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

[Catherine1959]

I don’t feel left out when I don’t get a blessing, I don’t go all the time for a blessing. I believe it does help when I am troubled by something.
I understand the need for the Mass to be kept traditional but why would an extra blessing be such a terrible thing for someone to get?
There are plenty of times that people stay after Mass to get an extra blessing from the Father, why would that be any different?

 

[THurifer2]

I HAD to be the EMHC this past week at my parish due to both deacons being gone and a very large congregation. I distributed the host along side of Father. Everything was going fine until a woman approached with her arms crossed. I didn’t do anything…she waited and I waited. Finally she moved on…I am a layperson…what is the point of me blessing someone with the host. I didn’t do it and I never will.

 

[THurifer2]

I am in RCIA and the way it is explained to us is, the blessing you get during the Eucharist is to help fight the evil that comes your way as you are becoming Catholic… by bowing before the Eucharist, you are showing not only your respect for the Eucharist but also respect for the person in front of you. How could any of that be seen as a bad thing?
It is like practice for those not yet ready.

That is a nice thing, unfortunately is was made up by the RCIA person. Nowhere is that found as church teaching. One can venerate the Eucharist from their pew…

The blessing thing was created by someone becuase they didn’t like seing people left out…WE need to start doing communion like they do in Europe…no lines…every just goes up when they feel ready…that way people wont notice who goes and who doesnt

 

[wifeandmomoftwo]

I don’t feel left out when I don’t get a blessing, I don’t go all the time for a blessing. I believe it does help when I am troubled by something.
I understand the need for the Mass to be kept traditional but why would an extra blessing be such a terrible thing for someone to get?
There are plenty of times that people stay after Mass to get an extra blessing from the Father, why would that be any different?

You along with everyone else get a blessing shortly after Communion. Why do people feel a need to invade the communion line just for a blessing?
If you want an extra blessing then stay after mass, as you have suggested.

 

[wifeandmomoftwo]

I have to add, that I am very glad that our parish does not do this (blessings in the communion line).

 

[PatienceAndLove]

I HAD to be the EMHC this past week at my parish due to both deacons being gone and a very large congregation. I distributed the host along side of Father. Everything was going fine until a woman approached with her arms crossed. I didn’t do anything…she waited and I waited. Finally she moved on…I am a layperson…what is the point of me blessing someone with the host. I didn’t do it and I never will.

Look at you upholding the meaning of EMHC
And good for you for not giving into this EMHC blessing non-sense.

My DH is not Catholic, and our Church does blessings. He goes up with me then, because it is the parish custom. However, when we are at other parishes, he remains in the pew.

 

[Catherine1959]

I will ask to discuss this at RCIA tonight but I honestly don’t see the problem… is it because you don’t like converts?
Do you feel left out because you are a cradle Catholic?
It only takes a second of your time, would you deny something wonderful to someone else?
Traditions change all the time within the Catholic Church, why are some so resistant to that change?
I don’t want Protestant ideas to enter the Catholic Church any more than the next person but this is not Protestant… no one there goes for a Blessing.

 

[PatienceAndLove]

I will ask to discuss this at RCIA tonight but I honestly don’t see the problem… is it because you don’t like converts?
Do you feel left out because you are a cradle Catholic?

Whatever gave you these ideas?

It only takes a second of your time, would you deny something wonderful to someone else?

Because Communion is the time when those who are Catholics in a State of Grace. It is not a free for all blessing time. After Communion, the congregation will be given a blessing. Additionally, those not recieving don’t just sit there. Those not reciving are to take part in a Spiritual Communion with Our Lord:

Spiritual Communion 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.

Traditions change all the time within the Catholic Church, why are some so resistant to that change?

Like what? (not sarcastic)

I don’t want Protestant ideas to enter the Catholic Church any more than the next person but this is not Protestant… no one there goes for a Blessing.

 

[Madalynne]

It does not bother me that people go to recieve a blessing, it takes no longer to recieve a blessing than it does to recieve communion. And those who are unable to recieve the Eucharist are also excluded from the graces that come with it.
Also, it’s a time when they can go up and recieve a blessing without having to pull a priest aside, which can be intimidating.

PatienceAndLove:

Because Communion is the time when those who are Catholics in a State of Grace. It is not a free for all blessing time.

It’s not a show-off time for Catohlics in a state of grace either. What about a Catohlic who is in grave sin, what if the small blessing they recieve right up by the Host, is what they need to get themselves back on track? If they are embarassed to stay seated, showing their family that they are in mortal sin, wouldn’t you rather them recieve a blessing from the priest, than recieve the Eucharist in a state of mortal sin?

 

[PatienceAndLove]

It’s not a show-off time for Catohlics in a state of grace either. What about a Catohlic who is in grave sin, what if the small blessing they recieve right up by the Host, is what they need to get themselves back on track? If they are embarassed to stay seated, showing their family that they are in mortal sin, wouldn’t you rather them recieve a blessing from the priest, than recieve the Eucharist in a state of mortal sin?

How are Catholics who are in a State of Grace showing off? I don’t understand that. I would really like you to explain that one.

If someone is embarrassed to stay kneeling during Communion, perhaps s/he needs to get to Confession. If s/he is not Catholic, they should not be approaching at all. I actually just got done talking to DH about this (he is lurking on the thread) and he stated that he was no longer going to approach for a blessing because it is inappropriate.

I would rather that said person approaches Father AFTER Mass and receives some sort of special blessing. OR Approach Father BEFORE Mass and ask to receive Confession. (As to why most parishes don’t routinely offer Confession before Mass, I am seriously confused)

 

[Madalynne]

How are Catholics who are in a State of Grace showing off? I don’t understand that.
If someone is embarrassed to stay kneeling during Communion, perhaps s/he needs to get to Confession. If s/he is not Catholic, they should not be approaching at all. I actually just got done talking to DH about this (he is lurking on the thread) and he stated that he was no longer going to approach for a blessing because it is inappropriate.

I would rather that said person approaches Father AFTER Mass and receives some sort of special blessing. OR Approach Father BEFORE Mass and ask to receive Confession. (As to why most parishes don’t routinely offer Confession before Mass, I am seriously confused)

What I meant was, if only Catholics who are in a state of grace stand up, in my parish, there wouldn’t be too many standing up (I’m not judging, but I do know that most people haven’t been to confession since the 2nd grade), and then it would be obvious who’s not in a state of grace.

As a shy person, and with two Indian priests that are difficult to understand, and make yourself understood too, it’s much easier to go up during communion with your arms crossed, he knows what you want, and you know what you’re going to get. Besides, there’s no anxiety on what you will say to him, or how to pull him aside.

Also, when non-Catholic friends come to Mass with me, it makes them feel more comfortable and accepted by the Catholic Church if they are able to come up with the communion line as well. When they can’t it makes them feel alienated, and that’s the biggest complaint I’ve personally heard about the Catholic Church.

 

[PatienceAndLove]

What I meant was, if only Catholics who are in a state of grace stand up, in my parish, there wouldn’t be too many standing up (I’m not judging, but I do know that most people haven’t been to confession since the 2nd grade), and then it would be obvious who’s not in a state of grace.

And the point is? If you are not in a state of Grace you should not receive or approach.

As a shy person, and with two Indian priests that are difficult to understand, and make yourself understood too, it’s much easier to go up during communion with your arms crossed, he knows what you want, and you know what you’re going to get. Besides, there’s no anxiety on what you will say to him, or how to pull him aside.

One approaches Communion to recieve, not to bless. If you have a hard time figuring out how to pull Father aside for a blessing, then think of other ways. Perhaps you need an interpreter? Go to Confession. If you are not Catholic, partake in the Spiritual Communion until you can.
And how is there anxiety in saying “Father, I need a blessing”. No priest I have ever asked a blessing from has ever asked particulars. They seem to take the “if the person wants to share, s/he will. If not, just bless” stance.

Also, when non-Catholic friends come to Mass with me, it makes them feel more comfortable and accepted by the Catholic Church if they are able to come up with the communion line as well. When they can’t it makes them feel alienated, and that’s the biggest complaint I’ve personally heard about the Catholic Church.

If your non-Catholic friends attend with you, point out what the front of the misselette says. Give them to Spiritual Communion prayer. But tell them under no circumstances are they to approach for Communion, as they are not Catholic. It is really quite simple.
And if they want to be accepted by the Catholic Church, they should cease being non-Catholic.

 

[Catherine1959]

I would ask… What would Jesus do?
I would also like to add that most people going up for a blessing are new members of your family, I am sorry that you don’t feel that they are as “clean” as you may be but they do not have the opportunity to confess until late in their process.

The early Church did not even have a Catechumenate process… all that was needed was the desire and the belief… that is one way tradition has changed.

God has called me and my Bishop has said that I may be involved with the Family at the table, I am sure he did not take the decision to let me experience a small part of the Eucharist lightly.
I am also sure that by “practicing” the beliefs every Sunday I am made to feel a part of our Church… by making me feel included, I am very involved, I am in the Church choir, I am starting my own Sunday coffee in the hall, ministry in January (3 months before my confirmation) as well help out where ever I am needed during special events… if your Church does not involve new members in the Eucharist and they are not involved in other events at the Church, it could be because you are exclusive not inclusive.

 

[Madalynne]

One approaches Communion to recieve, not to bless. If you have a hard time figuring out how to pull Father aside for a blessing, then think of other ways. Perhaps you need an interpreter? Go to Confession. If you are not Catholic, partake in the Spiritual Communion until you can.
And how is there anxiety in saying “Father, I need a blessing”. No priest I have ever asked a blessing from has ever asked particulars. They seem to take the “if the person wants to share, s/he will. If not, just bless” stance.

If your non-Catholic friends attend with you, point out what the front of the misselette says. Give them to Spiritual Communion prayer. But tell them under no circumstances are they to approach for Communion, as they are not Catholic. It is really quite simple.
And if they want to be accepted by the Catholic Church, they should cease being non-Catholic.

Why not recieve a blessing? Like I said before, Christ is right there. He wants everyone to come to Him, and not be held back by others people.
If they can’t recieve Him yet, fine, but there shouldn’t be anything wrong with coming up as close as you can, and then recieve blessing.

Perhaps you are gifted with social adeptness. But there are other people, like myself, who are anxious just picking up a phone to call someone I don’t know for information or something. So, yes, there’s anxiety in approaching a priest for a blessing. Especially a priest I am not close to yet (Our parish priest recently passed away)

 

[wifeandmomoftwo]

, I am sure he did not take the decision to let me experience a small part of the Eucharist lightly.
I am also sure that by “practicing” the beliefs every Sunday I am made to feel a part of our Church… by making me feel included, I am very involved, I am in the Church choir, I am starting my own Sunday coffee in the hall, ministry in January (3 months before my confirmation) as well help out where ever I am needed during special events… if your Church does not involve new members in the Eucharist and they are not involved in other events at the Church, it could be because you are exclusive not inclusive.

So you go up for a blessing during communion to “feel” like part of the Church?

 

[Catherine1959]

Okay, lets split hairs… yes, to go up for a blessing, with the rest of the Church makes me FEEL included.
When I stand in the pew after being up for a blessing, while others are still being given the Eucharist, they know that I am spiritually with them, it is the same thing.

As cradle Catholics, you can not understand how hard it is to have to wait to receive Our Lord. It is very hard, try to think about how hard it would be for you to be denied Communion for a few weeks.
It is an ache for Him that is lessened somewhat by being able to stand before the Priest with your brothers and sisters in Christ.

For you to FEEL that it should be denied is very cruel.

 

[wifeandmomoftwo]

Okay, lets split hairs… yes, to go up for a blessing, with the rest of the Church makes me FEEL included.
When I stand in the pew after being up for a blessing, while others are still being given the Eucharist, they know that I am spiritually with them, it is the same thing.

And your not spiritaly with them if you had to sit in your pew? Gosh how silly I feel as a Catholic when I remain in my seat during communion.

As cradle Catholics, you can not understand how hard it is to have to wait to receive Our Lord. It is very hard, try to think about how hard it would be for you to be denied Communion for a few weeks.

I take great offense at this. I am NOT a cradle catholic. whatever gave you that idea?

It is an ache for Him that is lessened somewhat by being able to stand before the Priest with your brothers and sisters in Christ.
For you to FEEL that it should be denied is very cruel.

I guess our parish priest is really cruel then
What you seem to be missing is that Communion is for people that are in a state of grace that are members of the Church.
Blessings are given to the WHOLE congregation right after communion so why cant you sit in your seat during communion and pray, the blessing is coming for ALL?

Heck if your parish priest allows this to occur by all means Catherine go up and get your blessing, just so you can “feel” not left out!

 

[wifeandmomoftwo]

Jimmy Akin has a great article about this…

Blessings At Communion Time

 

[wifeandmomoftwo]

I will ask to discuss this at RCIA tonight but I honestly don’t see the problem… is it because you don’t like converts?

What???

Do you feel left out because you are a cradle Catholic?

Another What???
I am not a cradle Catholic my dear. and this is not the first time that you use this paticular insult. How would you like if I called you a Catholic Wanna-Be?

It only takes a second of your time, would you deny something wonderful to someone else?

Deny what??? A blessing that EVERYONE GETS AFTER COMMUNION??

what about just remaining in your pew and making An Act of
Spiritual Communion
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.

 

[Catherine1959]

I was not accusing any one particular… I was answering all who felt a Blessing at Communion was wrong.
I don’t think there is much more that can be said on the subject from me, I will never change anyones mind on this subject, it is up to Our Lord to change your heart should He see fit.

Recent converts have to put up with friends and family making fun of them for their choice or sometimes out and out hatred of their decision, it is sad to see that they also have to go through their journey with fellow Catholics also feeling that they are doing something that some in their new family object to… you see as new Catholics they don’t know that some feel it is a WRONG thing to feel (yes feel) closer to the Body of Christ.
Please remember, that Jesus once stood up to Traditionalists and was persecuted for it.