Is it okay to receive a Blessing instead of Communion even if you are allowed to receive?

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I wish those that claim that it’s not OK to receive a blessing dosn communion would sound more like Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum university:

*"…Recently, however, a document has appeared in several Internet sources which indicate that the Holy See is tending toward a negative view of the practice. The document is a letter (Protocol No. 930/08/L) dated Nov. 22, 2008, sent in response to a private query and signed by Father Anthony Ward, SM, undersecretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship.

As a private reply the letter is not yet a norm with legal force and, as it makes clear, is not a definitive reply. However, it provides some valuable pointers on the legitimacy of this practice and the mind of the Holy See regarding it*…"

The absolutist “I know more than thou!” of some is getting to be rather ridiculous…

ewtn.com/library/Liturgy/zlitur263.htm
As much as I respect Fr. McNamara, he is not the voice of the CDWDS. It is unfortunate that there are those who will not take the Holy See at its word and will still find ways to justify what amounts to an ilicit practice and circumvent what the Congregation has said.
 
What is wrong about this whole thing is that we are advocating for some false sense of inclusivity and using this blessing as some sort of consolation prize for those who cannot receive Holy Communion. And, that is wrong because, as Redemptionis Sacramentum notes, such innovations only cause confusion.
Yet those who may be awaiting their chance to receive (RCIAers, kids before their first communion) seem to revel in this inclusivity. I reject your notion that it’s a false sense of inclusivity, and submit that in many cases this is/would be a beneficial practice to officially adopt.

Baloney that it ONLY causes confusion. 😛

I agree that it should not be a practice used as a permanent subsitution for the Eucharist i.e. for someone who for whatever reason chooses not to participate in that particular mass.
 
My issue is those who process and don’t receive show a much greater respect for the Church, Eucharist, and God’s Covenant than most. I wish we would both recognized and encouraged their actions.
You are right to point out that it is a good thing when people follow the rules about when not to receive. It would not be desirable for people to receive in a state of mortal sin (or for various other reasons not listed here).
 
Yet those who may be awaiting their chance to receive (RCIAers, kids before their first communion) seem to revel in this inclusivity. I reject your notion that it’s a false sense of inclusivity, and submit that in many cases this is/would be a beneficial practice to officially adopt.

Baloney that it ONLY causes confusion. 😛

I agree that it should not be a practice used as a permanent subsitution for the Eucharist i.e. for someone who for whatever reason chooses not to participate in that particular mass.
:clapping:

I agree very much with what you said. After this Easter it’s very clear that non-Catholics DEEPLY VALUE being able to process up for a blessing during the Mass. While it should never be a permanent substitution as you say, I think it might be the single most powerful evangelical tool a priest has next to the Blessed Sacrament. For those who would then immediately say “Mass is no place to evangelize!” I would respond with “so you say…”

This black/white “my interpretation is more accurate than your own” is extremely Protestant in construction. Much like Protestants with the Bible they claim that Church documents require no interpretation or knowledge of how the Church operates – yet every time they read a document they ARE interpreting it based on their own study, biases, experiences, etc. We hear the chant “The documents are CLEAR we cannot do that!” when in reality they are not so clear especially when considered within the complex make-up that is the Church.

I now wonder who does more ultimate damage to the Church? The “literal documentarians” or the people and practices they unfairly vilify? My guess is now the former.
 
:clapping:

I agree very much with what you said. After this Easter it’s very clear that non-Catholics DEEPLY VALUE being able to process up for a blessing during the Mass. While it should never be a permanent substitution as you say, I think it might be the single most powerful evangelical tool a priest has next to the Blessed Sacrament. For those who would then immediately say “Mass is no place to evangelize!” I would respond with “so you say…”

This black/white “my interpretation is more accurate than your own” is extremely Protestant in construction.
No it is not Protestantism to interpret it that way. With all due respect, you are the one who is going beyond the bounds of what is and what is not allowed and have made yourself the arbitrer.

The documents of the Church do not say that such blessings in lieu of Holy Communion are acceptable. In fact, the letter from the CDWDS makes that point perfectly clear. Furthermore, the invitation of the Ecce Agnus Dei is for the properly disposed faithful to receive Someone, namely, Jesus’ Body and Blood, not something, namely a blessing.

You have yet to cite any authoritative documents of the Holy See to back your claims that this is a legitimate practice. As I noted in another post, you remind me very much of someone who was trying ot use a YouTube broadcast to justify what amounts to an ilicit practice. Even after the CDWDS has sent a letter, you remain adamant that this practice is allowable, even though the CDWDS has determined, for the time being, otherwise.
 
I now wonder who does more ultimate damage to the Church? The “literal documentarians” or the people and practices they unfairly vilify? My guess is now the former.
I lean towards thinking that way as well.

If a little kid is begging to go up for a blessing, personally I think it’s counterproductive to encouraging their love of the Sacrament to tell them, “No, son, the the CDWDS has determined, for the time being, that this practice is not allowed”, (even though their parish Priest and Bishop condone the practice).

Merely my opinion. 🤷
 
No it is not Protestantism to interpret it that way. With all due respect, you are the one who is going beyond the bounds of what is and what is not allowed and have made yourself the arbitrer.

The documents of the Church do not say that such blessings in lieu of Holy Communion are acceptable. In fact, the letter from the CDWDS makes that point perfectly clear. Furthermore, the invitation of the Ecce Agnus Dei is for the properly disposed faithful to receive Someone, namely, Jesus’ Body and Blood, not something, namely a blessing.

You have yet to cite any authoritative documents of the Holy See to back your claims that this is a legitimate practice. As I noted in another post, you remind me very much of someone who was trying ot use a YouTube broadcast to justify what amounts to an ilicit practice. Even after the CDWDS has sent a letter, you remain adamant that this practice is allowable, even though the CDWDS has determined, for the time being, otherwise.
Can you point out where in that letter or any other document they say “what is not allowed” or call the practice “illicit” or are those your words?

btw Why do you aviod the implications of your interpretation?
  • Now it would certainly be remiss to not take a literal look at bullet #5 as a free standing statement, have you tried this yet? I hope you see the large clear problem (?) without a doubt it states “In a similar way, for others who are not to be admitted to Holy Communion in accord with the norm of law, the Church’s discipline has already made clear that they should not approach Holy Communion nor receive a blessing. This would include non-Catholics and those envisaged in can. 915 (i.e., those under the penalty of excommunication or interdict, and others who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin).” Now remember what a blessing is “The liturgical blessing of the Holy Mass is properly given to each and to all at the conclusion of the Mass, just a few moments subsequent to the distribution of Holy Communion” Live by the law die by the law, if you interpret this as a free standing statement it is clear only catholics in a state of grace can be present in the church in the closing minutes of Mass. Wow, we need to start asking children, non catholics, and catholics with unrepented sins to leave ! Unless of coarse we have taken the statement out of context.*
 
Can you point out where in that letter or any other document they say “what is not allowed” or call the practice “illicit” or are those your words?

btw Why do you aviod the implications of your interpretation?
  • Now it would certainly be remiss to not take a literal look at bullet #5 as a free standing statement, have you tried this yet? I hope you see the large clear problem (?) without a doubt it states “In a similar way, for others who are not to be admitted to Holy Communion in accord with the norm of law, the Church’s discipline has already made clear that they should not approach Holy Communion nor receive a blessing. This would include non-Catholics and those envisaged in can. 915 (i.e., those under the penalty of excommunication or interdict, and others who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin).” Now remember what a blessing is “The liturgical blessing of the Holy Mass is properly given to each and to all at the conclusion of the Mass, just a few moments subsequent to the distribution of Holy Communion” Live by the law die by the law, if you interpret this as a free standing statement it is clear only catholics in a state of grace can be present in the church in the closing minutes of Mass. Wow, we need to start asking children, non catholics, and catholics with unrepented sins to leave ! Unless of coarse we have taken the statement out of context.*
The fact that the letter notes that the practice is expressly discouraged should be enough of a red flag to indicate that it should not be done. Something that should not be done is ilicit.

Your last statements are most troubling. No one is asking that people leave. What the document is merely stating is that those who are not able to receive Holy Communion for whatever reason should not present themselves in the same line in order to receive a blessing. Furthermore, the blessing will be imparted to everyone at the end of the Mass.
 
Is it okay to, instead of receiving Communion everytime one goes to Mass, go up, arms crossed, and receive a Blessing from the Priest/Deacon even if you are allowed to licitly receive Communion (i.e. in a state of grace, fulfilled the 1-hour fast up to Communion reception and are a Catholic in full communion with Rome)?
Well first off there is no requirement that you receive every time you go to Mass, properly disposed or not. There have been many times when I have gone to Mass and due to something that happened during Mass, inattentiveness, mind wandering, sinful or impure thought whatever, I became not properly disposed and thus could not receive. Those actions were purely my own fault and I accept them as such. This curious notion that one has to receive each and every time you attend Mass is really strange to me. and i have no idea where the idea came from.

Secondly, I would ask, why in the world you would even want to go up and receive a blessing? You will receive one anyway in about ten or fifteen minutes at the end of the Mass, so why would you feel as if you need or want another one? Do you think that it somehow makes up for not receiving? If so, you are sadly sadly mistaken. It really makes little or no sense to me. If you want to bring the kids or grand kids up so they don’t feel left out or whatever, that is certainly your decision. But as an adult to approach the Altar in this fashion, especially when one is properly disposed, to me is mind boggling.

Let me ask you a question. Please don’t get offended OK?

Do you really understand what is happening when you receive Holy Communion and why we do it? I kind of get the feeling that maybe you and not a few others do not really grasp the reality of what is going on. If you or they did, I cannot imagine why a receiving a blessing would even be considered.

I just don’t get the whole concept of receiving a blessing in the Communion line. I’m sorry, but I really don’t:confused:
 
the letter says :
nor receive a blessing
This is in the context of the Communion line. It is not referring to other blessings.

The phrasing is “is not to be done.” How would they have to phrase it, for it to mean that people ought not to go forward to receive blessings in the Communion line?
 
the letter says :

Just another inconsistance between the facts and the interpretation. I notice again and again you feel free to dismiss the parts you choose
I am only stating what the letter states. The proper location of the blessing is at the conclusion of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, not in the communion line. The letter clearly states that everyone will be able to partake of the blessing once Mass is over.
 
I lean towards thinking that way as well.

If a little kid is begging to go up for a blessing, personally I think it’s counterproductive to encouraging their love of the Sacrament to tell them, “No, son, the the CDWDS has determined, for the time being, that this practice is not allowed”, (even though their parish Priest and Bishop condone the practice).

Merely my opinion. 🤷
:clapping:

Or even more accurately “No, son, based on my personal understanding of certain documents the CDWDS has determined, for the time being, that this practice is not allowed. I don’t care what Fr. Timothy said before communion began – you WILL stay put!”
 
I’m not kidding around when I say threads like this are slowly opening my eyes as to why self-described “orthodox Catholics” or “traditionalists” are often not taken seriously within their own parishes. I can see where such behavior would lead to frustration, anger and ultimately a move – either to a new parish, a new rite or out of the Church altogether.

You know what would be downright fascinating? To understand the parish lives over the past 5-10 years of everyone who has posted on this thread. Have they switched parishes in the past ten years? If so was it more than once? Did they ever feel the need to “go over the head” of their pastors? What has their relationship been like with their pastor(s) over the past decade? Have they sat at table with him and discussed their dreams and concerns? Do they know there bishops? Just how much work do they put in on behalf of the parishes? Have they received any formal education and/or training in philosophy, theology or the liturgy?

This would be impossible of course but it would be very interesting to compare the individual postings with the parishes lives of the posters.
 
I’m not kidding around when I say threads like this are slowly opening my eyes as to why self-described “orthodox Catholics” or “traditionalists” are often not taken seriously within their own parishes.

This would be impossible of course but it would be very interesting to compare the individual postings with the parishes lives of the posters.
I have been in the same parish, and active, for well over the requested 10 year period. I’m not sure what that signifies, though. I have disagreed with some things I have seen. Some I pursue, some I don’t. Liturgical dance came. It went. Blessings in the communion lines came, and mostly went. They ripped out the high altar, but eventually they purchased a new one. They buy new carpet last year, and then when a new pastor comes he wants it immediately changed. Sometimes they let sponsors be up there at the Easter Vigil with the catechumen, sometimes they don’t. Sometimes they wash men’s feet, sometimes women. For awhile there the priest consecrated the precious blood in a crystal pitcher, and then poured it into crystal cups. The list goes on and on, some more important, some less. Whatever. If it really matters, complain. Otherwise wait and see. It will change. Lots of what happens is due to confusion, ignorance, poor communication, forgetting, etc. The priest won’t be there forever. They do move priests. If the last one refused to let the choir sing in Latin or to hear a general confession, well, maybe the next one will allow it. 🤷
 
This is in the context of the Communion line. It is not referring to other blessings.

The phrasing is “is not to be done.” How would they have to phrase it, for it to mean that people ought not to go forward to receive blessings in the Communion line?
only when read in proper context
I am only stating what the letter states. The proper location of the blessing is at the conclusion of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, not in the communion line. The letter clearly states that everyone will be able to partake of the blessing once Mass is over.
It also states “nor receive a blessing” so who are you to dismiss this part of the letter?
 
only when read in proper context

It also states “nor receive a blessing” so who are you to dismiss this part of the letter?
Why are you so insistent that this practice is legitimate, if Rome has already said that it is expressly discouraged? With all due respect, I am suspect that you are the one who is dismissing the word of the CDWDS in favor of an interpretation that goes along with what you support.

You have yet to provide any documentation from the Holy See that supports your opinion. On the other hand, I have provided you with both the text of the letter and with citations from Redemptionis Sacramentum, as well as the Constitution on Sacred Liturgy which clearly state that no one has the right to add anything to the Mass.
 
Perhaps true. I was just wondering if there was an actual law against a priest giving a blessing to, say, a young child being held in the arms of a mother receiving communion. Perhaps, as you say, the priest is violating the principle you mention from *Redemptionis Sacramentum.

*It does seem to me that the letter from the CDW shows where the mind of the Church is tending towards on this issue. Still, the fact that the letter indicates the matter is “under study” makes me wonder if it is a bit premature for us to declare that it is illicit.

(Personally I think it will be explicitly declared illicit someday – but, as I said above, I am just being cautious).

VC
It should be understood that although this practice is prevalent in some parishes (and dioceses it seems) it’s totally unheard of in others. Certainly it was unheard of in any parish where I’ve worshipped over the last 30 years or so and I’ve worshipped in many since we moved often.

The problem I see is that when some priests do this some parents come to expect that ALL priests will do it. One mother I knew became almost apoplectic that she had to ask the priest to bless her child in the communion line. “It should be automatic, I shouldn’t have to ask!!” Our pastor didn’t want to bless anyone in the Communion line since that’s not what the Communion Procession is for.
 
Why are you so insistent that this practice is legitimate, if Rome has already said that it is expressly discouraged? With all due respect, I am suspect that you are the one who is dismissing the word of the CDWDS in favor of an interpretation that goes along with what you support.
Rome has not said such again that is you who says such, I have no problem with what CDWDS actaully says which include their words and their context; which you dismiss.
You have yet to provide any documentation from the Holy See that supports your opinion. On the other hand, I have provided you with both the text of the letter and with citations from Redemptionis Sacramentum, as well as the Constitution on Sacred Liturgy which clearly state that no one has the right to add anything to the Mass.
You provide your interpretation of the writting not what the writing say, you dismiss all you chose to dismiss. The subject is actually under review which is not what you say however it is what the CDWDS says

My guess is that is why you need to spin every questions because the answers honest answers would reveal that which you choose to ignore
 
Rome has not said such again that is you who says such, I have no problem with what CDWDS actaully says which include their words and their context; which you dismiss.
You provide your interpretation of the writting not what the writing say, you dismiss all you chose to dismiss. The subject is actually under review which is not what you say however it is what the CDWDS says

My guess is that is why you need to spin every questions because the answers honest answers would reveal that which you choose to ignore
No, you are the one putting spins into things. With all due respect, what part of the phrase “expressly discouraged” do you not understand? “Expressly discouraged” means that it should not be done. You are the one dismissing the words of the CDWDS. Your repeated assertions that they don’t say what they really say, as I read it, mean that you are favoring your own interpretation over what the authoritative documents of the Holy See have said. You have yet to cite sources supporting your view point.
 
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