Cardinal says: Communion - On the tongue and while kneeling

[ConstantineTG]

I don’t see what the big deal is. Why does America have to be different? We’re too used to getting what we want. It’s what’s crippling our nation in every way.
I don’t, in principle, have a problem with communion in the hand and standing, but it’s the circumstances surrounding it that I have a problem with. Again I ask, why do we have to be different here in America? Why can’t we just follow what most of the Catholic world does? I’d like to see the reaction of a foreign Catholic visiting America attending Mass.

Actually, America is what is most of the world is like. Standing and receiving on the hand.

 

[estesbob]

I don’t see what the big deal is. Why does America have to be different? We’re too used to getting what we want. It’s what’s crippling our nation in every way.
I don’t, in principle, have a problem with communion in the hand and standing, but it’s the circumstances surrounding it that I have a problem with. Again I ask, why do we have to be different here in America? Why can’t we just follow what most of the Catholic world does? I’d like to see the reaction of a foreign Catholic visiting America attending Mass.

I trust the Church to not let us be in error in the way we recieve communion.

 

[Julia_Mae]

I myself have been accosted by the “liturgy cops” because of how I genuflect. A couple of other people in this thread have also related incidents where lay people have been judgemental, impatient and down-right rude.

There are some people, who even though they know they should not let what others think bother them, still let it because of insecurities, doubts or lack of education. We are Christians, so we should be acting more like Christ

Well, maybe we’ll become more Christlike by accepting the persecution and offering it up to the Lord.

I am not able to kneel at all anymore, which is a great sadness to me, and I can only strand very briefly, therefore I sit through the entire Mass, though I can walk fairly well and do go up to receive because what would be the point otherwise?

Problem is, it doesn’t look like there’s much wrong with me at all. I think some might think I am a visitor, perhaps a Protestant. I’ve often worried what people think, especially when I got better and gave up my crutch.

But I think it would be a sin of extreme pride if kneeling became the norm and I didn’t do whatever I had to, to receive the Body of my Lord in the Eucharist. If they tell me I have to crawl, I imagine I’ll find a way.

 

[Joannm]

I don’t see what the big deal is. Why does America have to be different? We’re too used to getting what we want. It’s what’s crippling our nation in every way.
I don’t, in principle, have a problem with communion in the hand and standing, but it’s the circumstances surrounding it that I have a problem with. Again I ask, why do we have to be different here in America? Why can’t we just follow what most of the Catholic world does? I’d like to see the reaction of a foreign Catholic visiting America attending Mass.

I have been to quite a number of European countries and standing was the normal way of receiving, even at the Vatican.

 

[crazzeto]

God bless Cardinal Antonio Canizares Llovera, I pray this becomes commonplace in the universal church.

 

[GaryTaylor]

The fact that one “stands” isn’t so much the issue as not bowing one’s head. And of course the hand/tongue issue exists. Being that I was raised in V-I I have always felt uncomfortable with the “hand” issue and I bow my head before receiving Communion.

I agree with OP, though I suppose there are great arguements. I would digress simply due to learned behavior. Though “if” it were up to me it would be as it was before V-II.

 

[paperwight66]

I have been to quite a number of European countries and standing was the normal way of receiving, even at the Vatican.

Indeed. I have visited many countries, and have never come across a Catholic church where standing was not the overwhelming posture.

YoungTradCath, where did you get the idea that everywhere outside of America received kneeling? CITH, and standing, is the normal way in most of the world.

 

[JKirkLVNV]

I don’t see what the big deal is. Why does America have to be different? We’re too used to getting what we want. It’s what’s crippling our nation in every way.
I don’t, in principle, have a problem with communion in the hand and standing, but it’s the circumstances surrounding it that I have a problem with. Again I ask, why do we have to be different here in America? Why can’t we just follow what most of the Catholic world does? I’d like to see the reaction of a foreign Catholic visiting America attending Mass.

Actually, the indult for communion in the hand is nearly universal in the Church (the Holy See approved it for Poland in 2007). I don’t know how many Catholics avail themselves of the choice. I can’t speak for receiving in procession (standing), though I imagine it is about the same. So it is not a question of being different in America or even, I dare say, in the West.

 

[John_Lilburne]

In Australia there is a publication of “The General Instruction of the Roman Missal: Interim Text for Australia” (ISBN 9781921032783 ). It has at the front:
“Note: This text of The General Instruction of the Roman Missal 2002 is an interim text for study purposes. It has been approved for Australia by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Prot. 1198/06/L, of 24 May 2007.
The final edition of The General Instruction of the Roman Missal will accompany the publication of the third edition of the Latin Missal in English.”

In this Interim Text GIRM, it has:
“160. … In Australia standing is the most common posture for receiving Holy Communion. The customary manner of reception is recommended to be followed by all, so that Communion may truly be a sign of unity among those who share in the same table of the Lord. When approaching to receive Holy Communion, the faithful bow in reverence of the Mystery that they are to receive.”

Based on what Fr. Z has written about changing the USA’s GIRM n. 160, it will be interesting to see what is printed in the new translation.

 

[benedictgal]

In Australia there is a publication of “The General Instruction of the Roman Missal: Interim Text for Australia” (ISBN 9781921032783 ). It has at the front:
“Note: This text of The General Instruction of the Roman Missal 2002 is an interim text for study purposes. It has been approved for Australia by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Prot. 1198/06/L, of 24 May 2007.
The final edition of The General Instruction of the Roman Missal will accompany the publication of the third edition of the Latin Missal in English.”

In this Interim Text GIRM, it has:
“160. … In Australia standing is the most common posture for receiving Holy Communion. The customary manner of reception is recommended to be followed by all, so that Communion may truly be a sign of unity among those who share in the same table of the Lord. When approaching to receive Holy Communion, the faithful bow in reverence of the Mystery that they are to receive.”

Based on what Fr. Z has written about changing the USA’s GIRM n. 160, it will be interesting to see what is printed in the new translation.

Ask and you shall receive, John:

1. The Priest then takes the paten or ciborium and approaches the communicants, who usually come up in procession.

It is not permitted for the faithful to take the consecrated Bread or the sacred chalice by themselves and, still less, to hand them on from one to another among themselves.** The norm established for the Dioceses of the United States of America is that Holy Communion is to be received standing, unless an individual member of the faithful wishes to receive Communion while kneeling (Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Instruction, Redemptionis Sacramentum, March 25, 2004, no. 91).**

The reference to the celebrant having to provide catechesis is taken out of the GIRM.

 

[MarkThompson]

Based on what Fr. Z has written about changing the USA’s GIRM n. 160, it will be interesting to see what is printed in the new translation.

Good question, it will be interesting to know what is printed in the Australian edition of the GIRM. I guess we don’t know yet.

 

[TrueLight]

Ask and you shall receive, John:

That is Phase 1.

Phase 2
It is not permitted for the faithful to take the consecrated Bread or the sacred chalice by themselves and, still less, to hand them on from one to another among themselves. The norm established for the Dioceses of the United States of America is that Holy Communion is to be received standing; however,** it is recommended that communicants receive communion while kneeling during solemnities or whenever possible. unless an individual member of the faithful wishes to receive Communion while standing.**

Phase 3
The norm established for the Dioceses of the United States of America is that Holy Communion is to be received while kneeling, unless someone is physically unable to kneel. Communicants are not to be denied communion in the hand, but proper catechesis should follow.

Ha ha. I’m dreaming.

 

[eegardner]

Thank you SO MUCH for your service to our country. God bless you!

I am pleased to have served this great country and her people.

 

[eegardner]

By gum, back in the good old days, when Mass was in Aramaic…

We had to walk up hill both ways barefoot in the snow and the kneelers were made of sharp, jagged rock.

 

[eegardner]

I think in the real world, no one who can’t kneel is ever looked down on at Mass. Even the pope, who wants those receiving from him to kneel, will give Communion to those standing if they can’t kneel. I’ve seen photos of him doing it.

It really should go without saying, that in these threads where we bicker over this topic, that those who can’t kneel are not a problem, whatever side of the argument one is on.

God Bless you for your service to our country.

I have fortunately never experienced the glares or looks that others here have mentioned when I do not kneel. It could be that since I am involved in K of C, RCIA and the Communications Committee that enough know me and my situation and in my parish people are very understanding. At a different parish it could be different because I look very healthy, I am trim and appear athletic. It is only when someone sees me walking or struggling to sit and stand from a seated position that it is obvious.

Thank you, I am proud to have served this great nation.

 

[Sacredheart1208]

I wonder how that would work for parishes which offer under the species of wine as well? (Right now, some people choose not to receive under the latter, so they are able to walk past the chalice. )

So maybe the recommendation will not be implemented by such parishes.

They would probably do Communion by intinction.

 

[tawny]

My church currently offers a kneeler at communion for those wishing to kneel or they may receive standing. If they receive standing they will bow in reverence prior to receiving. If they are also receiving the Precious Blood from the Eucharistic Minister they again will bow prior to receiving.[BIBLEDRB][/BIBLEDRB]