On the knees, On the tongue

[Glennonite]

After much thought and prayer, I’ve decided to follow our Pope’s example and wish to show my adoration of the Blessed Sacrament by receiving on my knees and on my tongue. My whole life, I’ve received, reverently in my hands (although when I was 8-13 years old, I definately used the Communion rail).

If I do bend knee and open my mouth to receive Holy Communion next Sunday, I will be the only one at my parish to do so. I don’t want to cause a problem. What should be my response if I am denied the Eucharist? There my not be an issue here, but what if there is? I have heard of some, in some parishes, who were denied and even chastized on the spot.

I am not afraid of the possible negative response, but do not want to “just go along” with the congregation in a practice that is not in line with the Holy Father’s wishes.

Am I alone in this thinking?

Thanks,

Glennonite

 

[AmbroseSJ]

There is no reason to worry about receiving on the tongue, as that is considered the norm. However, on the knees (as opposed to a bow, which is how US Catholics are instructed to show reverence before receiving) can be a source of singularity and pretentiousness. It will send the message that you are way too holy to do what the Church instructs, or worse, that you believe the Church doesn’t understand correct Eucharistic reverence as well as yourself. You can prostrate yourself spiritually, during your bow, and I think your reverence will be blessed in heaven.

None of the most Holy Saints of God would ever do anything to draw attention to themselves with singular habits. The Pope is not against receiving on the tongue in a standing position, nor should you so misinterpret his actions.

 

[puzzleannie]

I am not afraid of the possible negative response, but do not want to “just go along” with the congregation in a practice that is not in line with the Holy Father’s wishes.

Am I alone in this thinking?

Thanks,

Glennonite

please document where our HOly Father has mandated this practice throughout the world, as I missed the memo.

If it is not the discipline in your parish or diocese, humble obedience will be of far greater spiritual benefit than a stubborn adherence to personal preference, not backed up by a higher authority.

 

[1ke]

After much thought and prayer, I’ve decided to follow our Pope’s example and wish to show my adoration of the Blessed Sacrament by receiving on my knees and on my tongue. My whole life, I’ve received, reverently in my hands (although when I was 8-13 years old, I definately used the Communion rail).

If you really want to follow the Pope, then I suggest adhering to the norms legitimately established by your conference of Bishops rather than defying them.

If I do bend knee and open my mouth to receive Holy Communion next Sunday, I will be the only one at my parish to do so. I don’t want to cause a problem.

If you do not want to cause a problem, rethink receiving kneeling. The norm is standing.

On the tongue is not an issue.

What should be my response if I am denied the Eucharist? There my not be an issue here, but what if there is? I have heard of some, in some parishes, who were denied and even chastized on the spot.

I suggest obeying your bishop.

But if you insist on not doing so, perhaps discussing your decision with your priest ahead of time would be helpful. I think issues arise when something unexpected happens in the spur of the moment (i.e. you just up and kneeling down on Sunday).

I am not afraid of the possible negative response, but do not want to “just go along” with the congregation in a practice that is not in line with the Holy Father’s wishes.

this is where you are mistaken.

You are not in line with the Holy Father’s wishes. He has made it clear this is for HIS massees only. He is NOT abbrogating the legitimate mandates of the various bishop’s conferences nor is he attempting to contravene the norms established through the GIRM. He is exercising his legitimate authority at the masses he personally celebrates.

The bishops still maintain legitimate authority in their territories. You need to respect that.

Am I alone in this thinking?

Unfortunately, no.

But I urge you to reconsider it.

 

[Thomas_Francis]

The norm established for the Dioceses of the United States of America is that Holy Communion is to be received standing, unless an individual member of the faithful wishes to receive Communion while kneeling (Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Instruction, Redemptionis Sacramentum, March 25, 2004, no. 91).

 

[purplesunshine]

Let the priest know first. He may ask you to sit in the front row with those too feeble to stand up to recieve in order to prevent people from tripping over you.

 

[Glennonite]

please document where our HOly Father has mandated this practice throughout the world, as I missed the memo.

If it is not the discipline in your parish or diocese, humble obedience will be of far greater spiritual benefit than a stubborn adherence to personal preference, not backed up by a higher authority.

vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccdds/documents/rc_con_ccdds_doc_20040423_redemptionis-sacramentum_en.html

[90.] “The faithful should receive Communion kneeling or standing, as the Conference of Bishops will have determined”, with its acts having received the recognitio of the Apostolic See. “However, if they receive Communion standing, it is recommended that they give due reverence before the reception of the Sacrament, as set forth in the same norms”.[176]

[91.] In distributing Holy Communion it is to be remembered that “sacred ministers may not deny the sacraments to those who seek them in a reasonable manner, are rightly disposed, and are not prohibited by law from receiving them”.[177] Hence any baptized Catholic who is not prevented by law must be admitted to Holy Communion. Therefore, it is not licit to deny Holy Communion to any of Christ’s faithful solely on the grounds, for example, that the person wishes to receive the Eucharist kneeling or standing.

Puzzleannie: I often value your answers. In this case, why do you turn my words? I haven’t said that the Pope has mandated. The term “memo” comes across as condescending. I’m not stubborn (in this case) to ‘personal preference’, I’m responsive to prayerful discernment. I am asking for advice.

I am attentive to showing reverence to the Blessed Sacrament and want to receive in a manner that is unlike getting a movie ticket. In no other way, would anyone kneel when receiving anything. As I said, my early years at the Communion rail are affecting me today. This is not a display for anyone other than God. I would willingly stay after Mass to receive kneeling.

I am bothered by parishes that stow the Blessed Sacrament in a side “prayer room”. I know that for over a thousand years, kneeling and on the tongue was/is the preferred manner. The Pope does not have to mandate something before I follow him; but the “memo” is found in the Redemptionis Sacramentum link that I have included.

Folks, I am saddened by people at Mass who do not genuflect upon entering the pew or crossing before the Tabernacle. I see Eucharistic Ministers dispense the Sacrament while wearing football jerseys and bluejeans. At my church, people gather and talk freely before Mass as though they are just waiting for the “show” to start. The “band” continues to “warm-up” until just before Mass begins; all the while, scampering around the Sanctuary (you know, “the stage”). It is a true burden to try to prayerfully prepare for Mass before the Blessed Sacrament.

My Catholic faith is pulling me towards a reverence for the Eucharist that I cannot ignore.
Bottomline: What is so wrong about kneeling before the reception of my God?

Thanks to all, I am listening.

Glennonite

 

[JRKH]

Glennonite,
In the above quotations it appears that you failed to take note and bold a relevant statement.

[90.] “The faithful should receive Communion kneeling or standing, as the Conference of Bishops will have determined”, with its acts having received the recognitio of the Apostolic See. “However, if they receive Communion standing, it is recommended that they give due reverence before the reception of the Sacrament, as set forth in the same norms”.

The conference of Bishops for the U.S. has established that standing is to be the norm in the U.S. and these norm has, “received the recognitio of the Apostolic See”. Therefore the Norm is Standing, and either in the hand or on the tongue.

Peace
James

 

[kiqueen]

Here is my feedback. I received standing an in my hands for a long, long time. Two years ago, I began wearing a veil in mass, and around that time, I began receiving on the tongue out of reverence. Then, last Easter, I was visiting a friend, and at her parish, they actually provide a kneeler for those who wish to receive kneeling, and at daily mass at her parish, that is the norm. I fell in love with the act of kneeling to receive, and for awhile, that’s what I did, and here is what I found:

Some priests are totally ok with it. You will likely throw off your Extraordinary ministers, since they will be a little confused by seeing something new. It the past couple months, I have started to receive standing again, but still on the tongue, for a number of reasons. Firstly, I am short, and many priests and EMs are tall, and my kneeling forces them to bend down to place the Eucharist on my tongue. Secondly, mass, and in particular, communion, is about be in communion with the rest of the holy Church. With all the different norms out there, chances are you’re in communion with someone whichever approved posture you choose, however, it is important to be in communion within the community you are a part of.

This is a big decision, and should you start receiving kneeling, you will likely have to answer quite a few questions about why you do it, and what it’s all about, especially in a place where that is not to norm. I trust, however, that you definitely know why you are doing it and would be able to sufficiently explain yourself when questioned. I think that kneeling for communion is beautiful, but as I’m sure you’re aware not everyone does. Also, when you’re traveling, note that some priests really don’t like people receiving on the tongue, let alone kneeling, so even if your priest at home is ok with it, you may get a little friction elsewhere. I’m assuming, of course, that your priest is not one of those that is opposed to receiving on the tongue. In cases where this happens, I would suggest receiving in the hand out of respect for the priest. That is how I always reacted in those cases.

I got really distracted in the paragraph. Anyway, whatever you choose to do, and I gather that it will be so, just be sure that it is completely out of obedience to God and to the Church, and you should be ok. Just be aware that you may run into some individuals who will not understand and who may even be angry with the choice to kneel.

Peace of Christ be with you.

 

[1ke]

The Pope does not have to mandate something before I follow him; but the “memo” is found in the Redemptionis Sacramentum link that I have included.

Except that you are ignoring:

The faithful should receive Communion kneeling or standing, as the Conference of Bishops will have determined

The Bishops’ Conference has determined standing is the posture we will use. Therefore, the correct thing to do is receive they way they have determined.

What is so wrong about kneeling before the reception of my God?

We are asked to be obedient to our Bishops who have established a norm for reception, approved by the Holy See.

 

[Glennonite]

Here is my feedback. I received standing an in my hands for a long, long time. Two years ago, I began wearing a veil in mass, and around that time, I began receiving on the tongue out of reverence. Then, last Easter, I was visiting a friend, and at her parish, they actually provide a kneeler for those who wish to receive kneeling, and at daily mass at her parish, that is the norm. I fell in love with the act of kneeling to receive, and for awhile, that’s what I did, and here is what I found:

Some priests are totally ok with it. You will likely throw off your Extraordinary ministers, since they will be a little confused by seeing something new. It the past couple months, I have started to receive standing again, but still on the tongue, for a number of reasons. Firstly, I am short, and many priests and EMs are tall, and my kneeling forces them to bend down to place the Eucharist on my tongue. Secondly, mass, and in particular, communion, is about be in communion with the rest of the holy Church. With all the different norms out there, chances are you’re in communion with someone whichever approved posture you choose, however, it is important to be in communion within the community you are a part of.

This is a big decision, and should you start receiving kneeling, you will likely have to answer quite a few questions about why you do it, and what it’s all about, especially in a place where that is not to norm. I trust, however, that you definitely know why you are doing it and would be able to sufficiently explain yourself when questioned. I think that kneeling for communion is beautiful, but as I’m sure you’re aware not everyone does. Also, when you’re traveling, note that some priests really don’t like people receiving on the tongue, let alone kneeling, so even if your priest at home is ok with it, you may get a little friction elsewhere. I’m assuming, of course, that your priest is not one of those that is opposed to receiving on the tongue. In cases where this happens, I would suggest receiving in the hand out of respect for the priest. That is how I always reacted in those cases.

I got really distracted in the paragraph. Anyway, whatever you choose to do, and I gather that it will be so, just be sure that it is completely out of obedience to God and to the Church, and you should be ok. Just be aware that you may run into some individuals who will not understand and who may even be angry with the choice to kneel.

Peace of Christ be with you.

And with your spirit. Thank you for your perspective; it helps. Do you think we will ever get our Communion rail back?

BTW, I think the veil is way-cool. We cover that which is sacred; double way-cool

Glennonite

 

[kiqueen]

And with your spirit. Thank you for your perspective; it helps. Do you think we will ever get our Communion rail back?

BTW, I think the veil is way-cool. We cover that which is sacred; double way-cool

Glennonite

The new translation is so exciting!!!

You are very welcome, and I think it goes 50-50 whether we’ll every get our beautiful Communion rail back. I think that it could happen, as this coming generation of priests seems to be orienting themselves back to tradition in general terms. However, I’m sure it will not be easy to convince the large number of Catholics sitting in the pews that have never had one to go back to one. Heck, most of them won’t even kneel during consecration if there are no kneelers. I know, my parish doesn’t have kneelers, and at the consecrations, there is me and one other family kneeling. So I suppose it’s one of those wait and see things.

And thanks about the veil. I love it, for sure, though a lot of people have a hard time understanding it, I can’t help but do it.

 

[Cider]

After much thought and prayer, I’ve decided to follow our Pope’s example and wish to show my adoration of the Blessed Sacrament by receiving on my knees and on my tongue. My whole life, I’ve received, reverently in my hands (although when I was 8-13 years old, I definately used the Communion rail).

If I do bend knee and open my mouth to receive Holy Communion next Sunday, I will be the only one at my parish to do so. I don’t want to cause a problem. What should be my response if I am denied the Eucharist? There my not be an issue here, but what if there is? I have heard of some, in some parishes, who were denied and even chastized on the spot.

I am not afraid of the possible negative response, but do not want to “just go along” with the congregation in a practice that is not in line with the Holy Father’s wishes.

Am I alone in this thinking?

Thanks,

Glennonite

At one time I was at a parish where the norm was standing and CITH ( this was before I was baptized and confirmed), a couple people did receive kneeling and on the tongue from the priest. They made sure to be last in the line, and were able to kneel without assistance. I’d discuss it with the priest first and get his direction as to where and how. Alternatively you can look for a parish where kneeling and COTT is the norm, which would be at any EF parish. Even on the rare occasions when I am at the OF I still receive on the tongue from the priest ( we have both the EF and OF at my parish).

 

[puzzleannie]

Puzzleannie: I often value your answers. In this case, why do you turn my words? I haven’t said that the Pope has mandated. The term “memo” comes across as condescending. I’m not stubborn (in this case) to ‘personal preference’, I’m responsive to prayerful discernment. I am asking for advice.

you are the one who stated you are choosing your position based on papal mandate, I asked to see the mandate, because if it is something all Catholics should be obeying, I need to know about it. If he has not mandated any thing other than what the norms currently provide for, namely the direction of each bishop and bishops’ conference, then it is nothing more than personal preference. I did not say say that personal preference could not be based on very reasonable grounds, but it is a serious thing to insist a certain practice is the “desire” of the pope if it implies those who do otherwise are disobedient. I repeat what is my personal opinion, backed up by centuries of Christian spiritual writers, that obedience to superiors is always preferable to personal choice in all matters that are not sinful. The way of spiritual perfection lies in humility, whose mother is obedience. that is Benedict, not me.

 

[Glennonite]

Except that you are ignoring:

The faithful should receive Communion kneeling or standing, as the Conference of Bishops will have determined

The Bishops’ Conference has determined standing is the posture we will use. Therefore, the correct thing to do is receive they way they have determined.

We are asked to be obedient to our Bishops who have established a norm for reception, approved by the Holy See.

Thanks for your response. I understand that the Bishops Conference deterimined that standing is the norm in the US. I also understand that those Protestent faiths who “have communion sometimes” would never kneel because “it’s only a symbol” and not the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Our Lord.

But I also understand that while there has been an “established norm” for U.S. Catholics, in the next paragraph, it states, " Therefore, it is not licit to deny Holy Communion to any of Christ’s faithful solely on the grounds, for example, that the person wishes to receive the Eucharist kneeling or standing." That paragragh (91) has been placed there specifically for those who want to give adoration and reverence in that way.

To put it in different terms, kneeling is closer to the Pope’s practice and beliefs, and further from Protestentism’s practice and beliefs…which are heretical.

Respectfully to all,

Glennonite

 

[1ke]

Thanks for your response. I understand that the Bishops Conference deterimined that standing is the norm in the US.

Correct. And the Holy See confirms such Bishops Conference decisions.

I also understand that those Protestent faiths who “have communion sometimes” would never kneel because “it’s only a symbol” and not the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Our Lord.

This is a non sequiter. It is completely irrelevant and has no bearing on the Catholic postures of kneeling or standing.

But I also understand that while there has been an “established norm” for U.S. Catholics, in the next paragraph, it states, " Therefore, it is not licit to deny Holy Communion to any of Christ’s faithful solely on the grounds, for example, that the person wishes to receive the Eucharist kneeling or standing." That paragragh (91) has been placed there specifically for those who want to give adoration and reverence in that way.

I think you need to be obedient to your bishop’s directions. You asked for opinions, that is mine.

The person is to be given corrective instruction in private if they approach kneeling.

To put it in different terms, kneeling is closer to the Pope’s practice and beliefs, and further from Protestentism’s practice and beliefs…which are heretical.

The Pope approves standing. It is NOT heretical.

And it has NOTHING to do with Protestant practices AT ALL.

Perhaps you are unaware that Eastern Rite Catholics stand, and have always stood. Never kneeled.

Do you believe Eastern Catholics to be acting in a “Protestant” manner? Do you believe them to be heretical?

I think you need to re-examine your motives and also learn a little more about the Church universal before you go off half cocked implying that standing is either Protestant OR heretical.

 

[Glennonite]

you are the one who stated you are choosing your position based on papal mandate, I asked to see the mandate, because if it is something all Catholics should be obeying, I need to know about it. If he has not mandated any thing other than what the norms currently provide for, namely the direction of each bishop and bishops’ conference, then it is nothing more than personal preference. I did not say say that personal preference could not be based on very reasonable grounds, but it is a serious thing to insist a certain practice is the “desire” of the pope if it implies those who do otherwise are disobedient. I repeat what is my personal opinion, backed up by centuries of Christian spiritual writers, that obedience to superiors is always preferable to personal choice in all matters that are not sinful. The way of spiritual perfection lies in humility, whose mother is obedience. that is Benedict, not me.

Respectfully, my words were, “Pope’s example”. You turned that into, “papal mandate” and continue to to use “mandate” in it’s various forms. Umm, get off of it. I haven’t “insisted” anything, lest of all that anyone is “disobedient”.

Where’s your hostility coming from? I’m bringing up a question on how to show my reverence for God in a way that is closer to our Catholic Tradition and the Pope’s example.

As for as humility, I’m advocating kneeling.

Check this out: realcatholictv.com/premium/index.php?vidID=vort-2011-04-19&ssnID=148

Glennonite

 

[puzzleannie]

Where’s your hostility coming from? I’m bringing up a question on how to show my reverence for God in a way that is closer to our Catholic Tradition and the Pope’s example.

in no way shape or form has any answer here been hostile
you asked
why did you ask if you lack the humility to acknowledge any point of view other than your own.

are you aware that standing was the posture for centuries and that has never changed in the Eastern Church?

 

[MissRose73]

If I could kneel at the rail (or use a kneeler setup )and receive on the tongue always, I would do so at the Ordinary Form as I am used to that at the Extra Ordinary Form with the kneeling/on the tongue. I also veil for both forms of the Mass too.

I could not do it like I’ve noticed some on the televised EWTN Daily Mass where they kneel and receive without the help of kneelers at Communion time. Between my bad knees and being a larger woman, that would not work out for me, and be very awkward.

I would love to see on the tongue reception more of the norm at Ordinary Form Masses. It would show more reverence to the Eucharist in my opinion.

 

[Glennonite]

Correct. And the Holy See confirms such Bishops Conference decisions.

This is a non sequiter. It is completely irrelevant and has no bearing on the Catholic postures of kneeling or standing.

I think you need to be obedient to your bishop’s directions. You asked for opinions, that is mine.

The person is to be given corrective instruction in private if they approach kneeling.

The Pope approves standing. It is NOT heretical.

And it has NOTHING to do with Protestant practices AT ALL.

Perhaps you are unaware that Eastern Rite Catholics stand, and have always stood. Never kneeled.

Do you believe Eastern Catholics to be acting in a “Protestant” manner? Do you believe them to be heretical?

I think you need to re-examine your motives and also learn a little more about the Church universal before you go off half cocked implying that standing is either Protestant OR heretical.

I only said that the Protestent unbelief in the Real Presence was heretical. I am saying that the Pope’s example is closer to the Catholic practice of kneeling before God—something that Protestents who deny the Real Presence would never do.

The non sequitur to which you refer does follow. If our actions are indistinguishable from those who do not believe in the Real Presence we are missing an opportunity to witness our faith in the Real Presence.

Forum Elder, huh?

Let’s every body just stay focused. Kneeling before God is a good thing, and “Hence any baptized Catholic who is not prevented by law must be admitted to Holy Communion. Therefore, it is not licit to deny Holy Communion to any of Christ’s faithful solely on the grounds, for example, that the person wishes to receive the Eucharist kneeling or standing.” (Paragraph 91) I’ll obey the part that says it’s not licit to deny Holy Communion to a “kneeler”.

Glennonite