EMHC's and Communion

[yessisan]

I cannot receive the Eucharist because of some personal problems, but if I were able to, the Parish I attend allows Eucharistic Ministers to give the Eucharist and bless the congregation. If and when the time comes for me to receive coummunion, how can I do it if the EM’s are the ones distributing it?

Also, everytime I’m in Mass, when it’s time for my pew to go to receive the Eucharist I have to move behind the person who tells us to go (I cannot recall what their ministry is called) so I let the others by. 2 Sundays ago, this man told me I could go up with my arms crossed and get blessed. I used to do that until I found out EM’s can’t do that if there is a Priest or deacon present. He insisted I went up and told him that I thought EM’s couldn’t do that. He looked puzzled so he said, “well, why don’t you go on the other side and make sure you get Fr. Mike?”…

Why is it that Parishes allow this when it is specifically mandated not to allow EMHC’s to do this? click here

Should I find a new Parish? What can I do about this? Don’t you think the priests know this already?

 

[LeahInancsi]

Doesn’t a priest distribute the Eucharist and give blessings at your parish? I don’t see a problem if a priest participates in distributing the Eucharist. Very simply, get in the line for the priest.

Good luck finding a parish that does not follow this policy you find offensive.

You would be wise to do a search on this subject rather than starting a new thread. It is hashed and rehashed on a weekly basis.

 

[Sgt_Sweaters]

Line hop.

Also, find a Tridentine Mass. No EHMCs to be found.

 

[Cristiano]

I cannot receive the Eucharist because of some personal problems, but if I were able to, the Parish I attend allows Eucharistic Ministers to give the Eucharist and bless the congregation. If and when the time comes for me to receive coummunion, how can I do it if the EM’s are the ones distributing it?

Also, everytime I’m in Mass, when it’s time for my pew to go to receive the Eucharist I have to move behind the person who tells us to go (I cannot recall what their ministry is called) so I let the others by. 2 Sundays ago, this man told me I could go up with my arms crossed and get blessed. I used to do that until I found out EM’s can’t do that if there is a Priest or deacon present. He insisted I went up and told him that I thought EM’s couldn’t do that. He looked puzzled so he said, “well, why don’t you go on the other side and make sure you get Fr. Mike?”…

Why is it that Parishes allow this when it is specifically mandated not to allow EMHC’s to do this? click here

Should I find a new Parish? What can I do about this? Don’t you think the priests know this already?

Instead of looking for a new Parish make sure that you understand what is going on. Are the EMHCs really giving a blessing or just encouraging people to to receive the spirit of Christ in their hearts? Instead of dumping it on the ordinary and extraordinary ministers, you should look into changing your life to become able to receive communion. Why do people always want special rules made for them? The blessing is given to all the faithful at the end of the Mass. Where is it written that people are to stand in the communion line to receive the blessing from the priest?

 

[yessisan]

Instead of looking for a new Parish make sure that you understand what is going on. Are the EMHCs really giving a blessing or just encouraging people to to receive the spirit of Christ in their hearts? Instead of dumping it on the ordinary and extraordinary ministers, you should look into changing your life to become able to receive communion. Why do people always want special rules made for them? The blessing is given to all the faithful at the end of the Mass. Where is it written that people are to stand in the communion line to receive the blessing from the priest?

I don’t know who you are to judge me , I was asking a simple question and I know that EMHC’s are not allowed to bless others or distribute the Eucharist when a priest is present. I have been “blessed” by EMHC’s before and now know I cannot do that because it is against Church rules.

The fact that I cannot receive communion is not what I was inquiring about. If you really want to know why I can’t is because DH refuses to marry under the CC! Something that I am correcting already! So please, instead of coming to posts to judge people, just stick to the question.

I don’t appreciate your judgements, especially since I do not know you and you did not know why I can’t receive the Eucharist!

 

[John_Lilburne]

There are no specific instructions for anyone to give blessings during the distribution of Communion. So my opinion is that no one should do it: bishops, priests, deacons, instituted acolytes or other Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. So I suggest remaining at your seat, perhaps walking out to make way for others.

 

[mercygate]

I don’t know who you are to judge me , I was asking a simple question and I know that EMHC’s are not allowed to bless others or distribute the Eucharist when a priest is present. I have been “blessed” by EMHC’s before and now know I cannot do that because it is against Church rules.

The fact that I cannot receive communion is not what I was inquiring about. If you really want to know why I can’t is because DH refuses to marry under the CC! Something that I am correcting already! So please, instead of coming to posts to judge people, just stick to the question.

I don’t appreciate your judgements, especially since I do not know you and you did not know why I can’t receive the Eucharist!

It’s not a problem that you must allow others to leave the pew when it is time to go up for Communion.

If I were in your position, I would simply sit on the end and get up and step back to allow them to go out. Period. Nobody’s business why you are not receiving Communion. More people should be as thoughtful and obedient! As for second guessing an EMHC’s ‘blessing’ – I would just pass on the whole idea and unless the priest knew me, I wouldn’t go up for a blessing from him either. They get confused because this is not a universal practice.

You will find that your hunger for the Eucharist is almost as great a blessing as the Blessed Sacrament itself: you are feeding on the bread of humility and integrity.

 

[yessisan]

There are no specific instructions for anyone to give blessings during the distribution of Communion. So my opinion is that no one should do it: bishops, priests, deacons, instituted acolytes or other Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. So I suggest remaining at your seat, perhaps walking out to make way for others.

That’s exactly what I do… but you know, I have a paper at home that says EMHC’s can’t bless others. In big bold letters it says : “The Pope Says NO!”. Because I don’t have it with me, I can’t say what it states, but I can post it later on today so people see I’m not nuts…

I rather move out of the way and let people by. When they all get in line for communion, I get back to the pew and just ask God to help DH come back to the CC and if it’s His will, that my marriage can be valid in the eyes of the CC soon.

 

[LeahInancsi]

I don’t know who you are to judge me , I was asking a simple question and I know that EMHC’s are not allowed to bless others or distribute the Eucharist when a priest is present. I have been “blessed” by EMHC’s before and now know I cannot do that because it is against Church rules.

The fact that I cannot receive communion is not what I was inquiring about. If you really want to know why I can’t is because DH refuses to marry under the CC! Something that I am correcting already! So please, instead of coming to posts to judge people, just stick to the question.

I don’t appreciate your judgements, especially since I do not know you and you did not know why I can’t receive the Eucharist!

Why can’t you receive the Eucharist?

I happen to agree with Cristiano. He has some very good points. I think you’re mistaking opinion and suggestions for judgement.

As I said earlier, I you will take a moment to do a search on this subject, you find all the answers you could possibly read in a lifetime. This question is very well worn (out).

Be mad at me, too.

 

[maherite1977]

I cannot receive the Eucharist because of some personal problems, but if I were able to, the Parish I attend allows Eucharistic Ministers to give the Eucharist and bless the congregation. If and when the time comes for me to receive coummunion, how can I do it if the EM’s are the ones distributing it?

Also, everytime I’m in Mass, when it’s time for my pew to go to receive the Eucharist I have to move behind the person who tells us to go (I cannot recall what their ministry is called) so I let the others by. 2 Sundays ago, this man told me I could go up with my arms crossed and get blessed. I used to do that until I found out EM’s can’t do that if there is a Priest or deacon present. He insisted I went up and told him that I thought EM’s couldn’t do that. He looked puzzled so he said, “well, why don’t you go on the other side and make sure you get Fr. Mike?”…

Why is it that Parishes allow this when it is specifically mandated not to allow EMHC’s to do this? click here

Should I find a new Parish? What can I do about this? Don’t you think the priests know this already?

I would assume that it would be common knowledge to the clergy that EMHCs cannot give blessings. If someone at my Parish would like a blessing, they automatically go to the Priest. If they don’t, I (based on personal experience of having this happen) let them know, very quietly, making sure not to draw attention, let them know that I, as a EMHC, am not personally allowed to give a blessing, but the Priest can definitely do that for them. I was asked why one time and said, “What good is a blessing from me going to do? The Priest’s blessings are stronger!”

Don’t be afraid to jump lines to receive a blessing - there is no shame in doing it. No one would know what you are doing - and even if they do, it isn’t their right to judge you. If they were a good Catholic, they wouldn’t be judging anyways.

 

[yessisan]

It’s not a problem that you must allow others to leave the pew when it is time to go up for Communion.

If I were in your position, I would simply sit on the end and get up and step back to allow them to go out. Period. Nobody’s business why you are not receiving Communion. More people should be as thoughtful and obedient! As for second guessing an EMHC’s ‘blessing’ – I would just pass on the whole idea and unless the priest knew me, I wouldn’t go up for a blessing from him either. They get confused because this is not a universal practice.

You will find that your hunger for the Eucharist is almost as great a blessing as the Blessed Sacrament itself: you are feeding on the bread of humility and integrity.

Well said and thank you!

I just wanted people’s opinion on how to react to this, but now I’m just going to ignore it and keep on doing what I do. Move to the side and let others by (probably sitting at the end so I don’t even disrupt the lining up) until I am able to receive it again… I don’t feel like a “complete” Catholic w/o the Eucharist. It’s sad I can’t receive it. But to tell you the truth, I feel I appreciate it more because I cannot receive it. Now I know (more than ever) what it really means to a true Catholic to be able to take part in the Body of Christ.

 

[yessisan]

Why can’t you receive the Eucharist?

I happen to agree with Cristiano. He has some very good points. I think you’re mistaking opinion and suggestions for judgement.

As I said earlier, I you will take a moment to do a search on this subject, you find all the answers you could possibly read in a lifetime. This question is very well worn (out).

Be mad at me, too.

Sorry I disagree with you, but it is no one’s business why I cannot receive Communion. On the other hand, if I am bringing this question up, don’t you think I have already done my homework? This is why I wanted to ask what to do since all I can find says that EMHC’s aren’t supposed to do this.

All in all, I don’t mind your responses, just the fact that people judge others is what made me upset.

I AM a good Catholic, I am a cathequist, I am studying at a Catholic Institute, I do attend Mass every Sunday and every day of obligation, I am helping an ex-Catholic come back to the faith, I am showing DH what it means to be Catholic, I am “fixing” my problem so I can receive Communion again, I am on this site every single day. What else can you ask of a good Catholic?

 

[yessisan]

I would assume that it would be common knowledge to the clergy that EMHCs cannot give blessings. If someone at my Parish would like a blessing, they automatically go to the Priest. If they don’t, I (based on personal experience of having this happen) let them know, very quietly, making sure not to draw attention, let them know that I, as a EMHC, am not personally allowed to give a blessing, but the Priest can definitely do that for them. I was asked why one time and said, “What good is a blessing from me going to do? The Priest’s blessings are stronger!”

Don’t be afraid to jump lines to receive a blessing - there is no shame in doing it. No one would know what you are doing - and even if they do, it isn’t their right to judge you. If they were a good Catholic, they wouldn’t be judging anyways.

See, I’m not crazy! Thanks maherite1977!

 

[BOBKAT]

Yessian,just wanted to add that I think your questioning is appropriate. The Church here in America seems to have lots of liturgical abuses going on along with many liberal nuns and priest who would confuse the Pope. So be obedient to the Church and only good things will come from it. God Bless you on your journey I will keep you in my prays.

Kathleen

 

[beckers]

I cannot receive the Eucharist because of some personal problems, but if I were able to, the Parish I attend allows Eucharistic Ministers to give the Eucharist and bless the congregation. If and when the time comes for me to receive coummunion, how can I do it if the EM’s are the ones distributing it?

Also, everytime I’m in Mass, when it’s time for my pew to go to receive the Eucharist I have to move behind the person who tells us to go (I cannot recall what their ministry is called) so I let the others by. 2 Sundays ago, this man told me I could go up with my arms crossed and get blessed. I used to do that until I found out EM’s can’t do that if there is a Priest or deacon present. He insisted I went up and told him that I thought EM’s couldn’t do that. He looked puzzled so he said, “well, why don’t you go on the other side and make sure you get Fr. Mike?”…

Why is it that Parishes allow this when it is specifically mandated not to allow EMHC’s to do this? click here

Should I find a new Parish? What can I do about this? Don’t you think the priests know this already?

I don’t understand the issue. Most priest always give communion in the middle isle. Just make sure you sit where you know the priest is going to distribute from that way you can get a blessing.

Oh by the way in the middle of the church is probaly not the best time to bring it up to an Usher or EMHC on whether it is wrong to give a blessing. Those are things you need to bring up before or after mass. The job of the Usher is to help keep communion moving not have a debate on whats right or wrong in the church.

There are tons of people who don’t receive each day. No one knows their story and no one is going to gossip about them as their resaons are their own. If you can’t recieve and don’t want a blessing then quitely move your legs and let people pass. The fact is you don’t have to recieve. You are there at mass when so many people aren’t so good for you!

 

[yessisan]

Oh by the way in the middle of the church is probaly not the best time to bring it up to an Usher or EMHC on whether it is wrong to give a blessing. Those are things you need to bring up before or after mass. The job of the Usher is to help keep communion moving not have a debate on whats right or wrong in the church.

He actually asked why I wasn’t going up… so said I couldn’t. Then he said “You can go up with your arms crossed on your chest and receive a blessing, why don’t you do that?”. Then, that’s when I told him that because they were EMHC’s I wasn’t confortable. But you’re right, I should just have left it until the Priest exited and could have told the usher my reason outside of Church after Mass.

 

[beckers]

He actually asked why I wasn’t going up… so said I couldn’t. Then he said “You can go up with your arms crossed on your chest and receive a blessing, why don’t you do that?”. Then, that’s when I told him that because they were EMHC’s I wasn’t confortable. But you’re right, I should just have left it until the Priest exited and could have told the usher my reason outside of Church after Mass.

Honestly it is none of the Usher’s business and he is entiled to no explantation. Had he said it like that to me i would have given him a look and then sat back down. It is up to no one to judge each other. If he noticed that you didn’t want to go then he should have left it at that. I’m sorry you had to deal with a poorly trained usher.

 

[yessisan]

Honestly it is none of the Usher’s business and he is entiled to no explantation. Had he said it like that to me i would have given him a look and then sat back down. It is up to no one to judge each other. If he noticed that you didn’t want to go then he should have left it at that. I’m sorry you had to deal with a poorly trained usher.

What can we do? Nothing but pray for them, huh?

 

[Titus]

You are in my prayers, as is your husband, yessisan. I hope you get a convalidation.

People here can be quick to judge, but remember you must act according to the laws of the Church and your conscience.

They are right that this issue has been raised already, however.

 

[thedogmother]

When I returned to the Church 13 yrs ago, I was unable to receive the Eucharist because of my marriage situation. I went through the annulment process, which took a long time, but in the mean time, I’d sit in the pew during Communion and cry. My friends, returning from Communion, would tap me on the shouldrs & say “I received for you”. I have never forgot their compassion and mercy.l I know look around at Communion time for those remaining behind, I receive for them, and I PRAY FOR THEM. Please pray for them, so many prayed for me.