Finding my way back/forward

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AnneTheresa

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Hello, it has been too many years since I carried out regular church attendance, confession and participating in Mass by taking Holy Communion and I am finding my way back. Please forgive what may sound like an odd question, but I do not know what response is required of a communicant before receiving The Host.

Is it correct that the priest administering says “Body of Christ” and I am permitted to either receive The Host in my hand or in the “old way” of on my tongue? However, what words, if any are reqired by me to say in response to the priest saying “Body of Christ”.

When going to confession after so many, many years, is it best that I inform the priest in the confessional that it has been a very long time since my last confession?

All responses will be appreciated. Thank you. AnneTheresa
 
AnneTheresa, when the priest says “Body ot Christ” you reply, “Amen”. As you approach the Sacrament, a little bow of your head although some people do forget to do so.

You intend going to Confession before receiving communion again? I hope that you will be able to go to Confession soon, even if it means making an appointment outside normal confessional hours. I’m sure any priest will be delighted to welcome you back to the Sacraments. Yes, do mention how long it’s been and I’m sure the priest will help you through your confession!

You are still free to receive Jesus on your tongue.

I delight that you are returning to the Sacraments. May God flood you with graces…
Warmly, Trishie

:harp:
 
Trishie, thank you for your response to my questions and for sharing your thoughts and good wishes. Thank you, AnneTheresa.
 
When you go into confession, you should always start with “bless me father for I have sinned it has been (insert time span) since I last went to confession”. This does indeed help the priest know how to handle your situation(for example, he may be more lenient if a person gives a long list of sins if it has been 2 years not 2 days).

Just some possible advice, if you expect your confession to take some time, you may want to schedule a confession, if your church only offers a small time block, as priests usually want to get people in and out, so they can get everyone done before the next mass starts.

As far as communion, like Trishie said, the person distributing communion will say “Body of Christ” or “Blood of Christ” and you will simply respond “Amen”. You can receive either on the tongue or in the hand. I don’t know how long you have been away, so I don’t know that this applies, but the proper posture for communion is standing, and while a priest will generally not refuse you if you kneel, they may say something to you
 
AnneTheresa said:
Hello, it has been too many years since I carried out regular church attendance, confession and participating in Mass by taking Holy Communion and I am finding my way back. Please forgive what may sound like an odd question, but I do not know what response is required of a communicant before receiving The Host.

Is it correct that the priest administering says “Body of Christ” and I am permitted to either receive The Host in my hand or in the “old way” of on my tongue? However, what words, if any are reqired by me to say in response to the priest saying “Body of Christ”.

When going to confession after so many, many years, is it best that I inform the priest in the confessional that it has been a very long time since my last confession?

All responses will be appreciated. Thank you. AnneTheresa
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Welcome home.
 
Thank you SenorSalsa for responding and sharing your thoughts and advice, it is much appreciated.

Thank you RobinSebas, I have indeed been a lost sheep.

Along with Trishie’s response, your responses have helped to increase my courage and confidence.

Thank you. AnneTheresa
 
Your question has been well answered. Just wanted to say “welcome home”👍
 
Welcome home 🙂

I was in your position three years ago when I returned to the Church after an absence of 27 years.

One thing that really helped me was a program one parish had for returning Catholics. You might want to check with your diocese or parishes in your area to see if any of them offer something like this. We met once a week for six weeks in a small group setting and they made me feel very comfortable.

As for confession, you might consider making an appointment with a priest. The advantage is that you can take your time as there won’t be a line of people waiting behind you.

I don’t know how long you have been away, but confession is now offered face-to-face if you prefer. You can also confess anonymously behind a grill or screen. Many churches have reconciliation rooms vs. confessionals. When you enter a reconciliation room, there is usually some sort of screen or wall between you and the priest. You have a choice of kneeling behind the screen or walking around it to sit in a chair and confess face-to-face.

Just tell the priest it’s been many years since your last confession and he will be glad to help you.
 
Arcadian, thank you for your well wishes, I appreciate it.
AnneTheresa
 
Anne 1964, thank you for your response and for sharing your thoughts and sugestions. It has to be about 30 years since my last confession.

The programme you mention sounds a wonderful idea! No such programme in the area I live…very rural England, small Catholic community. The thought of making a special appointment and a face to face confession I think would pull the plug on my courage! However, I agree that it certainly would be considerate to other parishoners who may be attending confession; and, with that thought already in mind I would wait until the end of the line.

Another question I have found since my initial posting: is the Act of Contrition still required to be said by the parishoner at the end of confession? If so, I do not recall the words!

If required, would yourself, or someone out there, share the words. Would the priest think it strange if when I am required to say this prayer I read the words from my handwritten note? I think my nervousness would affect my ability to commit these words to memory at the present time.

Thank you Anne1964 for taking the time to share your thoughts.
AnneTheresa
 
AnneTheresa said:
I do not know what response is required of a communicant before receiving The Host.
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The older formula (where the priest said a prayer for you as he gave you Holy Communion) didn’t require a response. It was changed in 1964 to simply “Corpus Christi” (“Body of Christ”) to which the communicant responds “Amen”.

(I think it would’ve been better to simply add the communicant’s response “Amen” to the former prayer… but that’s just my opinion.)
AnneTheresa said:
Is it correct that the priest administering says “Body of Christ” and I am permitted to either receive The Host in my hand or in the “old way” of on my tongue?
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You are always and everywhere permitted to receive Holy Communion on the tongue. You respond “Amen” to “The Body of Christ” and then present your tongue.
AnneTheresa said:
When going to confession after so many, many years, is it best that I inform the priest in the confessional that it has been a very long time since my last confession?
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Yes. It is customary to begin your confession by saying “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been ___ [length of time] since my last confession.” (e.g. “6 months”, “14 years”) Also, while it may be uncomfortable at the time, it is best to state the type and frequency of your sins. (Being able to name your sins in confession is a great spiritual burden being lifted.)
 
Japhy, thank you for taking the time to respond to my postings and for sharing your knowledge and thoughts. All are appreciated so much. AnneTheresa
 
AnneTheresa said:
Another question I have found since my initial posting: is the Act of Contrition still required to be said by the parishoner at the end of confession? If so, I do not recall the words!

If required, would yourself, or someone out there, share the words. Would the priest think it strange if when I am required to say this prayer I read the words from my handwritten note? I think my nervousness would affect my ability to commit these words to memory at the present time.
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Welcome Home, Anne Theresa!
The Act of Contrition is right here:
ewtn.com/devotionals/prayers/contrit.htm

You can print it out and bring to the confession. You could also have handwritten notes. I use it every time.

God bless!
 
Withwind, thank you so much for taking the time to respond and for your well wishes and a link to the Act of Contrition! I will print it out. Your help is much appreciated. Thank you.
AnneTheresa
 
It is perfectly OK to state your Act of Contrition in your own words.

It is also perfectly fine to bring along a copy. Many confessionals will have an Act of Contrition posted (mine does not). I also make a note of what I want to confess, so that my mind does not totally go blank while I am in there.

This site frpat.com/reconciliation.htm has a “Credit Card to Heaven” or something along those lines. Everything you need to make a good confession except the sins. Just another resource that you can print off.

Prayers go with you on your journey. I returned to the Church after 8 years away and that confession was certainly life-changing. And wonderful.
 
Thank you, Arcadian, for your response, also the link to “Father Pat” which I found most helpful. Thank you for your good wishes. AnneTheresa
 
AnneTheresa said:
The thought of making a special appointment and a face to face confession I think would pull the plug on my courage! However, I agree that it certainly would be considerate to other parishoners who may be attending confession; and, with that thought already in mind I would wait until the end of the line.
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First of all, welcome home. I hope by the time you read this the subject of your reconciliation is a done deal!

But do not wait until the end of the line. Make that separate appointment as an act of charity both to other penitents and to the priest, who will welcome the opportunity to take some extra time to address your particular concerns. The “face to face” fear part melts away very quickly once eye contact is established. Consider that the priest is the representative of Someone who has had His eye on you for those thirty years and is eager to welcome you back.

A blessed Advent and Nativity season to you.

I am reminded it has been about a year since Mr Blair made his profession of faith. The people of England are in our prayers constantly.
 
Hello venite adoremus, thank you very much for your kind response and the sharing of your thoughts. The local Catholic church in this part of rural England is in a small village and the priest attends to churches in different locations, travelling by car to each one.

The congregation is small, and the church itself is small, probably seating about 30 people. I am hoping to attend confession, but feel I will not be able to cope with a private meeting at this point in time. I do want to be considerate of other parishoners who may be attending confession, and feel due to the size of the church and the congregation number, confession for the established congregation will progress quickly. I will be planning to keep myself in last position so that all the other parishoners will be able to go before me.

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond, I appreciate it very much. AnneTheresa
p.s. How lovely to learn that my country and its people are the prayers of others. Thank you
 
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