My First Mass

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Reuben_J said:
I also do not know. Personally I think the blessing does no harm but people who implement the GIRM are quite clear on this. The idea behind the reasoning is that the Communion is for those who Communion only thus not to combine it with other activities. Children before Holy Communion age are permitted however to come for the blessing.

I don’t have the link now, but you can search for GIRM or go to the apologetic section.
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Ok, I’ve read it all. I still don’t see the prohibition, but agree it’s not in the GIRM. But, where is the “children before Holy communion age,” exception to this? It appears that all those little children in their momma’s arms are violating the GIRM too.
 
Reuben_J said:
It is in the GIRM, Steve. Priest can bless anybody of course except that it is not prescribed for in the GIRM during the Holy Communion. If your church has not implemented the GIRM, then no problem, go ahead. The ones who do are quite strict on this. So maybe check first with the particular church. We don’t want our guest to be refused the blessing should he comes up into the Communion line. It is not a matter whether the priest can or cannot bless anyone. 🙂
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Of course my parish has implemented the GIRM, as has every other parish in the country unless the Pastor has been completely negligent. The GIRM is nothing more than GENERAL instructions for liturgy in the United States. It was written for Catholics so it is not odd that it would not address non-Catholic participation. The fact that it does not address the issue in no way implies that it is not permitted. In fact, the practice is an act of charity toward our non-Catholic brothers and sisters.
 
In my parish, all priests, deacons, the lectors, EHCMs, the choir, and all involved in the mass were given the training on the GIRM. There are quite a lot of current practices not allowed or not encouraged in the GIRM. Thus in my parish, a current practice of EHCM giving blessing for those who do not receive the Holy Communion is stopped. Based on what’s happening here, I can safely give that advice.

There are lots of discussion that can be done on this subject and maybe another thread is appropriate, perhaps in the Litrugy and Sacrament section.

It does not say that it is not permitted. It only say what is permitted. As I said, our instructor put it quite clearly that whatever is not in the GIRM should be discouraged or discontinued.
 
Justin_Mee said:
Ok, I’ve read it all. I still don’t see the prohibition, but agree it’s not in the GIRM. But, where is the “children before Holy communion age,” exception to this? It appears that all those little children in their momma’s arms are violating the GIRM too.
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Probably Justin. You need to hear this from those who are expert in the GIRM. 🙂
 
Justin_Mee said:
I would like to know if anyone has ever seen it refused. I never have, and I have been to CC across the US and several in Europe.
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I have seen it refused, but very few times. I travel very often and so I get exposed to the minor differences in how things are donw worldwide. When I have seen someone turned away, I just assumed someone was either having a bad day or …having a bad day covers it all.

The important thing to remember is that it is not personal. Stuff happens and it has very little to do with “you” and everything to do with “them”. Don’t worry about it should it happen, sit down quietly and pray for the Spirit to touch your heart.
 
I went to my first Mass earlier this year. It was very different from what I was used to, but it was a beautiful service. I sat near the middle and just followed along with everyone else. During communion, I just stayed seated and continued in silent prayer. No one’s going to look at you funny if you don’t go up. If you’re an outgoing person, you might introduce yourself to someone sitting in the same pew and mention it’s your first time, they may be able to tell you more details and what to expect. Generally speaking, people in a church are nice, happy to have you, and want you to feel at home. 🙂
 
JackVk said:
As far as I know, non-Catholics can cross themselves. You can follow along in the songs and prayers, too. **The only thing you cannot do is receive the Eucharist, since I’m assuming you don’t believe in the Real Presence **(no offense). Instead of receiving communion, cross your arms across your chest before the priest and he will give you a blessing.
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Just to clarify–the reason to not receive communion is because he is not Catholic–he is not in communion with the Catholic Church–he very well may believe in the real presence–I attended Catholic Mass for many months, believing in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, but could not receive the sacrament because I had not been received into the Church…
 
SteveVH said:
I don’t know where you got the idea that non-Catholics cannot come forward for blessing. It is called “spiritual communion” and is very much encouraged in every parish I have attended. It is especially appropriate at funerals and weddings where there are normally many non-Catholics in attendance.

I know of no canon law that prevents a priest from blessing anyone.
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There may be no canon law but my priest doesn’t encourage it. Children going up with their parents is a different story entirely.
 
Come on everybody, lighten up. 😃 Let him just enjoy his first time at Mass.

My first Mass experience was glorious, I just sat, watched, and listened to all the TRUE worship experience that it was. I left myself open to the spirit and it was so peaceful and Godfilled that it changed my life.

Hope you have a wonderful experience!!!
 
Hi Eric, you began this thread a couple of weeks ago and I’m anxious to hear if you have attended Mass yet. If you did, will you please share with us your impressions and thoughts? Do you plan to attend again anytime soon?
 
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