People not partaking in wine during the Communion

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It’s not required to drink the Precious Blood. I never do, for a couple of reasons: 1) When I was growing up, only the priest drank from the chalice, so it feels strange. 2) I don’t care for the taste of wine (that part is still there, it’s referred to as “the accidents”, but that’s for another thread) 3) I don’t care to share a cup with dozens of people. Yes, I know, there have been no proven cases of disease transmission by chalice, but it’s my choice, so I’m choosing not to.
 
LilyM said:
Not at all, in fact were are supposed to make a bow or genuflection in the line prior to receiving communion. Christ is present in that host and chalice in a perfect way - body, blood, soul and divinity. He is NOT present in such a complete way, at least not this side of heaven, in any person AFTER they have communicated.

Besides which - if you’e ever been at the front of the church during the entrance procession of the Mass or the recession (at the end of Mass where those involved process out) those processing in or out do stop and kneel or bow as they reach the sanctuary. So the mere fact of being ‘in procession’ doesn’t matter. I’d be interested to know where you got the impression that it does.
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Then should we stop and genuflect when leaving for Communion and arriving back at our pews?
 
roadsend said:
Then should we stop and genuflect when leaving for Communion and arriving back at our pews?
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No, as in the GIRM, the OF prescribes that bows should be made within the context of Mass rather than genuflections (excluding those genuflections mentioned in the Missal that the priest makes).
 
LilyM said:
Not at all, in fact were are supposed to make a bow or genuflection in the line prior to receiving communion. Christ is present in that host and chalice in a perfect way - body, blood, soul and divinity. He is NOT present in such a complete way, at least not this side of heaven, in any person AFTER they have communicated.

Besides which - if you’e ever been at the front of the church during the entrance procession of the Mass or the recession (at the end of Mass where those involved process out) those processing in or out do stop and kneel or bow as they reach the sanctuary. So the mere fact of being ‘in procession’ doesn’t matter. I’d be interested to know where you got the impression that it does.
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Where in the rubrics does it say that after receiving the Host we should stop and bow to the chalice (if we are not receiving from the chalice)?
 
There is no need to stop and bow before the chalice if one is not receiving the Precious Blood, if one has the Blessed Sacrament in their mouth. We can spend this time with Christ under our own roof. He is present body, blood, soul, and divinity in our own mouth. We do not need to focus our attention on His presence elsewhere, in this case any chalice we pass by.
 
It is not necessary. My mistake. I mistakenly thought that it was. Sorry for the misinformation. But of course you can still do it if you wish.
 
roadsend said:
Then should we stop and genuflect when leaving for Communion and arriving back at our pews?
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Well, I was always taught to kneel until I get up to go to Communion and kneel down again when I get back to my seat afterwards, so I guess I am anyway. But general posture during Communion time is a matter of discretion, apart from the fact that we are to bow or genuflect immediately prior to receiving.

The question for me is why not do both? Knowing what the Chalice is, I don’t need a GIRM reference to be inspired to make a gesture of reverence when passing it. 🤷
 
Bev, as you can see from this thread, the Holy Eucharist is so complex and so mysterious, that there are people who have spent their lifetimes meditating on the sacrament. Literally.

It is a great start to be going to Mass and observing and participating in the prayers. There are a lot of books out there that deal with the basics of the faith, but I personally think that attending Mass and allowing yourself to experience the celebration of Jesus’ sacrifice on Calvary is one of the best ways to start immersing yourself in Catholicism. I’d also like to compliment you on your close observation of what is going on at Mass. A lot of lifelong Catholics would do well to do the same!

Catholicism for Dummies is a good start, and I for one would like to welcome you to the fullness of faith that is found in the Catholic Church. May God bless you as you pursue your faith journey!
 
I just wanted to say Welcome Home! and welcome to Catholic answers. May God continue to bless you and your family on this wonderful journey!
 
po18guy said:
Even before entering RCIA, grab a copy of Catholicism for Dummies. It is an invaluable resource that you can refer to again and again when questions come up. Every RCIA participant, every Catholic, every Christian should have a copy. I learn something about the faith each time I open my copy.
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This is a really good, highly respected book. Additionally, it carries a Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur. One caution: don’t confuse other similarly named books for this one.

Welcome home Bev!
 
Bev17243 said:
Ok, I’m still new to Catholicism so this is something I 'm hoping members can explain to me. When I was at Mass yesterday, the waffers and wine were served by laypeople(?), one person was handing out waffers, the other one held the wine chalice. This is a large church so there was a long line. I saw number of people just taking the waffers but ignoring the wine. I’m not sure why that was? Anyone can explain this? :confused:
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I don’t partake unless I am serving at the altar. Even though many think it is a “fuller sign” of communion it becomes exactly the opposite by the simple fact that 1/3 to 1/2 of the people receive. I am with bishop Olmsted on this one.

1 It may diminish the understanding of the completeness of presence in the Eucharistic host to some

2 it isn’t a fuller sign of communion when 85% don’t partake. Thus rendering the song “the cup we SHARE is a communion” inconsistent with what is happening.
 
garn9173 said:
Welcome home to the Church. One person in this thread made mention of passing on the Precious Blood as they may have a cold. A few weeks ago, I did just that and felt horrible for doing so and really missed not receiving it… If you would take time some day or to watch Mass on EWTN, the Precious Blood isn’t offered there.
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Yes on Ewtn the Priest drink it down and don’t offer it, it was never offered when I was growing up that I can remember.
 
James924 said:
“…crickets…”
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James: 😃

OP: I don’t receive communion under the form of wine because I go to a large church, and there is usually not enough wine for everyone; I feel weird, not knowing if I will be taking the last sip (or droplet). I nod to reverence the cup as I go by but I do not stop or approach it. Other people may avoid the cup because they struggle with alcoholism and don’t want even that little gulp, or they are concerned about germs.
 
Dicerning said:
I don’t partake unless I am serving at the altar. Even though many think it is a “fuller sign” of communion it becomes exactly the opposite by the simple fact that 1/3 to 1/2 of the people receive. I am with bishop Olmsted on this one.

1 It may diminish the understanding of the completeness of presence in the Eucharistic host to some

2 it isn’t a fuller sign of communion when 85% don’t partake. Thus rendering the song “the cup we SHARE is a communion” inconsistent with what is happening.
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I found your post a bit confusing. Are you saying that because in your parish most people don’t partake of the Precious Blood that the Church is wrong when it says in the GIRM that: Holy Communion has a fuller form as a sign when it is distributed under both kinds. For in this form the sign of the eucharistic banquet is more clearly evident and clear expression is given to the divine will by which the new and eternal Covenant is ratified in the Blood of the Lord, as also the relationship between the Eucharistic banquet and the eschatological banquet in the Father’s Kingdom

?
 
My mother is one of many that do not partake in the cup at Communion even when she is an EMHC. She doesn’t partake as she is not fond of the taste. I always partake when its offered unless I am not well then I forgo it. I’ve been an EMHC, and do not judge people for not partaking at all.
 
I was hoping to get a definitive answer for this in the “Ask an Apologist” sub-forum, but I guess they get so many other questions that they missed mine. I know that when we receive the Blessed Host we are receiving the Body and Blood of Christ and not just His Body alone. But here is my question in two parts:
  1. When Holy Communion is offered in both forms (the Host and from the chalice) is it better or proper to receive it in both forms since it’s being offered as such?
  2. If one chooses to receive only in the form of the host, after receiving, should one bow or genuflect before the Chalice containing the Blood of Christ when passing by? What about if the chalice is being offered only a few feet from where the Host is being offered?
I would appreciate if whoever answers can try to back up what they say with something official from the Church.
 
wayman said:
I was hoping to get a definitive answer for this in the “Ask an Apologist” sub-forum, but I guess they get so many other questions that they missed mine. I know that when we receive the Blessed Host we are receiving the Body and Blood of Christ and not just His Body alone. But here is my question in two parts:
  1. When Holy Communion is offered in both forms (the Host and from the chalice) is it better or proper to receive it in both forms since it’s being offered as such?
  2. If one chooses to receive only in the form of the host, after receiving, should one bow or genuflect before the Chalice containing the Blood of Christ when passing by? What about if the chalice is being offered only a few feet from where the Host is being offered?
I would appreciate if whoever answers can try to back up what they say with something official from the Church.
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It is a more complete sign to receive under both species.CC #1390
No bow or genuflection is called for.
Remember sign , not better or proper but a more “complete sign.”
Hope this helps!
 
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