ASK FATHER: Why Did Father Skip Blessing Children At Communion?

[halogirl]

Didn’t know it was not the norm ! Good to learn about how things are done elsewhere xx

 

[Tis_Bearself]

I can’t leave my little children at the back of the church whilst I walk to the front for 5+ minutes.

No one is saying to leave them alone. Parents often carry their small children up front or lead them by the hand because like you, they can’t leave them all alone in the pew. Just don’t expect the priest to bless them. If he does fine, if he doesn’t fine.

 

[blackforest]

Because it’s not a simple misunderstanding.

It is if she didn’t know otherwise.

And, as I’ve already stated, yes, I do get irritated when people accuse me (and my brother priests) of actually doing something wrong when we follow the Roman Missal, as we are obliged to do.

My irritation stems from the decidedly uncharitable treatment of this woman and so many Catholics like her. I find it troubling that this has triggered certain clergy members.

Requesting a particular blessing that countless other priests are already offering and providing by custom hardly represents a selfish act of just wanting to “get something” or “feel good.”

Take a deep breath. She didn’t commit a sin.

 

[tafan2]

My irritation stems from the decidedly uncharitable treatment of this woman and so many Catholics like her. I find it troubling that this has triggered certain clergy members.

I have been following these two threads since their beginning. Where was any one treated decidedly uncharitably? The only instances I recall are when people accuse the priest of being a jerk or uncaring or rude.

 

[Gorgias]

I liked this comment by a member:

I’ve often wondered if the same people stand in line at the bank to not cash a check, or stand in line at the post office to not mail a letter.

They might stand in line at the bank for another service, like to open an account or replace a lost debit card. Someone at the post office might stand in line to buy a book of stamps when the stamp-dispenser machine isn’t working. Or to mail a package instead of a letter.
In short, people could stand in one line for multiple reasons.

Yeah, @blackforest, but the point is this: there’s only one reason to be in a Communion line – to receive the Eucharist!

The poster’s point is this: would someone stand in line at the bank in order to greet the teller and hear them say, “hi there! hope you’re having a good day! see ya, now!”

I’ve simply never met a priest who took issue with it.

How many priests have you met?

What possible harm could come from a quick blessing for a small child?

Plenty. What happens when they come up to a lay EMHC and that person cannot give the blessing? (Let me help you: they get really ticked off. But, they shouldn’t expect that this might happen… unless they misunderstand a pseudo-rite that is never discussed or explained, but merely presumed. )

 

[Gorgias]

Tis_Bearself:

everything from taking the focus off the Eucharist to doing something that EMHCs cannot do and thus creating confusion among kids/ parents/ EMHCs should the kid wanting a blessing end up in their line

This is, as I said in my first post, the really weird thing that has developed from this whole idea.

The other week, as a (lay) EMHC and I were standing side-by-side, distributing the Eucharist, a young teen came up and just stood there in front of her. No hands crossed over his chest, no words, no gestures, just… standing there. The EMHC next to me looked over, with a panicked expression. I asked the teen (well… really, his parent behind him), “excuse me, can we help you?” and his mom responded, “he wants a blessing.” (I had to say, “oh! I’m sorry… a layperson cannot offer this kind of blessing!”)

So… yeah. Big confusion. And sometimes, real angst in the line.

 

[Augustinian]

So… yeah. Big confusion. And sometimes, real angst in the line.

The expectation that a lot of people, have is that the liturgy runs as smooth as silk. If the Church wants to give blessings in the communion line, that’s fine. Just come up with written instructions on doing it so everyone is on the same page. At EMHC meetings, make sure the volunteers are up to speed and informed. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.

 

[UpUpAndAway]

Any priest who feels this strongly about it needs to make his personal preferences clear from the get-go.

Actually, he doesn’t. The norm is not to bless in the Communion line. Priests should not have to announce that their preference is to adhere to the norm.

I travel a fair bit and have attended Mass in many parishes where I was present for just a day or two. Unless an announcement is made or I ask in advance, there’s no way to know what the practice is in such parishes so the safest bet is to assume adherence to the norm. Unless stated otherwise in some way, I assume that the priests do not give blessings in the Communion line.

All this said, I agree that no one can be held responsible for what they do not know. In my opinion, however, it is incumbent on the priests who don’t follow the norm, and not those who do, to make that clear.

 

[blackforest]

The poster’s point is this: would someone stand in line at the bank in order to greet the teller and hear them say, “hi there! hope you’re having a good day! see ya, now!”

More analogous would be: “Oh, sorry. Please don’t get irritated. I received a lollipop at Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Key Bank. I just thought it was customary and didn’t realize that you didn’t hand out lollipops here at Curmudgeon Financial.”

How many priests have you met?

A lot.

Plenty. What happens when they come up to a lay EMHC and that person cannot give the blessing? (Let me help you: they get really ticked off . But, they shouldn’t expect that this might happen… unless they misunderstand a pseudo-rite that is never discussed or explained, but merely presumed. )

I think an EMHC who gets that easily triggered is probably in the wrong ministry. Perhaps a little advanced training will help matters. https://www.dosp.org/worship/wp-con...ary-Minister-of-Communion-give-a-blessing.pdf

 

[blackforest]

I have been following these two threads since their beginning. Where was any one treated decidedly uncharitably?

In the snippy blog post linked in the OP. Did you read it? It’s short. And it accuses Catholics seeking a blessing at Communion of selfishness, i.e. of wanting to “get something” and “feel good.”

 

[tafan2]

Ok, fair enough, one “linked” blog. But on the forum, the lady who started the topic has not been treated uncharitable.

 

[FrDavid96]

Take a deep breath. She didn’t commit a sin.

Quite frankly, it’s you who needs to “take a breath” and realize that a priest who is celebrating Mass faithfully, according to the Missal, is “not committing a sin.”

 

[Allegra]

I didn’t see the word “selfish”. I think the implication was that they were focused on the wrong thing and the wrong time. I don’t think anyone is being uncharitable. They are expecting priests to do something that they don’t have to do and really shouldn’t be doing, according to the rubrics. I have seen some priests do this in my lifetime, but most don’t.

 

[FrDavid96]

The expectation that a lot of people, have is that the liturgy runs as smooth as silk. If the Church wants to give blessings in the communion line, that’s fine. Just come up with written instructions on doing it so everyone is on the same page. At EMHC meetings, make sure the volunteers are up to speed and informed. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.

I don’t have a strong objection to the idea of blessings in lieu of Communion.

I recognize there’s an inherent problem and that is the “everyone gets something” attitude together with the confusion it causes with regard to the importance of actually receiving Communion. If it’s just a line where everyone gets some kind of blessing, then it ceases to matter much whether or not someone gets the Eucharist.

HOWEVER (and this is important), if the Church were to add a rubric into the Missal to this effect, I would have no issue with it. I might not like it. I might like it. Still, I would do it.

Yet, the fact remains: it’s not in the Missal. It’s not in any rubric. It’s not part of the Mass.

Years ago, I used to help at a local Maronite parish. Blessing pre-Communion children is indeed part of their Liturgy. When I administered Communion, I did the blessings. While it is certainly a part of their rubrics, it’s not part of the Roman Rite Mass.

 

[blackforest]

There’s no need make this personal. I’d just rather not see so much disdain toward parishioners who want to do the right thing and don’t know better. Charity goes a long way. I’ve said my piece/peace.

 

[FrDavid96]

I think an EMHC who gets that easily triggered is probably in the wrong ministry. Perhaps a little advanced training will help matters. https://www.dosp.org/worship/wp-con...ary-Minister-of-Communion-give-a-blessing.pdf

That’s not correct.

The logic is flawed.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are appointed to do exactly that: to assist the priest in the distribution of Holy Communion. They are not appointed for any other reason.

Nowhere, absolutely no where, not by any stretch, does the Catholic Church say that Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are appointed to give blessings at Mass.

Further, it makes no sense to compare this situation to giving ashes on Ash Wednesday or assisting at St Blase day–precisely because neither of those situations involve lay persons attempting blessings.

 

[Phemie]

Augustinian:

The expectation that a lot of people, have is that the liturgy runs as smooth as silk. If the Church wants to give blessings in the communion line, that’s fine. Just come up with written instructions on doing it so everyone is on the same page. At EMHC meetings, make sure the volunteers are up to speed and informed. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.

I don’t have a strong objection to the idea of blessings in lieu of Communion.

I recognize there’s an inherent problem and that is the “everyone gets something” attitude together with the confusion it causes with regard to the importance of actually receiving Communion. If it’s just a line where everyone gets some kind of blessing, then it ceases to matter much whether or not someone gets the Eucharist.

HOWEVER (and this is important), if the Church were to add a rubric into the Missal to this effect, I would have no issue with it. I might not like it. I might like it. Still, I would do it.

Yet, the fact remains: it’s not in the Missal. It’s not in any rubric. It’s not part of the Mass.

Years ago, I used to help at a local Maronite parish. Blessing pre-Communion children is indeed part of their Liturgy. When I administered Communion, I did the blessings. While it is certainly a part of their rubrics, it’s not part of the Roman Rite Mass.

I know that everyone will say “It was private communication” but the letter from the CDW did refer to several documents presently in effect that make very problematic the conferring of blessings on many of those who cannot receive Communion.

 

[FrDavid96]

I know that everyone will say “It was private communication” but the letter from the CDW did refer to several documents presently in effect that make very problematic the conferring of blessings on many of those who cannot receive Communion.

The fact that it was a private letter, as opposed to a published one, does not change the truth of what’s in the letter.

(I know you know this, I’m just responding).

 

[edtaylor51]

I’ve been Catholic for almost 40 years (so my entire life) and I’ve never even considered this might be a controversy. I don’t recall the first time I saw someone walk in line with arms crossed, but I also don’t recall a time when people didn’t do that. Non-Catholics, people going through RCIA, young children, someone who does not consider themselves worthy due to their current state of sin, whatever. In fact, my parish priest, who I am no happy with in general for non-religious, administrative reasons, makes it a point to welcome everyone up if they want a blessing in lieu of the Body and Blood.

 

[TexasLoneStar]

Folding your arms over your chest for a blessing is an unorthodox innovation. I understand many people want to do it because they want to feel included, but that’s not the kind of inclusion reception of the Eucharist brings: the gathering into one by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is not a social gathering. It’s serious stuff.

If you want to go up then convert to the one, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic Church, be absolved of all your mortal sins, and have the knowledge and capacity to believe and understand that Christ is truly present in the Eucharist

We should not innovate in the Church’s solemn Liturgies or Rites. So God bless priests who do not go along with this practice.

But, if the bishop sees no harm in it, then so be it.