Kneeling for Communion at OF Mass

[Monica4316]

Hi

Okay I really want to cover my head during Mass, and kneel for Communion… but I really don’t want to draw attention to myself. I can’t go to the Latin Mass most Sundays. My parish is pretty contemporary, and something like this would definitely stand out… it’s also a large parish.

My question is, does anyone here kneel for Communion at the OF Mass? The ideal for me is going to the TLM but that’s often impossible at the moment if you do…HOW do you do this? did you speak to the priest beforehand? has there been any opposition from anyone? do you find it helps you or distracts you cause you’re doing something different?

My intention is not to do anything “different” or to look really traditional… I just want to show Christ that reverence. I was thinking of asking the parish priest what he thinks first, and getting his permission. I would also ask a priest who’s been guiding me spiritually. But - I just wanted to see what the experiences of other people have been with this… I have some friends who kneel at the Novus Ordo and it doesn’t sound very easy at all, but my parish seems more ‘modern’ than theirs, and there’s no one at my parish who receives Communion kneeling. I feel like I already stand out and I dont want to stand out more

My other question is… is this allowed by the Church? If it helps, I live in Canada.

thanks!

 

[Zacdecat]

…at the end of the day, who matters more…God or the congregation.

I hope someone can help though as I loathe standing out as you described.

 

[Dave_B]

Okay I really want to cover my head during Mass, and kneel for Communion… but I really don’t want to draw attention to myself.

Hi Monica, I’m really suprised by this As its required at the Anglican church I attend for ALL to kneel for communion. I assumed this would be the pratice at Catholic churches, as I know you guys kneel for prayer.

Most, including myself, at the Anglican service dont kneel during prayer, or make the sign of the cross when the name of the trinity is mentioned. Although some of the older generation do. I know its the right thing to do and plan to start doing this, but I feel self conscious about this.

Right, I’m going to make a start this Sunday it might set off a trend

 

[Monica4316]

thanks for the replies

Dave, - Catholics at the Latin Mass all kneel to receive Communion… not at the Novus Ordo. I’m used to receiving Communion kneeling now cause I’ve been attending the Latin Mass this past year. But now I’ve moved to a different city and have to attend a different parish, and I’m trying to decide what to do about this. We do kneel for prayer however. It’s always difficult to do something that no one else is doing, lol.

God bless

 

[Skeptic92]

Hi

Okay I really want to cover my head during Mass, and kneel for Communion… but I really don’t want to draw attention to myself. I can’t go to the Latin Mass most Sundays. My parish is pretty contemporary, and something like this would definitely stand out… it’s also a large parish.

My question is, does anyone here kneel for Communion at the OF Mass? The ideal for me is going to the TLM but that’s often impossible at the moment if you do…HOW do you do this? did you speak to the priest beforehand? has there been any opposition from anyone? do you find it helps you or distracts you cause you’re doing something different?

My intention is not to do anything “different” or to look really traditional… I just want to show Christ that reverence. I was thinking of asking the parish priest what he thinks first, and getting his permission. I would also ask a priest who’s been guiding me spiritually. But - I just wanted to see what the experiences of other people have been with this… I have some friends who kneel at the Novus Ordo and it doesn’t sound very easy at all, but my parish seems more ‘modern’ than theirs, and there’s no one at my parish who receives Communion kneeling. I feel like I already stand out and I dont want to stand out more

My other question is… is this allowed by the Church? If it helps, I live in Canada.

thanks!

Yes, it’s allowed (and encouraged) by the Church as the prefered way to receive communion (kneeling on the tongue, COTH is done by indult, any Priest can refuse to give it), I personally receive kneeling on the tongue, and noone has ever batted an eyelid to it, and i come from a Parish that the Congregation are quite liberal, while the Celebrant is quite traditional, it makes for awkward moments lol.

As for mantillas, it is at your persoal discretion, I can not remember if the Church encourages there use, however it doesn’t discourage it, as it use to be required that a womans head is covered.

 

[Dave_B]

Dave, - Catholics at the Latin Mass all kneel to receive Communion… not at the Novus Ordo.

Is the other difference, the choice between receiving the communion host on the tongue or in the palm of your hand. Is this right? GB

 

[Dave_B]

Yes, it’s allowed (and encouraged) by the Church as the prefered way to receive communion (kneeling on the tongue, COTH is done by indult, any Priest can refuse to give it), I personally receive kneeling on the tongue, and noone has ever batted an eyelid to it,

You answered my question

 

[paperwight66]

, COTH is done by indult, any Priest can refuse to give it),.

Are you sure about that?

 

[puzzleannie]

Hi

Okay I really want to cover my head during Mass, and kneel for Communion…

to you and all who feel this worthy impulse of humility, I suggest following the rule of St Benedict and cover yourself with obedience which is the mother of humility. If your pastor and bishop have requested standing as the norm, respect their pastoral leadership because it comes directly from Christ, whom you seek to honor. And in any case in the spirit of humility concern for what 3rd parties think has no place.

 

[laszlo]

In your case I would start receiving on tongue, if you do not do so. This expresses the reverence without attracting attention.

As second step wear some headcover, which does not draws attention, if you believe that it is requirement, and it promotes your reverence.

As third step talk to the pastor about your need, and accept his decision. He is responsible for the parish and in this case the obedience is the most important factor.

 

[tee_eff_em]

Yes, it’s allowed (and encouraged) by the Church as the prefered way to receive communion (kneeling on the tongue, COTH is done by indult, any Priest can refuse to give it),

*Allowed *certainly, but what makes you say encouraged?

tee

 

[thistle]

Hi

Okay I really want to cover my head during Mass, and kneel for Communion… but I really don’t want to draw attention to myself. I can’t go to the Latin Mass most Sundays. My parish is pretty contemporary, and something like this would definitely stand out… it’s also a large parish.

My question is, does anyone here kneel for Communion at the OF Mass? The ideal for me is going to the TLM but that’s often impossible at the moment if you do…HOW do you do this? did you speak to the priest beforehand? has there been any opposition from anyone? do you find it helps you or distracts you cause you’re doing something different?

My intention is not to do anything “different” or to look really traditional… I just want to show Christ that reverence. I was thinking of asking the parish priest what he thinks first, and getting his permission. I would also ask a priest who’s been guiding me spiritually. But - I just wanted to see what the experiences of other people have been with this… I have some friends who kneel at the Novus Ordo and it doesn’t sound very easy at all, but my parish seems more ‘modern’ than theirs, and there’s no one at my parish who receives Communion kneeling. I feel like I already stand out and I dont want to stand out more

My other question is… is this allowed by the Church? If it helps, I live in Canada.

thanks!

The norm at the OF is standing. Anyone who kneels should not be refused but later should be taken aside by the priest and the standing norm explained. Having explained, if the priest expects in future you will conform to the norm then that is where your obedience to the priest should kick in.

GIRM:

1. The priest then takes the paten or ciborium and goes to the communicants, who, as a rule, approach in a procession.
   The faithful are not permitted to take the consecrated bread or the sacred chalice by themselves and, still less, to hand them from one to another. The norm for reception of Holy Communion in the dioceses of the United States is standing. Communicants should not be denied Holy Communion because they kneel. Rather, such instances should be addressed pastorally, by providing the faithful with proper catechesis on the reasons for this norm.

When receiving Holy Communion, the communicant bows his or her head before the Sacrament as a gesture of reverence and receives the Body of the Lord from the minister. The consecrated host may be received either on the tongue or in the hand, at the discretion of each communicant. When Holy Communion is received under both kinds, the sign of reverence is also made before receiving the Precious Blood.

 

[agnes_therese]

From the General Instruction of the Roman Missal:
“The norm for reception of Holy Communion in the dioceses of the United States is standing. Communicants should not be denied Holy Communion because they kneel. Rather, such instances should be addressed pastorally, by providing the faithful with proper catechesis on the reasons for this norm.”

*Allowed *certainly, but what makes you say encouraged?
tee

 

[Stylites]

I personally receive kneeling on the tongue, and noone has ever batted an eyelid to it, . . .

Shazamm! I might not bat an eyelash, but I would certainly cringe if I saw you doing that.

 

[Stylites]

to you and all who feel this worthy impulse of humility, I suggest following the rule of St Benedict and cover yourself with obedience which is the mother of humility. If your pastor and bishop have requested standing as the norm, respect their pastoral leadership because it comes directly from Christ, whom you seek to honor. And in any case in the spirit of humility concern for what 3rd parties think has no place.

Worthy of a repeat.

 

[Danquayle76]

I once heard a priest talk on this issue and he said you should ask the priest before mass if it is alright if you receive while kneeling. He said 99 percent of priests will say “sure” and will appreciate you asking. This also gets around any issues of obedience.

 

[Cat]

We have a very modern-looking parish of over 7000 members. We have 8 Masses on Sunday, and most are full.

In each Mass, there are always women who wear head-coverings, there are women who dress in an old-fashioned style (long black or gray dresses, high shoes, etc.), and there are a number of people who kneel to receive Holy Communion.

First, you should know that no one pays the slightest bit of attention to those who wear head-coverings or to those who kneel or to those who dress in a style popular 100 years ago. I know several “kneelers” (casually), and they are kind, charitable people, and to me and others, THAT’S what’s important. If these people were combative and rude, then their dress and practices would be a problem for me. But they are nice people. So no one really gives a hoot that they dress differently and/or that they kneel.

It’s not just the old-fashioned dressers who kneel for Holy Communion. We have quite a few teenagers who kneel. Always after the Steubenville conference, there is increased reverence among our teenagers, and many begin to kneel, and a few of the girls begin head-covering.

Again, no one really pays any attention at all. We are all used to seeing pretty much everything, and we just don’t really think about what others are doing or wearing, unless they are stark naked. That would probably get noticed.

One thing about a “modern” parish–most of us who are members don’t really make issues out of the appearances or actions of others. Live and let live. We respect others and their preferences in dress and faith practices.

And we are thinking about the Lord and praying to Him, not looking around at others and noticing their dress and actions. We’re trying to take care of our own souls, not mind the souls of others.

So stop worrying about it. The whole point of this action is to forget about yourself and honor the Lord, right? If you are worried about everyone looking at you, well, then you’re defeating your purpose and thinking even more about yourself.

A few suggestions–

Most of the people who kneel for Holy Communion in my parish wait until the end of the line. Then they don’t have to worry about someone tripping over them. PLEASE be aware that yes, people DO trip over kneeling people. Whenever anything unexpected happens, it can cause people to trip. This is not just a modernist myth that non-reverent Catholics bring up to discourage kneeling for Holy Communion. It really happens, and it’s no fun for those who are involved, because it can cause injury. Many older people wear glasses that have a “bifocal” in the bottom of the lens, which means that we have a hard time seeing through the bottoms of our glasses. That means that we might not see you kneeling until we have walked right into you and tripped.

So my suggestion is to turn around while waiting in the line and tell the person behind you that you will be kneeling to receive Holy Communion. It is a charitable thing to do.

Or mention it in the pew before Mass begins. Again, it’s a charitable thing to do.

But if you’re at the end of the line, there will be no one behind you, other than those who kneel.

My second suggestion is that you not refer to the Ordinary Form of the Mass as “Novus Ordo.” I understand that this is the Latin term, but apparently there are quite a few Catholics who find this term demeaning or deroggatory. If you use this term in conversation, you might unintentionally create a barrier between you and the Catholic(s) that you are talking to. So don’t create a barrier. Use the term that the Holy Father uses–Ordinary Form of the Mass.

Finally, obey your priest. If indeed, you kneel, and your priest speaks to you afterwards and asks you to conform to the norm in the U.S. and remain standing, practice docility and obedience and do as he asks. Make that obedience your offering of humility and reverence, rather than kneeling. (You should still be able to cover your head, and that can also be an offering that you make to the Lord Jesus.)

I hope this helps you.

 

[Rahn]

Monica, If this makes you feel any more courageous:

My 7 year old daughter (also named Monica) kneels for Holy Communion. She’s tiny for her age and the priests/EM’s stand on a step and don’t particularly like her doing it, but she insists.

Honour the Lord in the way He’s calling you to.

 

[Stylites]

We have a very modern-looking parish of over 7000 members. We have 8 Masses on Sunday, and most are full.
. . .

A few suggestions-- . . .

I hope this helps you.

Excellent post.

 

[tee_eff_em]

From the General Instruction of the Roman Missal:
“The norm for reception of Holy Communion in the dioceses of the United States is standing. Communicants should not be denied Holy Communion because they kneel. Rather, such instances should be addressed pastorally, by providing the faithful with proper catechesis on the reasons for this norm.”

Was that intended to answer my question?

tee