Children and receiving communion

[Tis_Bearself]

And unfortunately that is going to lead to confusion when a parishioner from your parish, where EMHCs wrongly bless, goes to a church somewhere else where EMHCs have been properly instructed and gets told the EMHC can’t bless him or his child.

 

[paperwight]

TheLittleLady:

In parishes where blessings in the line happen, the priests are careful to train the EMHCs that they CANNOT bless in line. They are to tell the person in a whisper “Father will bless you” and keep their hands on the chiborum.

I did not receive that instruction, which is why it makes me uncomfortable. I see other extraordinary ministers blessing people ALL THE TIME in my parish!

We were told to pray that the person would be blessed by God, just like one would say ‘God bless you’ to a child or neighbour, meaning (May) God bless you, not actually blessing someone ourselves, if you see what I mean.

And I have to say, it just wouldn’t be practical to stop the process and re-direct someone to the priest’s line - it would mean them making their way across the church between the other queues and would be very disruptive.

 

[Gingersnaps4]

At my parish the EMHC’s just touch people on the shoulder and say “God bless you”. Maybe you could try that, it’s not a blessing at all but also doesn’t leave people feeling awkward for having come forward with arms crossed.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

That’s a good alternative for EMHC’s.

Guess I’ll do that if I encounter a child or adult seeking a blessing.

Thanks !

Jim

 

[Tis_Bearself]

I hate to have to bring this up, but make sure your parish’s policies allow you to touch the child, especially if he comes up alone without his mom or dad. Or just say “God bless you” without touching.

I know it’s not going to be a “bad touch” but the world has just gone crazy these days.

 

[TheLittleLady]

YES

Also, the Pastor will tell you if he wants an EMHC to say or do anything wrt blessings in the Communion line.

 

[FrDavid96]

FrDavid96:

That isn’t the time for the priest to give blessings.

The monsignor at my mom’s parish always invites people up for a blessing during communion if they aren’t in the position of receiving the Eucharist. It is a nice thing to do, especially considering many of the people don’t understand the full meaning of communion, but they do understand what a blessing is. It is a small gesture that I have actually seen have a big impact on some. I don’t think Jesus would turn away from blessing someone in that situation.

For non-Catholics, it is confusing to go to Mass at the same parish and for sometimes it to be “OK” and for other times it isn’t. It would be helpful if the congregation was given a head’s up on the protocol prior to going up and being turned away. Perhaps a laminated card in the pew, indicating the protocol for the parish?

I have seem some very embarrassed people going up with their arms crossed because that is what they were told to do previously, only to be sent on their way without a blessing. Not exactly a great way to encourage them to return for future Masses.

There is a book, called “The Roman Missal.”

It contains all the prayers for Mass. It also contains all the instructions for what the priest, deacon, and everyone else does at Mass. Every detail is described. Every part of the Mass is clearly explained.

Every parish has at least one copy. Every priest has one in front of him whenever he celebrates Mass.

If every priest were to simply follow that Roman Missal and do what the Church instructs and requires him to do, no more and no less, then we would not be having conversations such as this in the first place.

 

[TheOldColonel]

One might well first establish that this incident actually happened before formulating a response.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Oh yeah you’re right

Scratch the last idea

No touching, hugging or any incriminating acts which can and will be used against you :smiley

Jim

 

[Xanthippe_Voorhees]

I hate to have to bring this up, but make sure your parish’s policies allow you to touch the child, especially if he comes up alone without his mom or dad. Or just say “God bless you” without touching.

I know it’s not going to be a “bad touch” but the world has just gone crazy these days.

I mentioned this upthread. My priest is an amazing guy but will not go anywhere near a child without explicit verbal permission from a parent. He will do a little nod and make an air sign of the cross if he is not familiar with the child.