Kneeling for Communion

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Amaurot

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Hi Everyone,

I’m going to be confirmed and take communion for the first time in a long time this Sunday, and I thought I might like to kneel to receive it. I’ve read, that Pope Benedict encourages this way of reception, although, there seems to be quite a bit of controversy about this practice on the internet. What would be the appropriate way to receive the blood of Christ? My thought was, if I kneel to receive His body, then…? I had a hard time imagining how I would kneel to receive His blood.

Also, I guess I’m a little afraid of the thought of the body of Christ falling to the ground as I attempt this, is the wafer very adhesive to the tongue? Should I stick my tongue out far?

Thanks,

Amaurot
 
Amaurot said:
Hi Everyone,

I’m going to be confirmed and take communion for the first time in a long time this Sunday, and I thought I might like to kneel to receive it. I’ve read, that Pope Benedict encourages this way of reception, although, there seems to be quite a bit of controversy about this practice on the internet. What would be the appropriate way to receive the blood of Christ? My thought was, if I kneel to receive His body, then…? I had a hard time imagining how I would kneel to receive His blood.

Also, I guess I’m a little afraid of the thought of the body of Christ falling to the ground as I attempt this, is the wafer very adhesive to the tongue? Should I stick my tongue out far?

Thanks,

Amaurot
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I would recomend that you speak to your pastor. You would not receive the Preceiou Blood kneeling. Generally those who receive kneeling (as in a papal Mass) do not receive the Precious Blood.
 
Amaurot said:
Hi Everyone,

I’m going to be confirmed and take communion for the first time in a long time this Sunday, and I thought I might like to kneel to receive it. I’ve read, that Pope Benedict encourages this way of reception, although, there seems to be quite a bit of controversy about this practice on the internet. What would be the appropriate way to receive the blood of Christ? My thought was, if I kneel to receive His body, then…? I had a hard time imagining how I would kneel to receive His blood.

Also, I guess I’m a little afraid of the thought of the body of Christ falling to the ground as I attempt this, is the wafer very adhesive to the tongue? Should I stick my tongue out far?

Thanks,

Amaurot
Click to expand...
At my parish some kneel (on the floor, no rail or kneeler) and the priest places the Host on their tongue with no problems.

Others genufluct (sp?) and then recieve on the tongue standing.

Technically there should be a communion plate/pattern regardles of how one recieves communion.

To recieve the blood you would be standing.
 
Amaurot said:
Hi Everyone,

I’m going to be confirmed and take communion for the first time in a long time this Sunday, and I thought I might like to kneel to receive it. I’ve read, that Pope Benedict encourages this way of reception, although, there seems to be quite a bit of controversy about this practice on the internet. What would be the appropriate way to receive the blood of Christ? My thought was, if I kneel to receive His body, then…? I had a hard time imagining how I would kneel to receive His blood.

Also, I guess I’m a little afraid of the thought of the body of Christ falling to the ground as I attempt this, is the wafer very adhesive to the tongue? Should I stick my tongue out far?

Thanks,

Amaurot
Click to expand...
In answer to your questions about receiving the Body of Christ, you should open your mouth wide like you are singing “Ahhhh” (not wide like you are at the dentist) and stick your tongue just to your lips but not beyond. The Host sticks easily to the tongue.
 
To receive communion on the tongue, tilt your head back, close your eyes open up your mouth and stick your tongue out (at least half way). It will feel weird the first time or two. Once the host is on your tongue, it should stay there. If there is still time, you can ask the RCIA director if you and the class can practice receiving communion with unconsecrated hosts before your big day. A lot of people are nervous the first time, about dropping the host, or some other mishap, and a little practice will help you focus on the Who and not the how. Welcome Home!!
 
If you are the only one kneeling for communion I think you should speak to your parish priest before hand.

Along with showing reverence before Jesus, you will not want to do anything that causes a scandal. In this sense a scandal is anything that will cause the attention of the people to focus on you instead of on Jesus.

If you feel a great need, maybe you can genuflect when the person in line in front of you is receiving.
 
cctabb said:
you will not want to do anything that causes a scandal. In this sense a scandal is anything that will cause the attention of the people to focus on you instead of on Jesus.
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Kneeling should not cause scandal. If it were to, than Lord have mercy.
 
cctabb said:
In this sense a scandal is anything that will cause the attention of the people to focus on you instead of on Jesus.
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It is a requirement for people to kneel in order to receive Holy Communion from Pope Benedict XVI (and only on the tongue) so I would hardly consider kneeling a “scandal”. Just because others are not showing reverence to God is no reason for somebody to follow along with their irreverence. In fact, it’s an opportunity to be a witness to others, but the main reason to kneel is because you feel it’s the most reverent and humbling way to receive almighty God. – Lex orandi, lex credendi.
 
So, would I still wait to hear “The Body of Christ,” when I kneel, and according to above advice, close my eyes, then respond “Amen,” and open my mouth?

Also, some clarity on how to receive the Blood of Christ, seeing as I intend to kneel to receive His Body? And, I will discuss this with my priest tonight, I just wanted to have a better idea of what to ask before I go in to see him.

Thanks!

Amaurot
 
Amourot, Kneel!!! If that is what you feel do it. All of these silly posts about it being ‘scandal’ how can reverence be scandal? Just because some choose not to show proper respect. I have always been taught you bow before recieving. Bow, kneel, genuflect??? It all shows respect and reverence. As far as scandal. My fellow parishioners as soon as Father begins purifying the vessels sit down because “I guess their knees are tired.” I wish I could see how ‘scandalous’ my family looks because we kneel as long as Father stands. He sits we sit. No scandal respect.
 
Amaurot said:
So, would I still wait to hear “The Body of Christ,” when I kneel, and according to above advice, close my eyes, then respond “Amen,” and open my mouth?

Also, some clarity on how to receive the Blood of Christ, seeing as I intend to kneel to receive His Body? And, I will discuss this with my priest tonight, I just wanted to have a better idea of what to ask before I go in to see him.

Thanks!

Amaurot
Click to expand...
When you kneel the priest will say ‘the body of Christ’ and you reply ‘Amen.’ You then open your mouth as others have explained and then he places the host on your tongue.

If you recieve of the chalice, you arise after recieving the host and then walk over and stand. Then at the words ‘the blood of Christ’ you reply ‘Amen.’ The chalice is then handed to you and you partake of the blood.
 
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