing.

A spiritual communion is where you pray that Jesus comes into your heart spiritually. A lot of the saints did many spiritual communions every day. If I’m not mistaken, St. Theresa of Avila did one every 15 minutes. Here’s the prayer:

“O Jesus, I desire to receive thee in Holy Communion, but at this time I cannot. Come nevertheless and visit me with thy grace. Some spiritually into my heart; purify it, sanctify it, render it like unto they own. Lord I am unworthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed”.

I always try to turn negatives into positives. This is a great opportunity for you to do just that, by getting into the habbit of making spiritual communions. God Bless.

This has actually really moved me! I like it! …maybe I’ll sit in the back pew where I am more out of site.

 

[Ultima_Ratio]

This has actually really moved me! I like it! …maybe I’ll sit in the back pew where I am more out of site.

There you go

But I found a few typos in the prayer I gave you. Here it is without the typos:

“O Jesus, I desire to receive thee in Holy Communion, but at this time I cannot. Come nevertheless and visit me with thy grace. Come spiritually into my heart; purify it, sanctify it, render it like unto thy own. Lord I am unworthy that thou should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed”.

 

[Zundrah]

There you go

But I found a few typos in the prayer I gave you. Here it is without the typos:

“O Jesus, I desire to receive thee in Holy Communion, but at this time I cannot. Come nevertheless and visit me with thy grace. Come spiritually into my heart; purify it, sanctify it, render it like unto thy own. Lord I am unworthy that thou should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed”.

Mwah ha, all I have to do now is pretend to be deaf when that parishioner calls me. (BUT IF I’M PRAYING WITH MY EYES CLOSED, PERHAPS SHE WONT BOTHER ME?)

 

[Bluegoat]

Slightly OT but I am curious - when a person with a small child goes up to receive, do they give a blessing to the child under normal circumstances? That’s the usual practice in the Anglican Church, but not having even taken communion in a Catholic Church I never noticed.

 

[Zundrah]

Slightly OT but I am curious - when a person with a small child goes up to receive, do they give a blessing to the child under normal circumstances? That’s the usual practice in the Anglican Church, but not having even taken communion in a Catholic Church I never noticed.

The child gets a blessing. Nothing more.