Everyone receiving the Eucharist

[Holland]

I’m a revert. I left in 1970 and came back in 2005. While I was growing up everyone didn’t go to Communion, maybe half or two- thirds of the congregation went up to receive the Eucharist and no one thought a thing about it. With all the controversy about the San Francisco fiasco and who should and shouldn’t receive I realized how little I know about the period of time when I was gone from the church. What transpired during that time that pushed everyone to receive the Eucharist? Was it a sudden thing because of new teaching or was it gradual? I’d like a specific answer if I can get it. It was a real shock when I first started coming back to church in 2000 to see everyone going to Communion.

 

[Dauphin]

Very few Catholics hold a belief in the real presence anymore. The concept of the sacrifice of the Mass was played down after the Second Vatican Council, and the emphasis was put on the “meal with he community” aspect. Most Catholics regard the Eucharist as an entitlement; something they deserve. The idea of committing sacrilege by receiving in a state of grave sin has all but disappeared - along with the concept of grave sin. When the Eucharist is simply a “blessed piece of bread”, very few people see a reason to show it any particular reverence. Tell a modern Catholic that the Eucharist is that same Flesh which hung on the cross and that same Blood which was shed on the cross, and you’ll probably get a strange look.

The vast majority of people on these forums don’t fit this mold, but unfortunately, most people in the pews do. I suppose this was a gradual change, although I wasn’t around after Vatican II to experience it.

 

[brianwalden]

I’m a revert. I left in 1970 and came back in 2005. While I was growing up everyone didn’t go to Communion, maybe half or two- thirds of the congregation went up to receive the Eucharist and no one thought a thing about it. With all the controversy about the San Francisco fiasco and who should and shouldn’t receive I realized how little I know about the period of time when I was gone from the church. What transpired during that time that pushed everyone to receive the Eucharist? Was it a sudden thing because of new teaching or was it gradual? I’d like a specific answer if I can get it. It was a real shock when I first started coming back to church in 2000 to see everyone going to Communion.

The teaching hasn’t changed, the people have. Stick to your conscience and do your best to fight the feeling of peer pressure if you feel you’re not properly disposed for communion. I often don’t go up for communion if I’ve sinned and haven’t been to confession.

Remember what Mom always used to say, “If all your friends jumped off a bridge would you follow them?” Just think, your example could give someone else the courage to follow their conscience rather than the herd.

 

[Sr_Sally]

One thing I remember is that people didn’t go up pew by pew. Everyone was kneeling and you simply got up when you were ready and processed forward. I think with the pew by pew method everyone is just a lemming and gets up and goes. I have no idea how in the past people in the middle of pews got past those at the ends if they were still kneeling, perhaps between bigger families and different church structures, each family had their own pew!

I too was absent from the Church for several years from after my First Communion until college (family didn’t attend regularly) and then again for about 15 years while we attended a Lutheran church. Before my family’s conversion, we got out of our pew and let people by us every Sunday.

 

[BlestOne]

Very few Catholics hold a belief in the real presence anymore. The concept of the sacrifice of the Mass was played down after the Second Vatican Council, and the emphasis was put on the “meal with he community” aspect. Most Catholics regard the Eucharist as an entitlement; something they deserve. The idea of committing sacrilege by receiving in a state of grave sin has all but disappeared - along with the concept of grave sin. When the Eucharist is simply a “blessed piece of bread”, very few people see a reason to show it any particular reverence. Tell a modern Catholic that the Eucharist is that same Flesh which hung on the cross and that same Blood which was shed on the cross, and you’ll probably get a strange look.

The vast majority of people on these forums don’t fit this mold, but unfortunately, most people in the pews do. I suppose this was a gradual change, although I wasn’t around after Vatican II to experience it.

I disagree totally… but then I belong to a very small parish and I don’t see this at all there… your mileage may vary.

 

[Holland]

Maybe I should have addressed this question to those of you out there that are at least 50 years old. If you were Catholic “back then” not everyone went to Communion. It was quite different than what you now have in most Parishes today. This isn’t an agree or disagree statement. It was different “back then”. I was just wondering if there was something specific you could point to that changed things.

 

[Safetyman2]

Holland,

You’re right, everyone seems to be receiving the body and blood of Christ, and as a previous post said, some people think of it as an entitlement. Others receive because they do not want to be perceived as unholy. Both of these reasons are WRONG!! The Church that you grew up with is still the same Church. Vatican 2 has changed some things in an effort to return the Mass to a more origional format. To receive communion, you must be free from mortal sin and show remorse for all sins committed.

The one basic thing that I’ve seen over the years is the fact that most people do not go to confession as they did 30 or 40 years ago. By not going to confession regularly, people tend not to think of their sins that much, which in turn, they think that they can receive communion.People need to receive the sacrement of Reconcilliation regularly. The Church laws concerning confession still applies.

 

[ElizabethPH]

Maybe I should have addressed this question to those of you out there that are at least 50 years old. If you were Catholic “back then” not everyone went to Communion. It was quite different than what you now have in most Parishes today. This isn’t an agree or disagree statement. It was different “back then”. I was just wondering if there was something specific you could point to that changed things.

I am over 50 closer to 60 and came back although I still went to mass throughout the years I did not go to Holy Communion; as I was not in a state of grace. I am now reconciled. That’s one of the things I noticed and still notice. Everyone goes to communion; and the line for confession is short. And I have often been the only one at confession the times that I am there. I am confused about this as well. I know the rules haven’t changed.

 

[brianwalden]

Holland,

You’re right, everyone seems to be receiving the body and blood of Christ, and as a previous post said, some people think of it as an entitlement. Others receive because they do not want to be perceived as unholy. Both of these reasons are WRONG!! The Church that you grew up with is still the same Church. Vatican 2 has changed some things in an effort to return the Mass to a more origional format. To receive communion, you must be free from mortal sin and show remorse for all sins committed.

The one basic thing that I’ve seen over the years is the fact that most people do not go to confession as they did 30 or 40 years ago. By not going to confession regularly, people tend not to think of their sins that much, which in turn, they think that they can receive communion.People need to receive the sacrement of Reconcilliation regularly. The Church laws concerning confession still applies.

I can’t comment on what it was like before, I was born and raised in the time when you were away. But in my experiences from the other end of the spectrum, the reason for the change is poor catechism. We were taught the official party line maybe once. After that it was all fluff and how no one really believes in sin anymore and what’s really important is that you’re a good person and that the most important thing is to be tolerant of other people and how all denominations are equal and that the Eucharist is Jesus, but you know, not really - we’re way too smart to believe that in these modern times.

Well guess what. When you fill kids’ heads with junk, they end up faithless. And faithless people don’t need to follow the rules of a church who they think has no authority to tell them to confess to sins they don’t think they’ve committed before they receive a host which they think is just a piece of bread. As far as why my parents’ generation started teaching us all that mumbo-jumbo, I can’t tell you. I don’t know why anyone would ever abandon the truth for lies.

 

[StMarkEofE]

Very few Catholics hold a belief in the real presence anymore. The concept of the sacrifice of the Mass was played down after the Second Vatican Council, and the emphasis was put on the “meal with he community” aspect. Most Catholics regard the Eucharist as an entitlement; something they deserve. The idea of committing sacrilege by receiving in a state of grave sin has all but disappeared - along with the concept of grave sin. When the Eucharist is simply a “blessed piece of bread”, very few people see a reason to show it any particular reverence. Tell a modern Catholic that the Eucharist is that same Flesh which hung on the cross and that same Blood which was shed on the cross, and you’ll probably get a strange look.

The vast majority of people on these forums don’t fit this mold, but unfortunately, most people in the pews do. I suppose this was a gradual change, although I wasn’t around after Vatican II to experience it.

Keep in mind what St. Paul warned us about. Those who receive the Body and Blood unworthily brings condemnation upon himself. One needs to properly prepare to receive regardless what conventional (enlightened) folks say. Frequent confession, fasting and prayer are what is needed to be acceptable for receiving the Holy Eurcharist. This doesnt change with time or opinion. Its serious stuff and it would bode well to heed St. Paul.

 

[JimG]

Maybe I should have addressed this question to those of you out there that are at least 50 years old. If you were Catholic “back then” not everyone went to Communion. It was quite different than what you now have in most Parishes today. This isn’t an agree or disagree statement. It was different “back then”. I was just wondering if there was something specific you could point to that changed things.

Yes, I recall that not everyone went to communion. Many people went to confession every Saturday, and then to communion on Sunday. Also, there was a fast from midnight to receive communion. Nobody questioned whether you might have broken your fast (which included no food OR water) or were otherwise not properly disposed.

 

[Holland]

Yes, I recall that not everyone went to communion. Many people went to confession every Saturday, and then to communion on Sunday. Also, there was a fast from midnight to receive communion. Nobody questioned whether you might have broken your fast (which included no food OR water) or were otherwise not properly disposed.

Yes, that is what I grew up with. I remember Easter morning…no candy from the Easter basket till after Mass!

 

[JimG]

Yes, that is what I grew up with. I remember Easter morning…no candy from the Easter basket till after Mass!

Yes. I was better at penance as a child. I could go the entirety of Lent–including Sundays–with no candy. Now I can’t even keep away from the Halloween candy before it’s time to hand it out.

But the fast from food and water from midnight, also, it seems to me, had a beneficial effect on our perceptions of the nature and importance of the Eucharist. It was not taken lightly.

 

[ryanoneil]

No one likes being told they are doing wrong regardless what generation they’re from. I’m only 33 so I don’t know how different things were in your generation. In my generation, and worse yet in my daughter’s, is the social expectation that you don’t reprimand others. I think it has something to do with political correctness and reletivism.

I don’t enjoy correcting others and rarely do it. (except for my daughter which seems to be an everyday event ) It doesn’t matter how nicely you say it either. I’ve had people look at me like I just called them every cuss word in the book. There is just this attitude out there like, “How dare you tell me what is right and wrong! Who do you think you are!”

Granted I’m generalizing here, because not everyone is this way. But, you’d be surprised how many people believe they are their own authority when it comes to morality. And, heaven forbid if you hurt someones feelings even if you are telling them the truth. Oh, I forgot there is no such thing as the truth anymore, because it is all a matter of opinion.

Anyway, sorry for being sarcastic but that my two cents worth. Hope it helps,

Ryan

 

[Brooklyn]

I am the same as the OP. I grew up in the 60’s, receiving my first communion in 1963. I remember very well many people not going to Communion, and many, many more people going to Confession. There were long Confession lines every Saturday, usually two sessions, one early in the afternoon for a few hours, one later in the afternoon, and I seem to remember even having confession on Sunday morning before Mass. I also remember fasting from midnight on (as one post said - no food or water), even for my first Communion when I was 7 years old. I have actually gone back to that just for my own benefit, even when I don’t go to Mass until Noon. I find it puts me in a much better state of mind.

Although unfortunately the people will pay a price for their lack of reverence and belief, I don’t belief the fault lies completely with them. I think it lies with the priests. I came back to the Church this year after being gone almost 40 years. Since coming back to the Church, as I have posted elsewhere, I was told in Confession not to bother with the Rosary because it is no better than saying a Mantra, and you can’t pray and meditate at the same time. One priest said in a sermon that he has never committed a mortal sin and doubts if any of us have, either. The other Sunday I was at a Church where a woman doing the first reading went up in a short, tight skirt and high heels, and no one said a word.

One thing that really galls me is that people will answer their cell phones during Mass. I have twice seen people answer their phones during the Consecration. It is like they are looking at their bloody Saviour hanging on the cross for their sins and saying, don’t go away Jesus, I just have to take this call.

I believe it is up to the priests to correct the people, and I feel they will pay the heaviest price. To whom much is given, much is expected. God will only allow his church to wander so far from the truth. He will bring us back, and in fact, I think I see the beginnings of it, and I see it with the younger people. God bless them.

Mary

 

[mystified]

With some of our priests downplaying the importance of the Sacrament of Penance, or are we all a lot more holy than iin years past, is it a surprise that Catholics don’t respect the Body and Blood of Christ in the Sacrament of the Altar any more?
I was a guest at an Episcopal church last year, where the husband and wife priest team said everyone should participate in their communion, and almost everyone did, including other guests who were not Episcopalians. I respectfully and quietly sat through the ceremony. Now I see much the same happening in some Catholic parishes. Sad.

 

[blessedtoo]

I am the same as the OP. I grew up in the 60’s, receiving my first communion in 1963.

I believe it is up to the priests to correct the people, and I feel they will pay the heaviest price. To whom much is given, much is expected. God will only allow his church to wander so far from the truth. He will bring us back, and in fact, I think I see the beginnings of it, and I see it with the younger people. God bless them.

Mary

Old Geezer here too! I was away for 30 years and came back in 2003.

I really think you nailed it with your assessment. When I was being taught by the sisters in the 60’s, the Catechisis wasn’t as enlightening as some seem to think. We had the Baltimore Catechism, but very little elaboration or discussion about the finer points of our faith. At home, mom and dad were equally ignorant of the why’s and how’s and what’s of the faith, yet we all maintained a strict reverence and respect of the Mass. Because our priests were a formidable spiritual presence in our lives, we wouldn’t dare disgrace the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass with immodest clothing, loud and disrespectful behavior, or receiving the Eucharist unworthily. The priests knew all the families so it would have been quite easy for them to refuse communion to someone known to be in a scandalous state. And it was not uncommon for the priest to correct inapproriate behavor DURING a Mass. I remember priests commanding people to sit in the pews rather than stand in the back. I have memories of our priests asking immodestly dressed girls to cover themselves while in Church (it was the 60’s, after all!). Back then, there was a certain amount of healthy fear and respect for authority which is practially non existent today.

 

[puzzleannie]

many people in “those days” had the mistaken notion that they had to confess each and every week before receiving communion, so did not receive because they couldn’t make it. Others had trouble keeping to the stricter fasting regulations, or refrained because of divorce (without remarriage) because they had been told by a priest they could not receive. but we were also taught back then it is wrong to speculate or even take notice of who does not receive and why, and it is still wrong today. concentrate on participating fully in the Mass and preparing for your own reception of Christ, and do not let your peace be disturbed by such idle and useless considerations at Mass.

 

[palmas85]

Maybe I should have addressed this question to those of you out there that are at least 50 years old. If you were Catholic “back then” not everyone went to Communion. It was quite different than what you now have in most Parishes today. This isn’t an agree or disagree statement. It was different “back then”. I was just wondering if there was something specific you could point to that changed things.

It is in my opinion a combination of things. One of the things that grew forth from the Spirit of Vatican II is the exaltation of man and the community… While not precisely defined it does affect many aspects,of Catholicism of which receiving Holy Communion is one. Man and by extension the community is seen as basically good and the epitome of existance and thus deserving of special consideration.The second is a general belief that sin is societal in nature rather than personal and being so, the individual isn’t really responsible for his or her sins as much as just being somewhat gullible and easily influenced by others. Sin simply put is not the fault of the individual and should be no real impediment to reception of Holy Communion. Third and probably the biggest is the declining belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Many people simply do not believe in transubstantiation any longer and that includes many religious as well as the laity. To them Holy Communion is nothing motre than a memorial service. A fourth would be the liberal view of Christianity in which there is nothing miraculous at all in anything. Miracles are mere coincidences. Christ was a good man. There was no virgin birth, there was no resurrection, in fact to them Christianity can be boiled down to
The historical accuracy of the man Jesus
The dignity of Man
Ethics.

The last I believe is the ecumenical movement itself. The Sacrificial aspect of the Mass is played down because our separated brethren find it abhorrent. Thats it in a nutshell. We want to appear to be mainline and in step, so we modify things and kind of give lip service to the whole idea of Holy Communion. While we say we still believe, many don’t and that number is growing. All you have to do is read the threads on this forum concerning non Catholics receiving the Eucharist to see just how widespread this problem is.

So in essence we don’t believe Holy Communion is special any longer, but merely something that we as a community do as a group to celebrate the life of Christ. And since it is a communal act, everyone should receive to show, community.

Just as an aside, how many people do you know these days who believe in an actual physical resurrection of the dead? We say we believe it every Sunday in the Creed, but how many actually believe it?

 

[THurifer2]

The lack of belief in the real presense has much to do with the false ecumenism that sprang up out of the misinterpretation of the Vaticans decree on ecumenism from vatican II. The modernist entity that continues to undermine the faith uses this false ecumenism in their march to create God in their own image in likeness… Recently the pope made some statements that reinforced the churches stance the one true faith.

This false ecumenism (which has been rampant since around the time you left the church 1970) has really allowed protestantism to make some serious headway into the average Catholic and their way of viewing their faith.

It is interesting on how the Catholic notion of community has changed over the last several decades. Recieving the holy Eucharist is now viewed as more of a “Fraternal Banquet” and this idea has pushed the sacrificial nature of the event way way way aside. Interestingly protestants view the “real presence” in the gathering of the people and symbolize it in the breaking of the bread…bread of which they simply view as bread…this whole protestant notion of communion has infested Catholic thought…and I mean infested as a derogatory term.

And so we can conclude this infestation has created circumstance resulting in this watered down notion of the Eucharist. This watering down idea has severely diminished the personal nature of guilt and the personal concept of sin. In some instances this comparison is confusing though because protestantism has a tendency to cling to the personal nature of their faith. Catholics for the most part have stopped going to confession and are unaware of the dogma of Mortal sin…or have stopped believing in the dogma.