If I don't receive the Eucharist, what do i do?

[Novawar]

Ok, so I am registered for RCIA in the fall and have gone to mass. When the priest was giving out the Holy Eucharist I just stayed in my pew and prayed. I felt awkward sitting there, while people all around me were moving out to receive the Eucharist. I just recently watched a mass and realized some people were putting their hands over their chest or mouth and the priest was giving them a blessing. This is great thank you Lord.

So is there anything I have to say after the blessing? ‘Amen’? ‘Thank you Father’?

 

[Lenten_ashes]

From what I have been told, the blessing is not even a official thing. Just something that sort of came about lately.

So probably nothing in terms of what is officially proper to say in that situation. Amen would be fine, I suppose.

I waited 1 and 1/2 years to receive the Eucharist as i went through RCIA and waited on a annulment and a blessing on my marriage. It was very painful.

I usually never went up for blessings as I don’t think the laity - (EMHC) has any more anointing than I do, so saw no point in it. We have a gigantic parish so you very rarely receive from clergy.

What I would do is get to Mass early so i can sit on the left end of a aisle of the shorter in length pews. That way when it’s time for the parish to go up the only time I’m moving from my seat is when they come back from receiving the Eucharist.

I did find myself going to adoration more often during that process as I really yearned for the body and blood. Adoration helped me get along until i was allowed to partake.

God bless you on your journey.

 

[punisherthunder]

Ok, so I am registered for RCIA in the fall and have gone to mass. When the priest was giving out the Holy Eucharist I just stayed in my pew and prayed. I felt awkward sitting there, while people all around me were moving out to receive the Eucharist. I just recently watched a mass and realized some people were putting their hands over their chest or mouth and the priest was giving them a blessing. This is great thank you Lord.

So is there anything I have to say after the blessing? ‘Amen’? ‘Thank you Father’?

Once a while ago, I was mislead by a priest. He told me that during the Consecration, we say the phrase “Lord I am not worthy to receive you under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed”…that even if I missed Confession, if I say those words, my sins are forgiven and it would be okay for me to take the Eucharist.

In my naivety, I did this a few time and just didn’t feel right about it. I went to Confession with another priest who told me that this was wrong. He said that I had profaned the body of Jesus, time and time again by doing this. That day he gave me absolution, and advised me to never do it again, and I haven’t. He did offer up that I stand in line for a blessing.

Yes, it does hurt some, to sit while others receive our Lord, but I will tell you something else. I attend a huge parish. Confession is a full hour on Saturdays, and a few weeks ago it was only me who attended, no other parishioners. Yet, on Sunday at the 10am Mass, the line to receive the Eucharist was very, very long. And in that line, I saw plenty of people who looked as if they hadn’t seen the inside of the confessional in a dozen or more years. Sure I am making judgments, but I am of the belief that none of these people attend Confession more than once a year if even that and perhaps some had no idea, just like I did, that receiving our Lord in a sinful manner, makes things much worse.

My advice: hold fast, gladly accept the blessing, don’t worry about others. I’d rather take a blessing than offend the Body of Christ by profaning him with any further sin.

 

[Horton]

Ok, so I am registered for RCIA in the fall and have gone to mass. When the priest was giving out the Holy Eucharist I just stayed in my pew and prayed. I felt awkward sitting there, while people all around me were moving out to receive the Eucharist. I just recently watched a mass and realized some people were putting their hands over their chest or mouth and the priest was giving them a blessing. This is great thank you Lord.

So is there anything I have to say after the blessing? ‘Amen’? ‘Thank you Father’?

This is perfectly acceptable if you are not able to receive. I am one of those who follow the concept that all are blessed by the priest at the end of Mass and a personal blessing during communion isn’t necessary. However, it is fine if you choose to go up or stay in your seat to pray. You will receive the blessing in any case.

Before starting RCIA, when I attended Mass I stayed in the pew. I was uncomfortable going in the communion line. After I had been in RCIA a few months I did start going up for a blessing. It helped to get familiar with the whole getting in line thing

Now if I am unable to receive, I stay put in my seat.

 

[M-Dent]

Ok, so I am registered for RCIA in the fall and have gone to mass. When the priest was giving out the Holy Eucharist I just stayed in my pew and prayed. I felt awkward sitting there, while people all around me were moving out to receive the Eucharist. I just recently watched a mass and realized some people were putting their hands over their chest or mouth and the priest was giving them a blessing. This is great thank you Lord.

So is there anything I have to say after the blessing? ‘Amen’? ‘Thank you Father’?

Remaining kneeling and praying is quite appropriate. A deep prayer may make you less aware of the line of people passing by.

 

[pianistclare]

You may make an Act of Spiritual Communion until such time as you are able to receive.
Everyone gets a blessing at the end of Mass.
Don’t worry about others…never concern yourself with what they think or don’t think. They are focused on the Liturgy.
Here’s that prayer:

My Jesus,
I believe that You
are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment
receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there
and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.

 

[Casilda]

In my Eastern Catholic church non-communicants can receive a priestly blessing, he will place the chalice on your head as he gives you a blessing. This is especially true for young children who have not yet received FHC, but this may change in the future as the rites are restored and they can once again receive as infants.

 

[Catholic1954]

Ok, so I am registered for RCIA in the fall and have gone to mass. When the priest was giving out the Holy Eucharist I just stayed in my pew and prayed. I felt awkward sitting there, while people all around me were moving out to receive the Eucharist. I just recently watched a mass and realized some people were putting their hands over their chest or mouth and the priest was giving them a blessing. This is great thank you Lord.

So is there anything I have to say after the blessing? ‘Amen’? ‘Thank you Father’?

Not all parishes do this: I would check and see if your parish offers blessings to people in the communion line. There might be some confusion if you get in line intending to be blessed and the minister is not trained for that and gives you the Eucharist by mistake. Welcome Home! I hope you find the RCIA the most amazing experience of your life; this time next year, God willing, you will be receiving the Eucharist!

 

[steve_b]

Ok, so I am registered for RCIA in the fall and have gone to mass. When the priest was giving out the Holy Eucharist I just stayed in my pew and prayed. I felt awkward sitting there, while people all around me were moving out to receive the Eucharist. I just recently watched a mass and realized some people were putting their hands over their chest or mouth and the priest was giving them a blessing. This is great thank you Lord.

So is there anything I have to say after the blessing? ‘Amen’? ‘Thank you Father’?

Amen is just fine. God knows you’re on your way to full communion.

 

[Novawar]

Thank you for all these wonderful answers! I am truly blessed.

So I called the Parish and spoke to the priest and he said it’s ok there to get into the line just hold my hands over my chest and receive a blessing. That is what I did. But, honestly I felt awkward doing it, because the priest was giving communion to everyone in front of me and was, for lack of a better word, on a roll, when I get there he hesitates just for a sec, then said a blessing.

I think from now on I’m just going to stay in the pew at the left side and kneel in prayer.

I really like the prayer above that was shared above thank you so much!

Thank you again my friends! I cannot wait to become fully Catholic and be able to participate in the Eucharist, the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ Our Lord!

 

[pianistclare]

Thank you for all these wonderful answers! I am truly blessed.

So I called the Parish and spoke to the priest and he said it’s ok there to get into the line just hold my hands over my chest and receive a blessing. That is what I did. But, honestly I felt awkward doing it, because the priest was giving communion to everyone in front of me and was, for lack of a better word, on a roll, when I get there he hesitates just for a sec, then said a blessing.

I think from now on I’m just going to stay in the pew at the left side and kneel in prayer.

I really like the prayer above that was shared above thank you so much!

Thank you again my friends! I cannot wait to become fully Catholic and be able to participate in the Eucharist, the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ Our Lord!

You are most welcome.

 

[steve_b]

Thank you for all these wonderful answers! I am truly blessed.

So I called the Parish and spoke to the priest and he said it’s ok there to get into the line just hold my hands over my chest and receive a blessing. That is what I did. But, honestly I felt awkward doing it, because the priest was giving communion to everyone in front of me and was, for lack of a better word, on a roll, when I get there he hesitates just for a sec, then said a blessing.

I think from now on I’m just going to stay in the pew at the left side and kneel in prayer.

I really like the prayer above that was shared above thank you so much!

Thank you again my friends! I cannot wait to become fully Catholic and be able to participate in the Eucharist, the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ Our Lord!

Don’t hesitate to go up for a blessing. And make the sign of the cross after the blessing.

 

[pianistclare]

Don’t hesitate to go up for a blessing. And make the sign of the cross after the blessing.

Let’s not encourage her to do what the Church says we should not do.
Everyone gets a blessing at the end of Mass. The one in the Communion line is not “better”. If she waits until she can fully receive…it mean so much more to her.

 

[truetofaith]

Once a while ago, I was mislead by a priest. He told me that during the Consecration, we say the phrase “Lord I am not worthy to receive you under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed”…that even if I missed Confession, if I say those words, my sins are forgiven and it would be okay for me to take the Eucharist.

In my naivety, I did this a few time and just didn’t feel right about it. I went to Confession with another priest who told me that this was wrong. He said that I had profaned the body of Jesus, time and time again by doing this. That day he gave me absolution, and advised me to never do it again, and I haven’t. He did offer up that I stand in line for a blessing.

Yes, it does hurt some, to sit while others receive our Lord, but I will tell you something else. I attend a huge parish. Confession is a full hour on Saturdays, and a few weeks ago it was only me who attended, no other parishioners. Yet, on Sunday at the 10am Mass, the line to receive the Eucharist was very, very long. And in that line, I saw plenty of people who looked as if they hadn’t seen the inside of the confessional in a dozen or more years. Sure I am making judgments, but I am of the belief that none of these people attend Confession more than once a year if even that and perhaps some had no idea, just like I did, that receiving our Lord in a sinful manner, makes things much worse.

My advice: hold fast, gladly accept the blessing, don’t worry about others. I’d rather take a blessing than offend the Body of Christ by profaning him with any further sin.

I know people who say they haven’t gone to Confession in years, but they receive Communion every Sunday. I believe it’s a mortal sin not to make your Easter duty of Penance & Communion once a year…so how do they get away with this. They are not “saints” either!

 

[steve_b]

Let’s not encourage her to do what the Church says we should not do.
Everyone gets a blessing at the end of Mass. The one in the Communion line is not “better”. If she waits until she can fully receive…it mean so much more to her.

“Certainly this blessing is not in the rubrics and there is no obligation to make such an invitation. However, neither is there any prohibition and the practice seems to have been tacitly accepted by many bishops who are aware of this nascent custom and have even participated in giving such blessings. As far as I know, no bishop has issued specific directives on this issue, nor has the Holy See intervened although it is certainly aware of its existence. The decision as to whether to adopt such a practice depends on the concrete pastoral circumstances involved.”

From ewtn.com/library/liturgy/zlitur81.htm

Reading further

“barring an authoritative statement from the Holy See, it depended on the local authorities to judge the opportunity of accepting or rejecting this practice”. i.e. the local bishop

 

[dje101]

Ok, so I am registered for RCIA in the fall and have gone to mass. When the priest was giving out the Holy Eucharist I just stayed in my pew and prayed. I felt awkward sitting there, while people all around me were moving out to receive the Eucharist. I just recently watched a mass and realized some people were putting their hands over their chest or mouth and the priest was giving them a blessing. This is great thank you Lord.

So is there anything I have to say after the blessing? ‘Amen’? ‘Thank you Father’?

I know how you feel. When I went through RCIA, I felt the same way when going to mass. However, because I had learned that going up is normally only for receiving communion, I would stay in the pew, kneeling, praying to the Lord for a spiritual communion during the time while I await full communion with him and his church.

Personally, I think that staying in the pew when you cannot receive also shows a good witness as to the importance and reality of what is happening during the mass, and that you recognize that you are not able to receive, for whatever reason that may be. Sometimes, I think that it lets other people (who are going up to receive but should not be receiving, and are doing it so as not the be left out) see that they wouldn’t be the only one staying seated, and would encourage them to refrain next time.

Plus, everyone gets a blessing at the end of mass anyways, so its a bit redundant.

My two cents.

 

[fastenatingguy]

You may make an Act of Spiritual Communion until such time as you are able to receive.
Everyone gets a blessing at the end of Mass.
Don’t worry about others…never concern yourself with what they think or don’t think. They are focused on the Liturgy.
Here’s that prayer:

My Jesus,
I believe that You
are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment
receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there
and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.

This is a beautiful prayer (that I will copy) and good advice as always.

 

[Hmgbrd]

You may make an Act of Spiritual Communion until such time as you are able to receive.
Everyone gets a blessing at the end of Mass.
Don’t worry about others…never concern yourself with what they think or don’t think. They are focused on the Liturgy.
Here’s that prayer:

My Jesus,
I believe that You
are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment
receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there
and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.

Novawar, I felt as you do now when I had to wait for 1 1/2 years to receive Him for the first time. But praying the prayer above helped me all through that period. Memorize it and savor your one on one time with the Lord when the others go forward.
Welcome home!

 

[Kielbasi]

Ok, so I am registered for RCIA in the fall and have gone to mass. When the priest was giving out the Holy Eucharist I just stayed in my pew and prayed. I felt awkward sitting there, while people all around me were moving out to receive the Eucharist. I just recently watched a mass and realized some people were putting their hands over their chest or mouth and the priest was giving them a blessing. This is great thank you Lord.

So is there anything I have to say after the blessing? ‘Amen’? ‘Thank you Father’?

Staying in the pew is the traditional thing to do, if you are not receiving communion.

This is another thing which has changed since I was a kid in the 1960’s. Back in the day, 1/2 or fewer of the faithful would receive communion, the number quickly rose- particularly after the reduction of the communion fast to 1 hour- and now its virtually everyone.

 

[Another_Mary]

The times I have stayed in the pew and made a spiritual communion because I had sinned and I had not yet gone to confession were spiritually profound experiences. I felt that God was pleased with my choice.