Communion at work

[kimie]

We have a issue here at work that is turning into a big problem. Our company is an Catholic facility that is administered by Dominican Sisters. At least three times a week there is Mass somewhere on the campus, and following the Mass, communion is taken through out the building to be given to the residents who are unable to attend for medical reasons (we are a ministry that serves the elderly - full nursing care, assisted living, etc.). In their travels, the Eucharist ministers would also give communion to the staff who requested it and who are Catholic. The sisters (via the campus priest) recently put the kibosh on the staff receiving communion because those folks are not taking the “proper steps before receiving communion”, i.e., not spending time before and after in prayer. (some of the staff does the sign of the cross and the “our Father” aloud before receiving; some just the sign of the cross and “amen”) I first was angry about this because I was one of the ones receiving. Now that I think about it, maybe the priest is right. I dunno. I have always said a little prayer before and after I receive communion. While it is not on my knees in a church - which most of the staff does not have time for in caring for the elderly - and it may only be 5 seconds worth of prayer, I believed that if your pre-prayer and thanksgiving was sincere it would be ok. But I guess it depends on the person receiving. Maybe they are seeing that some are not sincere…
Any comments or advice?

 

[JGC]

Hmm.

Appears these sisters are judging what they should not.

Its true you should be properly disposed to recieve and indeed Ratzinger has recently commented on this matter but quite frankly only you know if you are. How do these sisters not know you spent two hours praying in preparation before you came to work?

 

[JGC]

Another thought…

If they are concerned then they perhaps should issue some pastoral guidance reminding staff of the need for proper preparation.

But quite frankly the decsion on whether you are properly prepared is between you and God.

 

[kimie]

JGC - I personally do read the daily readings in the morning and before I come to work.

While I may be busy tending to the Residents when communion comes around, and have to get right back into the activity after receiving, I am always grateful to God for the opportunity to “re-charge” myself with Jesus. I think the Sisters are seeing that sometimes no one pauses after receiving Jesus and giving Him the proper respect. While I may not be physically pausing, mentally and in my heart I am.

The rumor mill has also said it has to do with the cost of the wafers - this may also be a part of the reasons. But the order had come from our campus priest, and the Sisters are supporting him in his decision. There is a meeting coming up thursday in regards to this issue; I just saw the posting by the time clock. I think I am not the only one who has issues with this decision!

 

[Joe_Kelley]

Kimie - In our ministry to the sick we give Communion to caretakers, whether spouses or professional staff. The only caution is that if it is Sunday we remind them that they are still obliged to attend mass if possible.

Oh, and they should not receive if they have received earlier that day.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

The Church allows all the Faithful the ability to receive Holy Communion once a day outside of Mass. I do not see any problem with receiving Holy Communion if what you describe is acceptable respect for the Blessed Sacrament. Remember that the one hour fast is still required. There are exceptions for that also but I would think that they would not really apply here.

 

[kimie]

An update…

We had the meeting yesterday regarding receiving communion at work… It all boiled down to some folks not giving the proper respect when receiving Jesus. We have some new rules that will be applied in the future. The Sisters do not want to deny anyone Jesus when the opportunity is there (nor our priest)! It was the ministers (and the sister who heads up the pastoral ministry) and some staff members who blew it out of proportion and thought the Sisters meant no one could receive anymore…

Another lesson in “local rumor mills”; good folks (staff) were not receiving communion for over three weeks because of a misspoken word or misunderstanding…

Thanks for all the words of wisdom and advice!

God Bless!

Kim