Assembly Line Communion

[Jotobo]

Hello,

So I am very new to the church and I guess technically not yet a member, but, I am soaking anything and everything up I can get my hands on. I have found myself becoming very drawn to the TLM (with a little help from this very forum). But on to my point…

The Mass I attend would be a NO Mass. When Communion comes people go up, get the Body (in the hand), and walk away chewing on it (about 85% skip the Blood). This happens in almost rapid fashion. I thought nothing of it for the most part as I am just learning and it was all I had ever seen.

I have been on Youtube.com looking at videos of TLM and FSSP Masses as there is only one church around that I know of that offers the TLM (I can not yet go as I have RCIA obligations). I was watching an FSSP Mass and I was so blown away when I saw how they did Communion. The preparation was so detailed and so reverant. The people came up and on their knees took the Body (on the tongue) and did the Sign of the Cross and then remained in a kneel position for a few moments (obviously reflecting and respecting what they have just taken part in).

So what gives with the other churches I have attended? I have only been to three and it was all the assembly line style of recieving the Eucharist. Does anyone know the progression or the inner workings of how or why this occurs?

When I take my first Communion on Easter Vigil I fully intend on maximizing my reverance to Christ and I dont want to be pushed aside or asked to move along while doing it.

 

[ProVobis]

What gives is right. My pet pieve is that there is such a great disparity of people who receive generally. In the English OF, about 98-99% of those attending receive. In the EF, about 75-85% receive, and in the Polish OF, about 50% receive. And, with the exception of infants, of those who don’t receive, about 90% are men.

I wish someone would explain that to me.

 

[camerong]

Hello,

So I am very new to the church and I guess technically not yet a member, but, I am soaking anything and everything up I can get my hands on. I have found myself becoming very drawn to the TLM (with a little help from this very forum). But on to my point…

The Mass I attend would be a NO Mass. When Communion comes people go up, get the Body (in the hand), and walk away chewing on it (about 85% skip the Blood). This happens in almost rapid fashion. I thought nothing of it for the most part as I am just learning and it was all I had ever seen.

I have been on Youtube.com looking at videos of TLM and FSSP Masses as there is only one church around that I know of that offers the TLM (I can not yet go as I have RCIA obligations). I was watching an FSSP Mass and I was so blown away when I saw how they did Communion. The preparation was so detailed and so reverant. The people came up and on their knees took the Body (on the tongue) and did the Sign of the Cross and then remained in a kneel position for a few moments (obviously reflecting and respecting what they have just taken part in).

So what gives with the other churches I have attended? I have only been to three and it was all the assembly line style of recieving the Eucharist. Does anyone know the progression or the inner workings of how or why this occurs?

When I take my first Communion on Easter Vigil I fully intend on maximizing my reverance to Christ and I dont want to be pushed aside or asked to move along while doing it.

My entire diocese does the “assembly line” communion you mention–and there is no blood of Christ served, either. That’s just how we do it here. It does not show more or less reverence than another service, because people don’t know any other way.

You want to get on your knees and pause for a bit. Some people do that here. And the effect? It interrupts the rhythm and distracts everyone else. I don’t feel rushed, but I also don’t feel its appropriate to sit there while 80 people behind be are waiting to receive the Eucharist.

I think the moral of the story is that, anytime you have more than one person around, you have to make certain sacrifices for the group. If everyone sat for even 15 seconds at the front, the mass would take an extra 30 minutes or more, and lots of people would stop showing up completely.

This reminds me a bit of a line out of the litany for humility: “That others may become holier than me, provided I become as holy as I should.”

 

[prodigalson12]

Ok, going to stop you in your tracks along this line of thought here and now. The moment you start comparing yourself to others is where pride sets in. We all are along different levels of spiritual understanding and growth, some are much stronger in others in certain areas, weaker then others in other areas.

If you go back to scripture, where Paul talks about the new church followers comparing themselves to one another, boasting over this or that, he tears into them by stating, if they want to compare among themselves, compare them to him, and know they all severely lack in every single area, he goes on to point out how it’s foolish to stay within this line of thinking, and that his boasting he’s addressing, is merely set as an example to show them how they all fail if they want to play the compare game.

What you can do is lead through example, others may take note and follow it, others may not be ready, they may never be ready, and it’s sad, but we have people that do not take the mass, much less communion seriously enough. You never really reach absolutes with this, just when you think you have transcended, you find out there is yet another, and another, and another level to go, it’s part of the process, and the bottom line, you move forward or backwards, the dangerous place to be is luke warm.,

Personally, I make the sign of the cross after receiving communion while I look at the cross, the bread is the fullness, just as the wine, either or, and I do not always partake of the wine due to the fact, I don’t need to and it is not as sanitary, so prefer not to take the risk of getting a cold or flu, so it’s something I reserve for special occassions. When I was a child, the parishes I frequented didn’t even offer the wine. After I return to my pew, I always kneel and go into prayer and reflection, often focusing on one of the stations of the cross. When mass is ended, I also kneel and pray and reflect again, and often I find myself the only one, but at my local parish, people are starting to follow my lead.

 

[ElizabethPH]

The OF to me is just as reverent. I’ve pretty much gotten past the fact that others might not be and that they might take quite a casual approach not only to communion but to the Mass as a whole. But who am I to say what is in the hearts of others. The things you mention; like passing up the Precious Blood or CIH are licit. I have seen many folks that wish not to receive the Precious Blood bow as they pass by…including me. In my parish we have been taught from the pulpit the correct and reverent way to receive on the hand or on the tongue by saying Amen before, stepping aside and making the sign of the cross towards the tabernacle/altar. In an EF you only receive the Body of Christ At least the ones I’ve been too. As far as chewing, I know growing up seems like no one did this, I can’t remember if we were taught this or if it was just something people did. But when you consider Christ’s words. “Eat my Body”…what do we do when we eat something? we chew. Hopefully not with our mouths open!!

 

[Julian0404]

Your communion of Jesus is not “their” communion of Jesus. Do not let their actions or behaviors reflect upon your heart and soul except to offer a prayer of repiration for the poor behaviors of others while receiving.
However, do not institute your own “way” in the midst of the communion procession. Genuflect or bow, receive on tongue or hand - both have been ruled acceptable and when you are back in the pew, converse with GOD in your heart, and HE will know you love HIM.

 

[John_Lazarus]

What gives is right. My pet pieve is that there is such a great disparity of people who receive generally. In the English OF, about 98-99% of those attending receive. In the EF, about 75-85% receive, and in the Polish OF, about 50% receive. And, with the exception of infants, of those who don’t receive, about 90% are men.

I wish someone would explain that to me.

Some of us do not receive because we are not worthy (not in a state of Grace), and to receive while in a state of sin would compound our sin.

 

[Lycorth]

Some great responses, here.

Now for my two cents:

So I am very new to the church and I guess technically not yet a member, but, I am soaking anything and everything up I can get my hands on. I have found myself becoming very drawn to the TLM (with a little help from this very forum). But on to my point…

Hard to disagree, there. I’ve been drawn to the TLM myself; sadly, my parish doesn’t offer it.

The Mass I attend would be a NO Mass. When Communion comes people go up, get the Body (in the hand), and walk away chewing on it (about 85% skip the Blood). This happens in almost rapid fashion. I thought nothing of it for the most part as I am just learning and it was all I had ever seen.

I have been on Youtube.com looking at videos of TLM and FSSP Masses as there is only one church around that I know of that offers the TLM (I can not yet go as I have RCIA obligations). I was watching an FSSP Mass and I was so blown away when I saw how they did Communion. The preparation was so detailed and so reverant. The people came up and on their knees took the Body (on the tongue) and did the Sign of the Cross and then remained in a kneel position for a few moments (obviously reflecting and respecting what they have just taken part in).

It’s not hard to be impressed by that. With the OF Mass, we have to bring the reverence ourselves. With the EF/TLM, the reverence is enforced as a part of the overall Mass’ structure. Sadly, more people in the OF are failing the test of the Lord; I have begun to suspect that the Lord permitted the OF to come into favor as a test of the Church’s faith, to see if individual Catholics will be just as reverent as they were made to be when the TLM was widespread or if they will just go along with the flow and loosen their own spiritual discipline now that the OF no longer requires certain behaviors.

So what gives with the other churches I have attended? I have only been to three and it was all the assembly line style of recieving the Eucharist. Does anyone know the progression or the inner workings of how or why this occurs?

It was a practice introduced when the current Ordinary Form of the Mass was made common. Hence, you’ll see it in virtually all Catholic churches, except where the TLM is said or another rite is used. In the West, it’s safe to say you’ll see it most all of the time.

When I take my first Communion on Easter Vigil I fully intend on maximizing my reverance to Christ and I dont want to be pushed aside or asked to move along while doing it.

Understandable. But of course you also must be considerate of those waiting behind you.

For me, I find I usually have the time to genuflect before I receive, while one or two people are ahead of me, and I don’t manage to slow things down, any. I always step to the side and cross myself as clearly and reverently as I can, my eyes on the crucifix and my heart on Jesus whom I have now partaken of. When I go back to the pew, I kneel and pray reverently, not looking around and gaping and daydreaming, and I remain kneeling as long as the tabernacle is open, no matter how many people sit down as quickly as they can. It’s up to me to make sure I bring these reverences with me in the OF, to grow in my faith and to grow closer to the Lord, and to set a good example if I can to others who may see me. As long as the Lord permits the looser OF to be commonplace, I believe it is my Catholic duty to be as traditionally-reverent as I can be, even when given the opportunity to be less.

Growing as a Catholic will require much humility from you, as it continually does from us all. Be as reverent as you can be, and I assure you you will grow in faith even at the most barely-reverent OF Mass you can attend. Just be humble and remember your absolute obligation to the Lord and you will find the growth and holiness you seek.

 

[AmbroseSJ]

prodigalson12:

Ok, going to stop you in your tracks along this line of thought here and now. The moment you start comparing yourself to others is where pride sets in. We all are along different levels of spiritual understanding and growth, some are much stronger in others in certain areas, weaker then others in other areas.

Good sound advice. Judging people’s “reverence in receiving” by externals is just not a good idea. One that many “Traditionals” should try and understand. I grew up in the pre-Vatican II Church, and well remember the communion rail and receiving on the tongue. Believe me, that was a true Assembly line Communion if I ever saw one. It was also a source of profound distraction (to children) watching how everyone stuck out their tongue, while they waited their turn, and fidgeting while the slower priests “got through” a line of communicants. “Traditionals” think that TLMs of today represent how things were in the past (which they don’t) or how things might be in the future (which they never will be) because it is currently an extraordinary form, and is rare, and is usually with small or smaller congregations of very zealous TLM “Traditionalist” type people. I think it’s great that there are TLMs available for those who prefer them, but IN THE OLD DAYS, there was no such thing as choice!!

One last point, use of “NO” or Novus Ordo is a pejorative and derogatory when used in this forum. So it is better to refer to it as the Ordinary Form, or OF.

 

[AmbroseSJ]

Lycorth:

It’s not hard to be impressed by that. With the OF Mass, we have to bring the reverence ourselves. With the EF/TLM, the reverence is enforced as a part of the overall Mass’ structure. Sadly, more people in the OF are failing the test of the Lord; I have begun to suspect that the Lord permitted the OF to come into favor as a test of the Church’s faith, to see if individual Catholics will be just as reverent as they were made to be when the TLM was widespread or if they will just go along with the flow and loosen their own spiritual discipline now that the OF no longer requires certain behaviors.

Here’s another test of your Faith. How much do you continue to make Friday’s penitential (since madatory abstinence was abrogated) How would you like to go back to 30 Holy Days of Obligation a year with the full fasts on every vigil? No Saturday masses? Full fasting throughout lent? Ember Day fasts? I’m not asking if you can or do continue with these practices, which surrounded the TLM since Pius Quintus, but I mean have it enforced on the whole Western Church again? See the problem? Times have changed. There is no bringing back the “glory days” of the Tridentine era. It is all mythical and romanticized.

So you are right, we have to bring the “reverence” ourselves. That is how it SHOULD be, and always SHOULD be. It’s a sign of weakness in Faith to say I can only be reverent at a TLM.

 

[paperwight]

You have absolutely described how I remember altar-rail Communions, Ambrose SJ. The priest used to dash up and down, not breaking step in front of each communicant to hastily shove a Host in their mouth, it seemed to me. What with leaping forward to kneel down as soon as there was a space, and then being aware of other people pressing forward to take your place as soon as you had received, so that you had to get up as soon as possible, the last word I would use to describe the process was ‘reverent’. An assembly line would describe it perfectly…

I find the OF practice of lining up, quietly moving forward, standing alone in front of the minister (Ordinary or Extraordinary), then receiving, and stepping to one side at one’s own speed, much more reverent and personal.

 

[puzzleannie]

You have absolutely described how I remember altar-rail Communions, Ambrose SJ. The priest used to dash up and down, not breaking step in front of each communicant to hastily shove a Host in their mouth, it seemed to me. What with leaping forward to kneel down as soon as there was a space, and then being aware of other people pressing forward to take your place as soon as you had received, so that you had to get up as soon as possible, the last word I would use to describe the process was ‘reverent’. An assembly line would describe it perfectly…
.

this is my recollection as well, and the fact that there were differences from one parish to the next–either you waited until the whole row had received, stood and left by the side aisle, then the full row filled up again with people kneeling while the priest was distributing on the other side of the church (as we did in our school Masses). then at another parish where standers lined up behind kneelers all across front, and scrambled for places like musical chairs as soon as a communicant stood up (and make their impatience plain if someone took too long.) so you never knew the etiquette unless the ushers were on the ball, and they were literally the communion police and could intimidate you into avoiding a certain parish for your lifetime

 

[Lycorth]

Here’s another test of your Faith. How much do you continue to make Friday’s penitential (since madatory abstinence was abrogated) How would you like to go back to 30 Holy Days of Obligation a year with the full fasts on every vigil? No Saturday masses? Full fasting throughout lent? Ember Day fasts? I’m not asking if you can or do continue with these practices, which surrounded the TLM since Pius Quintus, but I mean have it enforced on the whole Western Church again? See the problem? ** Times have changed. **There is no bringing back the “glory days” of the Tridentine era. It is all mythical and romanticized.

I hate when people use the phrase “times have changed”, as if that justifies anything and everything. We must let the Faith change us, not let the times change the Faith.

I’m certainly not opposed to all changes that have come about since Vatican II anymore than I support all of them. Each must be examined on its face. Some things the Church could stand to have restored. But I agree it’s meaningless if the disciplines aren’t accompanied with faith and reverence. That much I am gleaning from the discussions about the Faith and the pre- and post-Vatican II Church.

It makes me suspect all the more strongly that loosened disciplines are indeed a test to us from the Lord. Perhaps He saw how much we needed testing and brought this about?

So you are right, we have to bring the “reverence” ourselves. That is how it SHOULD be, and always SHOULD be. It’s a sign of weakness in Faith to say I can only be reverent at a TLM.

I agree. Though I believe and always will that a TLM is more reverential in terms of its form and execution, it’s up to us to be as reverential as we can be, regardless of the rite which we are currently attending and regardless of how the priest is behaving. Certainly any priest can be just as reverent when saying the NO as the TLM in terms of his own personal reverential attitude as much as anyone attending a NO Mass can be just as reverent as if he or she were at a TLM, if the individual is reverent and devout to begin with.

Do I favor the TLM? Yes, I do. Will I continue to regard the OF/NO Mass as a valid Mass nonetheless and be as reverent as I know I ought to be? Yes, I will.

 

[Jotobo]

Just to be clear, Im not judging. Im brand new. I have made certain observations. I dont think I am better, more reverent, more holy, none of that…I simply made an observation as wanted to know what other people thought.

Calm down.

 

[Lycorth]

Just to be clear, Im not judging. Im brand new. I have made certain observations. I dont think I am better, more reverent, more holy, none of that…I simply made an observation as wanted to know what other people thought.

Calm down.

Problem is, no one can voice a thought without someone else carping about it.

 

[Jotobo]

I know that attitude an emotion are not present in typed words, at least when an average person types them.

Im just being clear I didnt ask this out of judgement. More out of curiosity and a bit of fear. Being I am learning so much about the Eucharist and what it is, it did strike me as odd (without seeing a TLM Mass), that people take it and are chewing it all the way back to the pew.

I posed the question to learn, not to judge.

 

[Lycorth]

I know that attitude an emotion are not present in typed words, at least when an average person types them.

Im just being clear I didnt ask this out of judgement. More out of curiosity and a bit of fear. Being I am learning so much about the Eucharist and what it is, it did strike me as odd (without seeing a TLM Mass), that people take it and are chewing it all the way back to the pew.

I posed the question to learn, not to judge.

Oh, of course. I think you’ll find plenty of informative posts here when the emotions cool off. Humans are naturally partisan creatures; I think that’s part of why God gave us one Church, not thousands of sects.

Eating the Eucharist as one walks back to the pew isn’t so much of a concern, all things considered. It’s what’s going through that person’s mind as he or she is chewing and walking - are they praying or in a devout state of mind, or thinking about what’s going on after Mass or where else they’d rather be?

For my part, I grew up with only the NO Mass; I’m only 33 years old, not much of an age in regards to the vast span of years of the Church. But the priests and nuns at my parish school instilled those traditional reverences on me, even though they were no longer required, per se. Looking back, I see how being taught a devout attitude and being taught devout disciplines to perform in Church and at Mass in order to reflect that devout attitude both combined to produce solid faith, at least in my youth. Thus, it’s impossible for me to sit back and say that everything’s hunky dory right now when no reverence is required of one’s actions anymore than it is to say that only outwards actions are required.

 

[ProVobis]

Some of us do not receive because we are not worthy (not in a state of Grace), and to receive while in a state of sin would compound our sin.

This is where I have a problem. One person thinks what he did as a mortal sin, whereas a person in another culture doesn’t seem to have any problems doing the same thing. I have a problem when I’m in the state of sin (or broke my fast) to even go to an English OF because there, everyone goes to communion and you stand out like a sore thumb.

 

[CradleCath]

Hello,

So I am very new to the church and I guess technically not yet a member, but, I am soaking anything and everything up I can get my hands on. I have found myself becoming very drawn to the TLM (with a little help from this very forum). But on to my point…

The Mass I attend would be a NO Mass. When Communion comes people go up, get the Body (in the hand), and walk away chewing on it (about 85% skip the Blood). This happens in almost rapid fashion. I thought nothing of it for the most part as I am just learning and it was all I had ever seen.

I have been on Youtube.com looking at videos of TLM and FSSP Masses as there is only one church around that I know of that offers the TLM (I can not yet go as I have RCIA obligations). I was watching an FSSP Mass and I was so blown away when I saw how they did Communion. The preparation was so detailed and so reverant. The people came up and on their knees took the Body (on the tongue) and did the Sign of the Cross and then remained in a kneel position for a few moments (obviously reflecting and respecting what they have just taken part in).

So what gives with the other churches I have attended? I have only been to three and it was all the assembly line style of recieving the Eucharist. Does anyone know the progression or the inner workings of how or why this occurs?

When I take my first Communion on Easter Vigil I fully intend on maximizing my reverance to Christ and I dont want to be pushed aside or asked to move along while doing it.

Good for you!! It does sound as if you might be happier in a parish that offers the TLM., but I’d go ahead & receive the first time with the class that you have studied with. I know that I am much happier attending the Mass of the Ages. I grew up with it, then tried for 40 yrs. to find the same “Peace that passeth all understanding” in the Novus Ordo, but I found instead confusion & noise &, as you said…“assembly line” distribution of the Eucharist. In fact, in the Novus Ordo parish I attended until the Summorum Pontificum was promulgated, there was very little reverence at all.

We had the greeters??, I have no idea what they thought their job was, as I go to Mass to greet God. We had the herd of EM’s leaving the pews racing to see who got the most visible spot in the Sanctuary…a priest who walked up & down the aisle to shake hands with all during the “Kiss of Peace” & bring props for his homilies. Our music consisted of “hymns” like “Gift of Finest Wheat”.

This is a site that is helpful in finding the nearest Latin Mass near you. Just click on your state & you’ll get the listings:
web2.airmail.net/carlsch/MaterDei//churches.htm

btw. The Pope agrees with you! – Vatican City, 22 May – Benedict XVI gave communion this evening to the faithful who knelt in front of him, following the tradition, that is, not giving the consecrated particles into the hands but putting them directly into the mouth. Both ways are allowed in the present liturgical norms but this way underlines more greatly the meaning of the Eucharist as the renewed sacrifice of Jesus, while the other is more in line with the protestant conception which emphasises more the dimension of the meal.
the-hermeneutic-of-continuity.blogspot.com/2008/05/pope-benedict-discourages-communion-in.html

 

[CradleCath]

Just to be clear, Im not judging. Im brand new. I have made certain observations. I dont think I am better, more reverent, more holy, none of that…I simply made an observation as wanted to know what other people thought.

Calm down.

I agree!! This is the largest number of the more modernist type Catholics that have posted in the Traditional Catholic forum for, at least, two weeks. They are trying to save you from
… us “Terrible Trads”. npatrol:

PS. I saw nothing judgemental in your post.