Coming up for Blessing During Eucharist

  • Thread starter Thread starter Donald_S
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
D

Donald_S

Guest
I was at Mass at Franciscan University and noticed several students received blessings instead of the Eucharist. I know this is typically done for those in RCIA. But there were several of them, not in a row, so it would seem difficult for the priest to remember each one. I’m currently in RCIA and would love being able to go up during the Eucharist and receive a blessing until I’m able to fully participate. Is there some hand sign or motion that tells the Priest you are only able to receive a blessing instead of the Eucharist? Or is it more likely the priest just has a really good memory?
 
Thanks, that was actually one of the images that came to my mind when I was contemplating what the sign might be. The more I read into it the practice, it appears it’s not really considered appropriate. It’s viewed by many as a distortion of the Eucharist rite. I haven’t really found any official teaching on the issue yet though. I’ll probably just remain in my pew as normal.
 
There have been many threads on this issue, here at CAF. Whatever the arguments for and against, what happens in practice is that the question is answered at a local level. Some parishes encourage and welcome it, others discourage it.
 
If you don’t see people doing it, best to ask your priest if you can do that.
Some priests don’t care for the practice and others aren’t familiar with it.
Some are fine with it.
 
Tis_Bearself said:
If you don’t see people doing it, best to ask your priest if you can do that.
Some priests don’t care for the practice and others aren’t familiar with it.
Some are fine with it.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I guess both situations are a little tricky. I personally don’t mind sitting back but I guess I also don’t want people to think I’m in mortal sin. It’s not that I care what they think about me, but I don’t want to be that occasion for someone to be tempted to sin. I guess that’s ultimately out of my control. Sitting all the way in the back might help with that concern as well
 
Donald_S said:
but I don’t want to be that occasion for someone to be tempted to sin.
Click to expand...
In this scenario you would not be responsible for anothers sin of rash judgement which is what they would be doing if they believed the reason you remained in the pew was due to your being in mortal sin. And in case you are thinking of the sin of scandal, you are not doing anything remotely sinful in actions/deed/behavior in which to be guilty of this. In fact, you are doing the opposite by remaining in your pew which should be seen as an example to others that it is ok to remain there, and not everyone has to go up to receive either Communion (or a blessing) - perhaps then, other people will not feel pressured to receive unworthily.
 
No one is going to be tempted to mortal sin by seeing you sit in the pew.

I tend to assume that most persons who don’t go up for Communion are not Catholic. My husband sat in the pew many times without any concern. He was Presbyterian.
 
These are the type of questions you can ask during RCIA. My priest encouraged me to come up for a blessing - and it was so special.
 
At our parish it is encouraged but you have to get in the line where either the priest or deacon are. Our Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) are not to give a blessing at that time.
 
Donald_S,
I’m a Cradle Catholic and have never been in RCIA. However, before I had my First Communion, I was taught to cross my arms over my chest. It is common practice in my parish both for children and for older people that, for one reason or another, cannot receive communion. I still do it, from time to time, if I’ve failed to observe the Eucharistic fast.

Love and Prayers
 
As a general rule, we don’t (shouldn’t) pay much attention to who does and doesn’t go up to receive, and it’s certainly no one’s business why another person wouldn’t receive, and to ask or make assumptions is inappropriate on the part of the nosy busybody.

Try not to worry that anyone’s watching; most probably don’t notice.

(And I realize this is quite the opposite experience many of us may have had in Protestant churches of our past.)
 
Stay in your pew.
You get a blessing at the end of Mass.
I stay in my pew about half the time I go to Mass. If anyone is judging me that is their own sin as they go to receive and thus committing sacrilege.
 
As a clarification, I’ve never been concerned about what people actually thought about me sitting in the pew, at least in regards to my own feelings being hurt or something. My concern was more about the person themselves having an occasion to sin. As I mentioned though, it’s mostly beyond my control. But any way I can help others not have that occasion I would try. I think sitting in the back would actually help that the most. I know people aren’t supposed to judge, and it’s on them, but I don’t think it unreasonable for me to at least try to minimize that opportunity. It’s something I’ll pray about though and see where God leads me.
 
If I understand you correctly, you are worried about other people sinning because they are judging why you are not receiving communion? First of all, as others said, don’t worry about it. Catholics should be taught at a very young age to never question or make any assumption as to why someone doesn’t go to communion. Secondly, it seems you will be just as noticeable if you approach and receive a blessing as if you stay in your pew. So I don’t get how one action could tempt others to judge you and not the other (at least in any significant way that would tilt the scale one way or the other).
In general, there is no need to receive an individual blessing during communion, we all receive a blessing at the end of mass. Any blessing given other than the priest or deacon is likely not efficacious, so if there is a EMHC in your line it makes little difference. Also, be aware that some priests do not like the practice, although they will seldom make a big deal out of it and just give you the blessing as expected. In general, I would say just stay in your pew.
Having said that, there is one difference that is not insignificant in favor of the practice: no one has to climb over you while you stay in your pew. Now this can be taken care of by being courteous and getting up and stepping out of the pew while others exit and reenter the pew.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top