Correct posture for receiving communion

[Don9of11]

Next year the last Sunday in June, my parish will be closing. We are being merged with St. Bernard Church. As part of this merger the St. Bernard Church bulletin is being included in our own church bulletin.
In this church bulletin today, the pastors note entitled An IN"Spired" Outlook says that

The Scriptures this weekend provide an opportunity to refelct upon the real Presence of Christ in the Eucharistic banquet. As we hear that the Body of Christ is real food and His Blood real drink we might give more attention to the manner in we receive this precious gift. We process together as members of the One Body to receive “our own mystery” as St.Augustine teaches. We become what we eat, the Body of Christ gathered around the altar on which rest the Body of Christ. This is not an act of private piety or faith, but communion with Christ and one another. Church law directs that we all have the same posture for receiving communion. In the United States that posture is to stand and bow one’s head before receiving communion. Our standing recalls the Passover meal, which prefigures the Eucharist and of which the Eucharist is the fulfillment and the New Passover. Just as the Passover was food for the journey from slavery to freedom and the Promised Land, so too the Eucharist is the food for our journey through life to the Kingdom of God. Our attentiveness to what we are doing and why is the ground for our reverence. Kneeling at the communion rail or genuflecting is not permitted. An individual is not to be denied communion if he or she kneels, but such a person is to be instructed to follow the action of the Body of Christ. It is very important that we process with awareness and reverence and act not as individuals but as members of one Body. The Bishop’s recent instructions included this point. In the coming weeks other points of that instruction will be presented here.

The Bishop referenced here is Bishop Lennon from the Cleveland Diocese. I was unaware of any special instructions from the Bishop on the proper posture for receiving communion. When I made my first communion I was instructed to kneel. I have been doing so ever since.

Does anyone know the church law that specifies communion posture? I’m very concerned because I am supposed to be going to this church next year. Many of our parishioners kneel for communion. We have never been instructed otherwise as far as I know. I can see this being a serious issue for a merging of two parishes that from what I can tell are in conflict already.

 

[FrDavid96]

Any discussion of this topic is not permitted here in this forum (I’m not criticizing you for asking, only explaining why you’re not likely to receive much in the way of response.)

Without offering any comments on the matter, here is what the Holy See has to say:

Prot. n. 47/03/L
Rome, February 26, 2003

This Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has received your letter dated December 1, 2002, related to the application of the norms approved by the Conference of Bishops of the United States of America, with the subsequent recognitio of this Congregation, as regards the question of the posture for receiving Holy Communion.

As the authority by virtue of whose recognitio the norm in question has attained the force of law, this Dicastery is competent to specify the manner in which the norm is to be understood for the sake of a proper application. Having received more than a few letters regarding this matter from different locations in the United States of America, the Congregation wishes to ensure that its position on the matter is clear.

To this end, it is perhaps useful to respond to your inquiry by repeating the content of a letter that the Congregation recently addressed to a Bishop in the United States of America from whose Diocese a number of pertinent letters had been received. The letter states: “…while this Congregation gave the recognitio to the norm desired by the Bishops’ Conference of your country that people stand for Holy Communion, this was done on the condition that communicants who choose to kneel are not to be denied Holy Communion on these grounds. Indeed, the faithful should not be imposed upon nor accused of disobedience and of acting illicitly when they kneel to receive Holy Communion”.

This Dicastery hopes that the citation given here will provide an adequate answer to your letter. At the same time, please be assured that the Congregation remains ready to be of assistance if you should need to contact it again.

With every prayerful good wish, I am

Sincerely yours in Christ,
[signed]
Mons. Mario Marini
Undersecretary

(source: adoremus.org/0403HolySeeResponds.html )

 

[FrDavid96]

If you have a question about what the bishop said, by all means I think you should address your question to him and ask him to explain. There’s nothing wrong with doing this. Just write him a letter at the chancery address. I’m sure he would welcome the opportunity to explain his own words directly.

 

[benedictgal]

If I may add to what Fr. David has posted, Redemptionis Sacramentum notes the following:

[90.] “The faithful should receive Communion kneeling or standing, as the Conference of Bishops will have determined”, with its acts having received the recognitio of the Apostolic See. “However, if they receive Communion standing, it is recommended that they give due reverence before the reception of the Sacrament, as set forth in the same norms”.176

[91.] In distributing Holy Communion it is to be remembered that “sacred ministers may not deny the sacraments to those who seek them in a reasonable manner, are rightly disposed, and are not prohibited by law from receiving them”.177 Hence any baptized Catholic who is not prevented by law must be admitted to Holy Communion. Therefore, it is not licit to deny Holy Communion to any of Christ’s faithful solely on the grounds, for example, that the person wishes to receive the Eucharist kneeling or standing.

I hope this helps.

 

[FrDavid96]

My bad.

I checked the sticky. There is no moratorium on discussing receiving Communion standing/kneeling. In any case, I’m concerned about the discussion reaching the point where it might have to be added to the list, so I’ll refrain from further comments. Please read the letter from the Holy See, and again, if you want to know what the bishop said, please do contact him directly and ask him what he actually said.

Obviously you have some concerns about what you read in the bulletin, the best way to resolve those concerns is to go to the source: in this case, the bishop; not because he wrote the bulletin announcement, but because the announcement is claiming to repeat what the bishop said.

 

[zab]

Does anyone know the church law that specifies communion posture? I’m very concerned because I am supposed to be going to this church next year. Many of our parishioners kneel for communion. We have never been instructed otherwise as far as I know. I can see this being a serious issue for a merging of two parishes that from what I can tell are in conflict already.

From Catholic Answers Library
CHANGES IN THE MASS

POSTURE AT COMMUNION

One of the most controversial American adaptations concerned the posture of the faithful when receiving Communion. Traditional practice allowed for communicants to receive either kneeling or standing. If they received Communion standing, they should show another sign of reverence for Christ in the Eucharist. The new GIRM specified the following:

“The norm for reception of Holy Communion in the dioceses of the United States is standing. Communicants should not be denied Holy Communion because they kneel. Rather, such instances should be addressed pastorally, by providing the faithful with proper catechesis on the reasons for this norm. When receiving Holy Communion, the communicant bows his or her head before the Sacrament as a gesture of reverence and receives the body of the Lord from the minister” (160).

 

[zab]

My bad.

I checked the sticky. There is no moratorium on discussing receiving Communion standing/kneeling. In any case,** I’m concerned about the discussion reaching the point where it might have to be added to the list, so I’ll refrain from further comments. **.

Thank you

 

[bpbasilphx]

Church law directs that we all have the same posture for receiving communion. In the United States that posture is to stand and bow one’s head before receiving communion. Our standing recalls the Passover meal, which prefigures the Eucharist and of which the Eucharist is the fulfillment and the New Passover.

---

I don’t see how standing recalls the Passover meal. According to the Gospels (and contemporary Jewish practice), the Seder was eating reclining on couches. This is even one of the Four Questions asked at the Seder.

 

[zab]

I think the big controversy began when some priests, perhaps eager to implement the changes, refused to give Communion to someone who kneeled. They insisted that the person stand to receive Communion. So the question was asked of the Congregation For Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments and the response was given that while the bishops are allowed to choose the norm for posture of receiving Communion in their country,* “this was done on the condition that communicants who choose to kneel are not to be denied Holy Communion on these grounds. Indeed, the faithful should not be imposed upon nor accused of disobedience and of acting illicitly when they kneel to receive Holy Communion”.*
But it goes both ways. Just as one should not be denied Holy Communion because they choose to kneel, one should not refuse to accept that the bishops have the right to choose the norm of posture for reception of Communion.

 

[Phemie]

I think the big controversy began when some priests, perhaps eager to implement the changes, refused to give Communion to someone who kneeled. They insisted that the person stand to receive Communion. .

The worst such incident occurred in a parish in Nova Scotia. The kneelers, who when they were refused respectfully returned to their pews without receiving, were arrested and charged with disrupting a religious service. One was a lawyer and the case made its way to the Supreme Court before they were all acquitted.

 

[Jean_Anthony]

So far the discussion has been on target–answering the OP’s question/concern. Please don’t discuss if it is better/worse to receive standing/kneeling, though. There is no need to compare ways of receiving except to expression personal preferences. All denigration of what the Church allows/is the norm will not be allowed within the thread. Sorry for the long explanation, and thank you all.

 

[centurionguard]

The worst such incident occurred in a parish in Nova Scotia. The kneelers, who when they were refused respectfully returned to their pews without receiving, were arrested and charged with disrupting a religious service. One was a lawyer and the case made its way to the Supreme Court before they were all acquitted.

I remember the case well as it even made national news.
And a well deserved embarrassment to the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.

 

[Matrix_Refugee]

As far as I know, it’s just as acceptable to kneel to receive Communion as it is to stand. I personally prefer to kneel, which tends to generate looks of surprise from some priests at Novus Ordo parishes. I did this at my Confirmation and left the bishop aghast for a moment before he gave me the Host.

 

[Don9of11]

Thanks everyone for your help on this matter. I am going to have to check the sticky notes more often:blush:

 

[John_Lilburne]

From the 2002 General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) approved for the USA, which can be accessed from romanrite.com/girm.html :
“160. The priest then takes the paten or ciborium and goes to the communicants, who, as a rule,
approach in a procession.
The faithful are not permitted to take the consecrated bread or the sacred chalice by themselves
and, still less, to hand them from one to another. The norm for reception of Holy Communion in
the dioceses of the United States is standing. Communicants should not be denied Holy
Communion because they kneel. Rather, such instances should be addressed pastorally, by
providing the faithful with proper catechesis on the reasons for this norm.
When receiving Holy Communion, the communicant bows his or her head before the Sacrament
as a gesture of reverence and receives the Body of the Lord from the minister. The consecrated
host may be received either on the tongue or in the hand, at the discretion of each communicant.
When Holy Communion is received under both kinds, the sign of reverence is also made before
receiving the Precious Blood.”

And in n. 42: “A common posture, to be observed by all participants, is a sign of the unity of the members of
the Christian community gathered for the Sacred Liturgy: it both expresses and fosters the
intention and spiritual attitude of the participants.”

And in n. 43: “With a view to a uniformity in gestures and postures during one and the same celebration, the
faithful should follow the directions which the deacon, lay minister, or priest gives according to
whatever is indicated in the Missal.”

 

[Brendan]

One thing to keep in mind is that the CDWDS has historically defined 'common posture" rather loosely.

For example, people who choose to hold hands during the Lord’s Prayer have been free to do so.

Likewise, and specifically related to GIRM 43, the Holy See defined “common posture” after Communion to include standing, kneeling and sitting.

Cardinal Francis Arinze, Prefect of the CDW, responded to the question on June 5, 2003 (Prot. N. 855/03/L):

Responsum: Negative, et ad mensum [No, for this reason]. The mens [reasoning] is that the prescription of the Institutio Generalis Missalis Romani, no. 43, is intended, on the one hand, to ensure within broad limits a certain uniformity of posture within the congregation for the various parts of the celebration of Holy Mass, and on the other, to not regulate posture rigidly in such a way that those who wish to kneel or sit would no longer be free.

This particular responsum was inregared to kneeling AFTER Communion, but Cardinal Arinze specifically describes GIRM 43 as defining “broad limits” on a common posture.

Also, GIRM 43 only allows a presider to regulate posture in conformance with the Missal, which would include the various dubia posted above.

 

[brittrossiter]

Bishop Lennon is my Bishop, and I’m a member of the Cathedral parish in the Cleveland Diocese. Bishop Lennon is, in my opinion, an excellent Bishop and extremely well versed in the GIRM and in Canon law. The Masses at the Cathedral are always very traditional and very well done. When I’ve seen the Bishop celebrate Mass, he does not deviate so much as a syllable from the prescribed prayers.

I have seen people at the Cathedral kneel on occasion when receiving communion at daily Masses, and just last week saw someone else genuflecting prior to receiving. Neither was denied communion, and on neither occasion did I see the individuals receive lectures, or even get funny looks.

As for me, while I certainly respect those who feel led to receive kneeling, and admire their love and reverence for our Lord, I want to be obedient to my Bishop, so I do not kneel when receiving. I also have a particular personal problem with the sin of pride, and try whenever possible now (when I catch myself, at least) to avoid doing things that might draw attention to myself merely for the purpose of drawing attention to myself. I’m not suggesting that those who kneel are doing so solely to draw attention to themselves - far from it. I am merely saying that were I to start receiving in that manner, given my own particular issues, I might fall into that trap.

My two cents.

 

[m134e5]

Next year the last Sunday in June, my parish will be closing. We are being merged with St. Bernard Church. As part of this merger the St. Bernard Church bulletin is being included in our own church bulletin.
In this church bulletin today, the pastors note entitled An IN"Spired" Outlook says that

The Bishop referenced here is Bishop Lennon from the Cleveland Diocese. I was unaware of any special instructions from the Bishop on the proper posture for receiving communion. When I made my first communion I was instructed to kneel. I have been doing so ever since.

Does anyone know the church law that specifies communion posture? I’m very concerned because I am supposed to be going to this church next year. Many of our parishioners kneel for communion. We have never been instructed otherwise as far as I know. I can see this being a serious issue for a merging of two parishes that from what I can tell are in conflict already.

I was given that same spiel by a priest once. I politely listened to what he had to say, and pretty much forgot it after that. I proceded to kneel for communion at every Mass as I’ve done for years, and will do as long as I’m able. I’ve knelt to receive communion from some pretty progressive priests, and they didn’t say anything about me kneeling. The bishop in charge of my diocese doesn’t have a problem- because I’ve received communion kneeling from him as well- it didn’t bother him a bit.

The Eucharist is the same wherever I go. I acknowledge that the Eucharist I receive there is the same Eucharist I receive at the church with the communion rail. Why would I show less reverence just because it’s in another place? It would be very disrespectful to God and to the people of the parish I am visiting for me to do that.

 

[FrDavid96]

Bishop Lennon is my Bishop, and I’m a member of the Cathedral parish in the Cleveland Diocese. Bishop Lennon is, in my opinion, an excellent Bishop and extremely well versed in the GIRM and in Canon law. The Masses at the Cathedral are always very traditional and very well done. When I’ve seen the Bishop celebrate Mass, he does not deviate so much as a syllable from the prescribed prayers.

I have seen people at the Cathedral kneel on occasion when receiving communion at daily Masses, and just last week saw someone else genuflecting prior to receiving. Neither was denied communion, and on neither occasion did I see the individuals receive lectures, or even get funny looks.

As for me, while I certainly respect those who feel led to receive kneeling, and admire their love and reverence for our Lord, I want to be obedient to my Bishop, so I do not kneel when receiving. I also have a particular personal problem with the sin of pride, and try whenever possible now (when I catch myself, at least) to avoid doing things that might draw attention to myself merely for the purpose of drawing attention to myself. I’m not suggesting that those who kneel are doing so solely to draw attention to themselves - far from it. I am merely saying that were I to start receiving in that manner, given my own particular issues, I might fall into that trap.

My two cents.

The question I have is this: how accurately does the bulletin accouncement reflect the actual words of the bishop? I checked the diocese website but I couldn’t find the document, so I’m unable to compare the two.

 

[zab]

The Scriptures this weekend provide an opportunity to refelct upon the real Presence of Christ in the Eucharistic banquet. As we hear that the Body of Christ is real food and His Blood real drink we might give more attention to the manner in we receive this precious gift. We process together as members of the One Body to receive “our own mystery” as St.Augustine teaches. We become what we eat, the Body of Christ gathered around the altar on which rest the Body of Christ. This is not an act of private piety or faith, but communion with Christ and one another. Church law directs that we all have the same posture for receiving communion. In the United States that posture is to stand and bow one’s head before receiving communion. Our standing recalls the Passover meal, which prefigures the Eucharist and of which the Eucharist is the fulfillment and the New Passover. Just as the Passover was food for the journey from slavery to freedom and the Promised Land, so too the Eucharist is the food for our journey through life to the Kingdom of God. Our attentiveness to what we are doing and why is the ground for our reverence. Kneeling at the communion rail or genuflecting is not permitted. An individual is not to be denied communion if he or she kneels, but such a person is to be instructed to follow the action of the Body of Christ. It is very important that we process with awareness and reverence and act not as individuals but as members of one Body. The Bishop’s recent instructions included this point. In the coming weeks other points of that instruction will be presented here.]quote.
While the note in the bulletin correctly stated that an individual is not to be denied communion if he or she kneels, it wrongfully declared that kneeling or genuflecting is not permitted. There was even a twist in the instruction that is supposed to read that such persons should be instructed as to why the bishops have chosen the norm, but it turned into something that sounds more demanding. The bulletin note comes across as being condescending toward those who choose to kneel and that is not supposed to happen. The CDWDS reply said, “*Indeed, the faithful should not be imposed upon nor accused of disobedience and of acting illicitly when they kneel to receive Holy Communion”. *