Priest Almost Didn't Give Me the Eucharist

[augustine14]

Today when I was in mass, the priest hesitated when giving me the Eucharist. I haven’t been to his mass in about a month since I was home for Christmas break, but I’ve been going to his mass since the beginning of the school year so I’m a familiar face. When going to receive communion today I did the same thing that I always do. As I approached I bowed my head, then when the priest said, “The Body of Christ,” I made eye contact and said, “Amen,” like I always do. I did say it pretty quietly, but I think he would have been able to hear me or at least, since we were standing face to face, see that I was speaking.

He went to put the wafer in my hand, then paused, looked at me, and proceeded to put it in my hand. It didn’t cause a disturbance to mass but it was a little awkward and I wasn’t sure if I did something wrong or what. It may have been nothing, but I just want to make sure I’m taking communion properly.

 

[pianistclare]

Today when I was in mass, the priest hesitated when giving me the Eucharist. I haven’t been to his mass in about a month since I was home for Christmas break, but I’ve been going to his mass since the beginning of the school year so I’m a familiar face. When going to receive communion today I did the same thing that I always do. As I approached I bowed my head, then when the priest said, “The Body of Christ,” I made eye contact and said, “Amen,” like I always do. I did say it pretty quietly, but I think he would have been able to hear me or at least, since we were standing face to face, see that I was speaking.

He went to put the wafer in my hand, then paused, looked at me, and proceeded to put it in my hand. It didn’t cause a disturbance to mass but it was a little awkward and I wasn’t sure if I did something wrong or what. It may have been nothing, but I just want to make sure I’m taking communion properly.

Were you slow in placing your hands out? Or were they too low?

 

[GoldenSeal]

Today when I was in mass, the priest hesitated when giving me the Eucharist. I haven’t been to his mass in about a month since I was home for Christmas break, but I’ve been going to his mass since the beginning of the school year so I’m a familiar face. When going to receive communion today I did the same thing that I always do. As I approached I bowed my head, then when the priest said, “The Body of Christ,” I made eye contact and said, “Amen,” like I always do. I did say it pretty quietly, but I think he would have been able to hear me or at least, since we were standing face to face, see that I was speaking.

He went to put the wafer in my hand, then paused, looked at me, and proceeded to put it in my hand. It didn’t cause a disturbance to mass but it was a little awkward and I wasn’t sure if I did something wrong or what. It may have been nothing, but I just want to make sure I’m taking communion properly.

Is this the same priest you’ve mentioned in previous posts, the one you’re attracted to?

Based on your previous posts and what you’re saying here, it seems to me you are obsessing too much over this man. Whether or not he’s noticed is hard to say, but if he senses your attraction it could cause problems for you in the future. You’re thinking about him way too much for your own happiness.

I don’t mean to sound harsh, but it sounds as if you are fixated on your priest. This will lead only to disappointment in one form or another; there is no future for you in it. If other priests are available, you might want to think about attending their Masses.

 

[pianistclare]

If you believe for a second, that you are attracted to him, and that he is somehow having “special” thoughts about you, go to confession, and go to another parish.
I’m serious.
Immerse yourself in your studies.
Wholesome activities, pure thoughts.
**Do not **burden this priest.
I’ll say a prayer for you.

 

[1ke]

Today when I was in mass, the priest hesitated when giving me the Eucharist. I haven’t been to his mass in about a month since I was home for Christmas break, but I’ve been going to his mass since the beginning of the school year so I’m a familiar face. When going to receive communion today I did the same thing that I always do. As I approached I bowed my head, then when the priest said, “The Body of Christ,” I made eye contact and said, “Amen,” like I always do. I did say it pretty quietly, but I think he would have been able to hear me or at least, since we were standing face to face, see that I was speaking.

He went to put the wafer in my hand, then paused, looked at me, and proceeded to put it in my hand. It didn’t cause a disturbance to mass but it was a little awkward and I wasn’t sure if I did something wrong or what. It may have been nothing, but I just want to make sure I’m taking communion properly.

Well, are you sure he wasn’t confused as to whether you wanted to receive in the hand or on the tongue? Hold your hands out right away and make it clear how you wish to receive.

 

[triumphguy]

Today when I was in mass, the priest hesitated when giving me the Eucharist. I haven’t been to his mass in about a month since I was home for Christmas break, but I’ve been going to his mass since the beginning of the school year so I’m a familiar face. When going to receive communion today I did the same thing that I always do. As I approached I bowed my head, then when the priest said, “The Body of Christ,” I made eye contact and said, “Amen,” like I always do. I did say it pretty quietly, but I think he would have been able to hear me or at least, since we were standing face to face, see that I was speaking.

He went to put the wafer in my hand, then paused, looked at me, and proceeded to put it in my hand. It didn’t cause a disturbance to mass but it was a little awkward and I wasn’t sure if I did something wrong or what. It may have been nothing, but I just want to make sure I’m taking communion properly.

Don’t make eye contact. The priest needs to know where to place the host, and does not need distractions.

 

[CaptFun]

Don’t make eye contact. The priest needs to know where to place the host, and does not need distractions.

This is pretty good advice. Let your eye contact be upon the Eucharist, and your “Amen” be audible, and your option clear (on the tongue or in the hand for reception).

ALMOST didn’t = did. So put that behind you.

If you have been having face to face confessions with that priest … and that is the priest you have temptations about (Satan will tempt us all about something) … your making eye contact with him could very well BE a distraction to him as he tries to do his duties.

Also, if he had NOT absolved you from some matter that is mortally sinful (i.e. he (say) is your confessor and rather than “confess a sin you’ve committed” to him … you debated him on “whether such were venial or mortal”, for example … that might be another reason to give him pause. But he did give you communion - which is also somewhat on the honor system. Even if a priest wonders about the state of your soul … he might not be sure if you had confessed elsewhere and be absolved of any mortal sin (and so eligible of course).

When I saw this headline I thought it was another case of someone opting to kneel while receiving communion and being denied (which I have witnessed, sadly).

Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, let your eyes be on Him (capital H ) and be at peace.

I know of a case or two where non-Catholics have innocently presented themselves for Communion and received it (on the honor system ) - but if a priest or extraordinary minister of the Eucharist knows someone is not a practicing Catholic or one who’d not yet received their first communion … denying them communion (until such time as they are eligible) would be the proper thing to do as well.