Ok to walk up but not receive?

[paperwight66]

This is what should be done.

Actually, it is specifically encouraged by the Bishops of England and Wales, as they say Holy Communion should not be a time of hurt and division, particularly among families i.e. when one parent is not catholic.

So you are mistaken when you say that it is only an American custom.

 

[crazzeto]

For someone not eligible for Communion, is it ok to walk up during Mass, indicate negatively once at the altar (not receiving), kneel and offer a short prayer and then return to the pew?

I think traditionally one would remain in their pew, however the church now allows the lay faithful to come forward for a blessing.

 

[Hmgbrd]

Please see: Sticky: UPDATE: Receiving “blessing” instead of communion… This is posted under Liturgy and Sacraments above for clarification. Let’s stay on topic.

To mek42: I don’t see anything wrong with visiting the votives area for private prayer before, after mass or anytime during the week. You will probably meet others there who are doing the same thing. You don’t have to go through the communion line to do this. Since the votives area are usually located separately from the general Eucharistic procession, I don’t think that it would bother anyone.

 

[mek42]

Thank you for the reference. Please accept apologies for any unintentional disruption my question may have caused. Should I be at a Mass unable to receive I will seek an empty pew and stay there during Communion.

 

[Convert_in_99]

Please see: Sticky: UPDATE: Receiving “blessing” instead of communion…

Thanks for this reference. I knew it wasn’t wrong, but had no idea it was a matter in question. The priests and deacons I know say it’s okay, and all say to take your children up for a blessing. I wonder if this might be something that the church as a whole doesn’t do, but “American Catholics” have adopted as a custom? We do have a way of “altering” things a bit.

 

[Joan_M]

Actually, it is specifically encouraged by the Bishops of England and Wales, as they say Holy Communion should not be a time of hurt and division, particularly among families i.e. when one parent is not catholic.

So you are mistaken when you say that it is only an American custom.

I’ve been to Mass in the UK - in England and also in Wales and I’ve never heard any priest encouraging this. It is not either a case of hurt or division for people. If you are not a Catholic, stay in your pew. No one is hurting anyone.

 

[Aramis]

It sounds to me that the OP is wanting to approach to make a very short (15 sec or so) adoration viewing of the bl. sacrament as it is exposed during communion.

If that is in fact their desire, I’d suggest instead to simply arrive early enough to sit in the front, where they can do so from the pew, which is where the CDW would prefer for non-communicants to stay.

 

[nodito]

"Convert in 99:

The priest who brought me into the church said this was allowed, otherwise why would children who haven’t made their first communion go up to receive a blessing?

Why would children go up? Bad catechesis; a lack of understanding regarding blessings and the general instruction.

Or, in my case, because I don’t trust my toddler alone in the pew with all the missalettes!

 

[mek42]

The question stemmed from wanting to participate as fully as possible and also to not distract receiving communicants with the pew shuffling that occurs when only part of the pew goes up.

 

[Bl_Pope_Pius_IX]

Or, in my case, because I don’t trust my toddler alone in the pew with all the missalettes!

Perhaps that is the more prudent decision.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

The question stemmed from wanting to participate as fully as possible and also to not distract receiving communicants with the pew shuffling that occurs when only part of the pew goes up.

Try to sit near one of the ends of the pew. It’s not a problem unless you’re smack in the middle of the pew. Trust me, we’ve all been there and done that.

If you have the luxury of being in an empty pew, great, but in our church that would be difficult to do in any of the Masses. Maybe a weekday Mass.

If I am not in a state of grace, I do not go up for communion. We don’t see many people go up for just a blessing in this church; people do stay behind if they can’t receive. You won’t disturb anything; even if you are in the middle of the pew, oh well. We understand.

Just come home!

 

[Lormar]

I’ve been to Mass in the UK - in England and also in Wales and I’ve never heard any priest encouraging this. It is not either a case of hurt or division for people. If you are not a Catholic, stay in your pew. No one is hurting anyone.

 

[pgnat1]

Just want to clarify my posts from earlier. I go to a Catholic school where there is a decent amount of students who are not Catholic (about 20%). During school masses, the priest always says that if one is not Catholic, they may come up to receive a blessing instead of the Eucharist. I am not sure if this is common or uncommon in other dioceses. However, this is what our school masses are like during Communion. Also, in the case a parent has a small child that must be carried with them up the Communion line, the parents can receive the Eucharist on the tongue like normal. However, when this happens, I have seen numerous priests put their hand on the child’s head and bless him/her (I am talking about 1-2 year olds).

 

[mayogirl25]

For someone not eligible for Communion, is it ok to walk up during Mass, indicate negatively once at the altar (not receiving), kneel and offer a short prayer and then return to the pew?

Of course you can still walk up and if not eligible then stand aside. You might confuse the person administering the Host so be very clear with your body language. Why not just remain in the pew and ask for God’s blessing and also work on the reasons you are not eligible and see if that obstacle can be overcome. I hope you can partake of Our Lord in the future.

 

[thistle]

Both Catholics and even Non-Catholics are always allowed to go up to the priest and receive a blessing, regardless of the state of their soul. In fact, this could be how they are led either back into a state of grace, or to the fullness of the Catholic Faith. This is also what children are encouraged to do when they are not yet of age to receive communion.

If you are not able to receive communion (for whatever reason), but would like to receive a blessing simply cross your arms over your chest, forming an “X” shape, and bow your head. Priests and Deacons can take it from there.

Also, you may always make a spiritual communion. Kneel at your pew and say, “My Jesus, I believe that you are in the Blessed Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I long for you in my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though you have already come, I embrace you and unite myself entirely to you; never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.”

They are NOT to go up for a blessing. This applies to non-Catholics and Catholics in a state of mortal sin.
The Communion line is exactly that. It is only for those going up to receive Communion.