Is it proper to go up for a blessing when not receiving Communion?

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wifeandmomoftwo said:
LOL!

I was not born a Catholic I too entered the church via RCIA.
During the process I too felt I wanted to be closer to Jesus during Mass…never did I get up for a blessing as I knew that the Communion line was just that a line for Communion. I knew that I could make a spiritual communion sitting in my pew that would bring me closer to Jesus and if I had a real hankering to get even closer & personal I could attened our churches Adoration.

Each their own. If your priest has no issues with this then by all means get a blessing:rolleyes: I for one am thankful that our Parish and our Priests see no need to perform this “ritual” to make people “feel” welcome or a part of something. If you want to be a part of the commuion and are unable to recieve then sit in your pew and make a spirtiual communion (that is what it is there for)!
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Maybe you should spend more time on Catholic study, several posts indicate some issues maybe unresolved. Catholicism is very charitable, additionally Priest do not pick and choose their practices. If you look at the rules the Bishop (not the Priest) probably* has the authority on this issue. I suspect the Bishops have bigger issues and the Priests are probably perplexed due to Jesus’ comments to the Pharisees about rules.

*the GIRM allows the Bishops variation in some forms of the Mass, whether this issue is covered is your only sustainable argument. That was an argument not made?
 
pyropam said:
YES!
I have sat here and prayed for you while reading this entire thread. I am ashamed that people who may be researching the Catholic faith and thinking of converting, may be exposed to your anger and what appears to be “judgmental” attitude.

Would Jesus not have loved and welcomed all who came forward for a blessing at any time? Do you believe that the priest is in “persona Christi” (in the person of Christ the head)? If so, then he should never turn away anyone who comes forward for a blessing.

Do you not feel that you can say “God Bless You” to someone?
Why is this so different from a lay minister doing the same?

I am very proud of those who come forward for a blessing and have the humbleness to bow before the Euchrist before receiving a simple blessing.

Why do you have so much anger over the issue?

**CHRIST NEVER TURNED AWAY THOSE WHO WERE SEEKING TO BE CLOSE TO HIM! HE CALLS US TO HIM! WE SHOULD STRIVE TO BE AS CLOSE TO HIM AS WE CAN GET. **
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I am wondering if you wondered what the pope thought about this matter? What about those of us Catholics who want to follow the Rubrics of the mass and the GIRM? Are we bad Catholics and shameful for wanting to do what the magisterium hands to us in the GIRM? DO we have the authority to add to it? Do you think I am a bad Catholic for not blessing a person (it happend this past sunday). DO you respect my opinion that since it is not mentioned in the GIRM that it is an addition that is not authorized by the magisterium? DO you think I am wrong for wanting to do it right? What do you think about my priest who is a Canon lawyer who forbids blessings during the communion line? If getting a blessing is OK then what about playing a quick game of Paper, ROck, Scissors? Is that OK too? If not by what authority do you come to that conclusion?
 
A question I’m often asked is whether it is appropriate for extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion to give blessings during the distribution of communion.

This is an interesting question because it not only involves the fittingness of extraordinary ministers giving blessings, but also whether priests and deacons should even be giving blessings during the distribution of communion. …(more)

Father Morris is on the faculty of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in Shrewsbury.

Address questions on the faith to Dear Father/St. Louis Review/20 Archbishop May Drive/St. Louis, MO 63119. The Review, however, encourages the faithful to discuss their concerns with their parish priests.
 
THurifer2 said:
I am wondering if you wondered what the pope thought about this matter?
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Popes deal with non Catholics often so bear that in mind
What about those of us Catholics who want to follow the Rubrics of the mass and the GIRM?
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THEY have no issue with this, only those who believe they control the faith of others have an issue
Are we bad Catholics and shameful for wanting to do what the magisterium hands to us in the GIRM?
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your following the GIRM never called for you to interfer with others
DO we have the authority to add to it?
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It would seem to many as you already have, in your addition you now have authority to make dicisions for strangers, and others children
Do you think I am a bad Catholic for not blessing a person (it happend this past sunday).
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Your embarrassing the person in such a manner would not seem in keeping with the primary objectives of Catholicism
DO you respect my opinion that since it is not mentioned in the GIRM that it is an addition that is not authorized by the magisterium?
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'um maybe your GIRM is missing paragrapgh 390?
DO you think I am wrong for wanting to do it right?
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maybe the sin of presumption is present? of course only you could decide
What do you think about my priest who is a Canon lawyer who forbids blessings during the communion line?
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The Pharisee’s would be proud of him
If getting a blessing is OK then what about playing a quick game of Paper, ROck, Scissors? Is that OK too? If not by what authority do you come to that conclusion?
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If such an act helps god’s children I am for it. Who would entrust you to hurt others?

Your Priest should have the wisdom to **announce he does not wish to do Blessing during communion **please tell him I said so, and feel free to add that I am sure the Pharisees regard his action highly
 
Texas_Roofer said:
Popes deal with non Catholics often so bear that in mind THEY have no issue with this, only those who believe they control the faith of others have an issue your following the GIRM never called for you to interfer with others It would seem to many as you already have, in your addition you now have authority to make dicisions for strangers, and others children Your embarrassing the person in such a manner would not seem in keeping with the primary objectives of Catholicism 'um maybe your GIRM is missing paragrapgh 390? maybe the sin of presumption is present? of course only you could decide The Pharisee’s would be proud of him If such an act helps god’s children I am for it. Who would entrust you to hurt others?

Your Priest should have the wisdom to **announce he does not wish to do Blessing during communion **please tell him I said so, and feel free to add that I am sure the Pharisees regard his action highly
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  1. I didn’t ask if the pope has dealt with non-Catholics
  2. Someone asking for a blessing is forcing ME at their will
    3)The Girm never called for others to interfere with me
  3. My decision added nothing to the GIRM PERIOD.
  4. The person wasn’t embarrassed but I was and I wouldn’t have been if they would have stayed in the pews with the others who didn’t recieve.
  5. Paragraph 390 says nothing about blessings during communion
  6. Your post is used as a dictionary example for presumption
  7. SEE #7
    9)Who is the Pharisee you our my priest?
 
THurifer2 said:
  1. The person wasn’t embarrassed but I was and I wouldn’t have been if they would have stayed in the pews with the others who didn’t recieve.
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I doubt that the person who came before Jesus, and asked you for a blessing was not embarassed when you turned them down. I can honestly tell you that if I were in that situation I would have been mortified. I might not have shown it on the outside, but it would make Communion a difficult time for me from then on out. Even though it’s not supposed to be.
You couldn’t find it in your heart just to say “God bless you” and let them move on?

Luke 18:15-17
Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, he rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.

Let’s not rebuke those who come before Jesus and ask for a blessing.
 
Madalynne said:
I doubt that the person who came before Jesus, and asked you for a blessing was not embarassed when you turned them down. .
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It is a woman who has been a member of our parish for over 7 decades. She wasn’t mortified… I didn’t turn her down…I just didn’t do anything except raise the host and say Corpus Christi becuase I thought she was going to recieve. When she didn’t raise her hands I initially raised the host to put it in her mouth but she shook her head and stood there with her arms crossed. It was brief. I was replacing the Deacon who was gone. 99.9% of the time he is the one this lady goes to because she sits in the same place at every mass. I have heard him say that he doe NOT bless in the communion line…
 
Madalynne said:
I doubt that the person who came before Jesus, and asked you for a blessing was not embarassed when you turned them down. I can honestly tell you that if I were in that situation I would have been mortified. I might not have shown it on the outside, but it would make Communion a difficult time for me from then on out. Even though it’s not supposed to be.
You couldn’t find it in your heart just to say “God bless you” and let them move on?

Luke 18:15-17
Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, he rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.

Let’s not rebuke those who come before Jesus and ask for a blessing.
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Blessings and Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers
Canon 1169
  1. Persons who possess the episcopal character as well as presbyters to whom it is permitted by law or by legitimate concession can validly perform consecrations and dedications.
  2. Any presbyter can impart blessings, except those which are reserved to the Roman Pontiff or to bishops.
  3. A deacon can impart only those blessings which are expressly permitted to him by law.
    A blessing is a good conferred by a higher personage on a lower personage. All true blessings ultimately come from God, though they come through those whom He has placed over others. In the family parents bless their children, as God has given them natural authority over their children. In the Church spiritual blessings are conferred in God’s Name by those to whom He has given spiritual authority over His People. As is evident by the above, blessings are given by priests (who have the power of the keys), though some are reserved to bishops (high priests). Deacons may also bless, but only where the ritual books, and thus the Church, provide the authority by law. Since the laity do not possess spiritual authority in the Church they cannot confer blessings. The laity can impose some sacramentals (ashes, St. Blaise blessing), but using objects previously blessed by the ordained.
So, the blessing of anyone by an EME at Communion time is a vain gesture, which does nothing for the recipient. Furthermore, by a gesture which suggests priestly authority in a sacramental setting, it confuses the role of the laity and the ordained minister, something prohibited by the /B]
ewtn.com/expert/answers/blessings.htm
Answered by Colin B. Donovan, STL
 
THurifer2 said:
  1. The person wasn’t embarrassed but I was and I wouldn’t have been if they would have stayed in the pews with the others who didn’t recieve.
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You cannot presume to know the feelings of another person. I can’t imagine this person NOT being mortified in this situation. Please go back and read my post #108.

I think in your quest to be “right” you are in the wrong. James Akin’s blog even states :

*It strikes me as reasonable–and it’s certainly within the realm of legitimate liturgical opinion to hold that it is reasonable–for a priest to pause the distribution of Communion in order to administer a blessing if the alternative is sending someone away disappointed and possibly angry and disaffected.

If you have a child being brought up for a blessing and one is denied then either the parents or the parents and the child may go away disappointed, angry, and disaffected, which strike me as legitimate reasons to pause to give a blessing.

The phenomenon has become so widespread that we really need Rome to give us some guidance on it, and until then I can’t fault EMHCs who go ahead and give blessings unless the pastor of the parish has told them not to. If an EMHC does give such blessings, I would keep two things in mind:
  1. I would keep the blessing as simple as possible (e.g., just saying “God bless you” and not doing anything with my hands), and
  2. I would definitely refrain from making the sign of the cross over the person with the Eucharist (this would constitute Eucharistic benediction, which is expressly forbidden to the laity by law).*
I’ll say it again… It is NOT a sin to want a blessing, but it is a sin to be flat out rude just so you can “feel” good about yourself and prove your point ! If your priest don’t want to give blessings during communion time then fine…but he needs to make that known to the entire congregation and it needs to be announced before every mass because new people who don’t know could show up any time and be in the dark.
 
AngelsAmongUs said:
You cannot presume to know the feelings of another person. I can’t imagine this person NOT being mortified in this situation. Please go back and read my post #108.

I think in your quest to be “right” you are in the wrong. James Akin’s blog even states :

*It strikes me as reasonable–and it’s certainly within the realm of legitimate liturgical opinion to hold that it is reasonable–for a priest to pause the distribution of Communion in order to administer a blessing if the alternative is sending someone away disappointed and possibly angry and disaffected.

If you have a child being brought up for a blessing and one is denied then either the parents or the parents and the child may go away disappointed, angry, and disaffected, which strike me as legitimate reasons to pause to give a blessing.

The phenomenon has become so widespread that we really need Rome to give us some guidance on it, and until then I can’t fault EMHCs who go ahead and give blessings unless the pastor of the parish has told them not to. If an EMHC does give such blessings, I would keep two things in mind:
  1. I would keep the blessing as simple as possible (e.g., just saying “God bless you” and not doing anything with my hands), and
  2. I would definitely refrain from making the sign of the cross over the person with the Eucharist (this would constitute Eucharistic benediction, which is expressly forbidden to the laity by law).*
I’ll say it again… It is NOT a sin to want a blessing, but it is a sin to be flat out rude just so you can “feel” good about yourself and prove your point ! If your priest don’t want to give blessings during communion time then fine…but he needs to make that known to the entire congregation and it needs to be announced before every mass because new people who don’t know could show up any time and be in the dark.
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**Laity are not expressly permitted to give blessings at Communion time, and so by the letter of the law they shouldn’t be doing it. ** thanks to Mr. Akin

And this is another very good link…
ewtn.com/expert/answers/blessings.htm
 
Madalynne said:
Then why can’t you say a very very short prayer for them when they come up to you? Couldn’t you ask God to bless them?
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*Extraordinary ministers have no power to bless [those who approach them in church]. They are ministers of **Communion **only.*Parents may bless their children, superiors their subjects (as in monasteries) and similar, though these are not exercises of the power of the keys as are the blessings of clergy. In both the case of the blessing of throats and the administration of ashes, since these articles are already blessed they may be administered by laity delegated by the pastor for that purpose." —From an orthodox expert on theology and liturgical matters, EWTN’s Colin Donovan
 
wifeandmomoftwo said:
*Extraordinary ministers have no power to bless [those who approach them in church]. They are ministers of **Communion ***only.—From an orthodox expert on theology and liturgical matters, EWTN’s Colin Donovan
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God has the power to bless. Couldn’t you ask God to bless them when they approach you?
 
wifeandmomoftwo said:
Laity are not expressly permitted to give blessings at Communion time, and so by the letter of the law they shouldn’t be doing it. thanks to Mr. Akin

And this is another very good link…
ewtn.com/expert/answers/blessings.htm
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Look, I just quoted James Akin so I know what he says on it. You, however seem to look over some of his quotes if it don’t fit snuggly with your views. I was speaking to a particular situation …not in a general way. In the situation I was speaking to Akin is very clear on what should or should not be done. Why don’t you read you own link that you keep wanting everyone else to read? I did read it…and then I quoted it. So, you give me more links? You’re the one who brought James Akin into it. But now, you’re going to ignore what he says? Nice.
 
AngelsAmongUs said:
Look, I just quoted James Akin so I know what he says on it. You, however seem to look over some of his quotes if it don’t fit snuggly with your views. I was speaking to a particular situation …not in a general way. In the situation I was speaking to Akin is very clear on what should or should not be done. Why don’t you read you own link that you keep wanting everyone else to read? I did read it…and then I quoted it. So, you give me more links? You’re the one who brought James Akin into it. But now, you’re going to ignore what he says? Nice.
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And if you read the whole article Mr. Akin is not stating approval for the pratice either.
 
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