CDWDS response regarding blessings during Communion procession

[Corki]

Yes, I have to agree that saying the laity cannot bless at Communion is confusing because it does not address the fact that the clergy shouldn’t do it either. I suppose that we can look to the entire letter, and see that the point about the only blessing being the one at the dismissal at the end of Mass and conclude from that no one (cleric or lay) may “bless” during Communion.

Father,

This is the case where something done occasionally or by necessity became a “fad”. When I had babes-in-arms, the priest would lay his hand on my infants head after giving me communion. No words were said and it was a nice gesture. It wasn’t a matter of “coming up” for a blessing - the baby was with me by necessity.

Another “necessity” case is in a Catholic school Mass. The littlest kids really need to stay together and in their lines. So all the students get in line and all come up. To bless the ones not receiving (either due to being too young or not-Catholic) seems like a reasonable exception.

As Andreas pointed out, however, it has become popular to invite all present to come up. This is often done with the best of intentions, as an opportunity to address who should not be receiving.

Hopefully, these letters are a sign of more formal instruction coming soon.

 

[FrDavid96]

Father,

This is the case where something done occasionally or by necessity became a “fad”. When I had babes-in-arms, the priest would lay his hand on my infants head after giving me communion. No words were said and it was a nice gesture. It wasn’t a matter of “coming up” for a blessing - the baby was with me by necessity.

Another “necessity” case is in a Catholic school Mass. The littlest kids really need to stay together and in their lines. So all the students get in line and all come up. To bless the ones not receiving (either due to being too young or not-Catholic) seems like a reasonable exception.

As Andreas pointed out, however, it has become popular to invite all present to come up. This is often done with the best of intentions, as an opportunity to address who should not be receiving.

Hopefully, these letters are a sign of more formal instruction coming soon.

I don’t see how it can be a “reasonable exception” because the most direct solution is to have the grades too-young-to-receive simply stay in their places at Communion time. Why do they need to come forward in the first place?

Also, priests and parishes cannot make exceptions to the Mass simply because they believe those exceptions to be reasonable. When something unforeseen or unintended happens, yes a reasonable exception might be made out of true necessity, but when a thing is planned to happen that way, then this becomes an example of the local community taking upon itself the authority to change the Mass.

I do agree completely with your conclusion though that there do seem to be signs that this and other practices are finally coming to Rome’s attention and we can expect more explicit instructions.

 

[Brendan]

I don’t see how it can be a “reasonable exception” because the most direct solution is to have the grades too-young-to-receive simply stay in their places at Communion time. Why do they need to come forward in the first place?.

I was wondering the same thing. When I was in grade school, that was the common practice, grades K,1 and 2 would remain in their seats. After the 2nd graders made thier FHC, they would go up.

What was really interesting is that we had a local Byzantine Catholic parish that sent their kids to our school. So we even had Kindergartners and 1st graders going up for Communion while the rest of us sat in the pews.

Before we started homeschooling, my kids were in a Catholic grade school. The K-1 sit in the pews there too.

So Corki, why exactly would they need to get up in your parish? Is there some kind of unique seating arrangement that requries everyone to get up at Commuion time?

 

[benedictgal]

I was wondering the same thing. When I was in grade school, that was the common practice, grades K,1 and 2 would remain in their seats. After the 2nd graders made thier FHC, they would go up.

What was really interesting is that we had a local Byzantine Catholic parish that sent their kids to our school. So we even had Kindergartners and 1st graders going up for Communion while the rest of us sat in the pews.

Before we started homeschooling, my kids were in a Catholic grade school. The K-1 sit in the pews there too.

So Corki, why exactly would they need to get up in your parish? Is there some kind of unique seating arrangement that requries everyone to get up at Commuion time?

Brendan, you make a very good point. When I was in Kindergarten all the way through second grade (until May when I received First Holy Communion), we stayed in our places. There was none of this nonesense about going up to receive a blessing in lieu of Holy Communion. The nuns taught us to make a spiritual communion until such time as we were finally able to receive Our Lord.

It is sad that, at least from what I am observing in these threads, the practice is no longer being taught, let alone encouraged.

Incidentally, I forwarded the letter to another priest friend of mine and he is now adamant that there be no blessings in lieu of receiving Holy Communion in his parish. Unfortunately, the poor deacon, from what I was told, got lambasted for continuing the practice. It is, however, gone.

 

[BSHoop96]

I was wondering the same thing. When I was in grade school, that was the common practice, grades K,1 and 2 would remain in their seats. After the 2nd graders made thier FHC, they would go up.

What was really interesting is that we had a local Byzantine Catholic parish that sent their kids to our school. So we even had Kindergartners and 1st graders going up for Communion while the rest of us sat in the pews.

Before we started homeschooling, my kids were in a Catholic grade school. The K-1 sit in the pews there too.

So Corki, why exactly would they need to get up in your parish? Is there some kind of unique seating arrangement that requries everyone to get up at Commuion time?

I’m curious…what do the non-Catholic children do?

 

[benedictgal]

I’m curious…what do the non-Catholic children do?

In my case, at our school, the kids would simply stay at their places. They were encouraged to pray during this time.

 

[BSHoop96]

In my case, at our school, the kids would simply stay at their places. They were encouraged to pray during this time.

Thanks. I was just wondering if perhaps that the sense of not having the very littlest ones feel “left out” is what contributed to the spread of this.

 

[Brendan]

I’m curious…what do the non-Catholic children do?

Convert?

 

[emeraldcoast]

I’m curious…what do the non-Catholic children do?

My chidren and other non-Catholic children have been instructed at their Catholic School to go up to Communion with their arms crossed to receive a blessing.

God Bless!

 

[benedictgal]

My chidren and other non-Catholic children have been instructed at their Catholic School to go up to Communion with their arms crossed to receive a blessing.

God Bless!

However, for the time being, this practice should stop. Everyone is going to receive a blessing at the end of the Mass. With all due respect, the line is only for those who are properly disposed to receive Our Lord in Holy Communion, not a blessing.

The document that japhy received has already appeared in the official publication of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. Hence, it should be obeyed.

I do not mean to sound cold, but, Rome, for the time being, has spoken. As well-meaning as this gesture was, it still does not make it right.

 

[emeraldcoast]

However, for the time being, this practice should stop. Everyone is going to receive a blessing at the end of the Mass. With all due respect, the line is only for those who are properly disposed to receive Our Lord in Holy Communion, not a blessing.

The document that japhy received has already appeared in the official publication of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. Hence, it should be obeyed.

I do not mean to sound cold, but, Rome, for the time being, has spoken. As well-meaning as this gesture was, it still does not make it right.

benedictgal,

It does not seem to be stopping at my children’s school. Why do you think this is the case?

God Bless!

 

[benedictgal]

benedictgal,

It does not seem to be stopping at my children’s school. Why do you think this is the case?

God Bless!

They have either not received the notification or, might not want to put it into practice. I know that sounds harsh, but, I am facing a situation down here where one of the schools does not want to stop “liturgical dance” even though the authoritative documents of the Church indicate that this should not be done. I do not want to sound judgmental, but, unfortunately, as I have experienced, that might be the case.

The OP did put in on a PDF; if I were a parent I would print it out and give it to the principal and indicate that this is a legitimate document.

Some of the priests in my diocese are already putting this into practice. Two Sundays ago, I assisted my parochial vicar as an EMHC. Both of us had children come before us with their arms crossed and neither of us did anything. A priest in another parish has already told his deacon that he is not to do this anymore. Ditto for the new administrator of the Cathedral. And, the Superintendent for our diocesan Catholic schools already has a copy of the letter.

 

[Corki]

I was wondering the same thing. When I was in grade school, that was the common practice, grades K,1 and 2 would remain in their seats. After the 2nd graders made thier FHC, they would go up.

What was really interesting is that we had a local Byzantine Catholic parish that sent their kids to our school. So we even had Kindergartners and 1st graders going up for Communion while the rest of us sat in the pews.

Before we started homeschooling, my kids were in a Catholic grade school. The K-1 sit in the pews there too.

So Corki, why exactly would they need to get up in your parish? Is there some kind of unique seating arrangement that requries everyone to get up at Commuion time?

Well we do have a few Eastern Catholics but that isn’t the real reason.

There is a bit of a unique seating arrangement.

First of all, the teachers want to go to Communion and can’t leave the kids unattended.

Second, this is a parish school but has kids from at least 8-10 neighboring parishes attending. The second, third and fourth grades are a mix of children who have made 1st Communion and those who have not.

Third, the practice at the school is for older kids to sit interspersed with the very young kids at Mass. They help to keep the kids quiet, take them to the bathroom and help them to sit, stand and kneel at the right times.

So, I wouldn’t say it is a grave situation but one that might necessitate some leeway.

 

[BSHoop96]

They have either not received the notification or, might not want to put it into practice. I know that sounds harsh, but, I am facing a situation down here where one of the schools does not want to stop “liturgical dance” even though the authoritative documents of the Church indicate that this should not be done. I do not want to sound judgmental, but, unfortunately, as I have experienced, that might be the case.

The OP did put in on a PDF; if I were a parent I would print it out and give it to the principal and indicate that this is a legitimate document.

Some of the priests in my diocese are already putting this into practice. Two Sundays ago, I assisted my parochial vicar as an EMHC. Both of us had children come before us with their arms crossed and neither of us did anything. A priest in another parish has already told his deacon that he is not to do this anymore. Ditto for the new administrator of the Cathedral. And, the Superintendent for our diocesan Catholic schools already has a copy of the letter.

BG, did they make an announcement? While I am in agreement (not that my opinion matters) I do think that for several weeks, in the bulletin, in classes, everyone should have this explained so the child isn’t confused.

Also is this a directive that would be sent out to priests all over…at least in the places where it seems to have spread??

As for the liturgical dance… I will say a prayer for you. Good luck.

 

[benedictgal]

BG, did they make an announcement? While I am in agreement (not that my opinion matters) I do think that for several weeks, in the bulletin, in classes, everyone should have this explained so the child isn’t confused.

Also is this a directive that would be sent out to priests all over…at least in the places where it seems to have spread??

As for the liturgical dance… I will say a prayer for you. Good luck.

I gave a copy of the letter, first and foremost, to my parochial vicar and to my pastor. I also gave it to the new administrator of the Cathedral and a priest friend of mine who is pastor at another parish. I suspect that at the next priests assembly, it will be discussed. Anyhow, as soon as my friends got their copy, they stopped it. My PV was the first one to nip the practice and the rest soon followed.

Now that it has made it into Notitae, it should be distributed.

I am still very much bothered by the dance and want to write my own letter to the CDWDS.

 

[BSHoop96]

I gave a copy of the letter, first and foremost, to my parochial vicar and to my pastor. I also gave it to the new administrator of the Cathedral and a priest friend of mine who is pastor at another parish. I suspect that at the next priests assembly, it will be discussed. Anyhow, as soon as my friends got their copy, they stopped it. My PV was the first one to nip the practice and the rest soon followed.

Now that it has made it into Notitae, it should be distributed.

I am still very much bothered by the dance and want to write my own letter to the CDWDS.

Hate to be stupid but you are so much more knowledgeable about this stuff…what is Notitae??

I hope it is distributed as there is so much confusion.

Just out of curiousity…is the dance something worked in under the guise of cultural or did somebody just decide it would be a good idea??

 

[benedictgal]

Hate to be stupid but you are so much more knowledgeable about this stuff…what is Notitae??

I hope it is distributed as there is so much confusion.

Just out of curiousity…is the dance something worked in under the guise of cultural or did somebody just decide it would be a good idea??

Don’t sweat it.

Notitiae (I think I’m spelling it wrong) is the official publication of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Disicpline of the Sacraments. It’s kind of like the Congressional Record, so to speak.

The dance had nothing to do with inculturation. It was girls in flowing whispy outfits with candles. The order, whose nuns taught me (which got me disappointed, mad and sad) promotes this kind of nonsense. All I can say is that had St. John Bosco walked in on the whole episode, he would not have been pleased at all.

 

[BSHoop96]

Don’t sweat it.

Notitiae (I think I’m spelling it wrong) is the official publication of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Disicpline of the Sacraments. It’s kind of like the Congressional Record, so to speak.

Thanks!

The dance had nothing to do with inculturation. It was girls in flowing whispy outfits with candles. The order, whose nuns taught me (which got me disappointed, mad and sad) promotes this kind of nonsense. All I can say is that had St. John Bosco walked in on the whole episode, he would not have been pleased at all.

Oh my goodness. What is with some of the nuns these days?? Where I am they were recommending this very new age popular book at one of their retreats…we heard that and happen to read it at book club and to say it conflicted with Catholic teaching is being nice.

 

[LGloria120]

I find this conversation very confusing. I am a Catholic who is seeking an annulment from a previous marriage, so I can not receive communion. Previous to my husband attending mass with me, I took my two children every week. My husband is a former Baptist and is currently an RCIA candidate who will become a member of the church soon. It was encouraged, by the parish priest, that we take our children up for a blessing in preparation for the first communion of our daughter as well as my husband. Our parish priest explained that we must set an example for our children, participate, and come forth and bow to the Body of Christ. Although the blessing is a bonus, I bring my children forward for their benefit, but also so I may show my love and respect for the Lord.
Why is this so offensive to some Eucharistic ministers on this site? Are they not prepared to say “God bless you” as well as administer communion. We say it to strangers when they sneeze. Why is it so uncomfortable to say it to a brother or sister in faith?
I don’t understand the push by some Eucharist ministers on this site to exclude transitioning Catholics, those in the process of becoming full members of the church, or those choosing to be an example for their children. It’s hard enough to feel a “belonging” by people in these situations. Does this exclusion need to be perpetuated by those who handle “Our Lord” during mass? Why are these Eucharistic ministers complaining about say, “God bless you”?
Any clarification would be appreciated.
LGloria

 

[FrDavid96]

I find this conversation very confusing. I am a Catholic who is seeking an annulment from a previous marriage, so I can not receive communion. Previous to my husband attending mass with me, I took my two children every week. My husband is a former Baptist and is currently an RCIA candidate who will become a member of the church soon. It was encouraged, by the parish priest, that we take our children up for a blessing in preparation for the first communion of our daughter as well as my husband. Our parish priest explained that we must set an example for our children, participate, and come forth and bow to the Body of Christ. Although the blessing is a bonus, I bring my children forward for their benefit, but also so I may show my love and respect for the Lord.
Why is this so offensive to some Eucharistic ministers on this site? Are they not prepared to say “God bless you” as well as administer communion. We say it to strangers when they sneeze. Why is it so uncomfortable to say it to a brother or sister in faith?
I don’t understand the push by some Eucharist ministers on this site to exclude transitioning Catholics, those in the process of becoming full members of the church, or those choosing to be an example for their children. It’s hard enough to feel a “belonging” by people in these situations. Does this exclusion need to be perpetuated by those who handle “Our Lord” during mass? Why are these Eucharistic ministers complaining about say, “God bless you”?
Any clarification would be appreciated.
LGloria

LGloria,
At the risk of repeating what’s already been said (but you did say that you’re still confused after reading the thread):

Only the Church can decide what ritual is appropriate to add to the Mass, and Rome has said through a legitimate spokesman that this is not to be done during Mass. The letter from the Holy See explains the reasons why doing this are not appropriate. Greeting and welcoming are important things for us to do, no doubt, however we have an obligation to respect the integrity of the Mass and not add ritual which detracts from the actual purpose of what is happening at that moment. The “communion line” is not a time for greeting people (so it’s very different from meeting someone on the street and saying “God bless you”).

There is a time and place for everything. But the only “purpose” of the Communion line (for lack of a better term) is to receive Communion.