priest shoved host in my mouth....

[TheRealJuliane]

Its only not clear to those who don’t want to follow the instructions.
Its perfectly clear to me.

On a separate issue nobody who has gone up for a blessing has ever explained why they feel the need for an extra blessing in addition to the blessing given by the priest at the end of the Mass. Do they think the one at the end is not good enough?

My sons receive only the chalice…I tell them to just go and get in that line but one of them goes through the Host line and gets blessed and then to the chalice line. One skips around the Host line. The one who goes through the Host line usually startles the EM because he’s over 6’ tall and they don’t expect him to have his arms crossed! I think he is just concerned about disturbing the normal flow of things - most people take the Host and then the chalice.

(They are gluten intolerant which is why they can’t take the Host)

At the other parish I attend, I don’t think they give blessings because there are a lot more people left in the pews during communion!

 

[Phemie]

Thank you for helpfully providing the link. We can now see from this that this advice was given in a private letter, is not a norm and has no legal standing, but it is suggested that it can be taken into account. How people here have then gone on to use this as authority to say that blessings are not permitted is very disingenuous.

Remember that all the letter did was point out that there are already rules in place that govern this and that those rules don’t permit it.

Note in particular the rule that says that a priest is never to give a blessing to those who are divorced and remarried. They tell you exactly what document that comes from so you can go look it up yourself.

 

[jwinch2]

I have requested guidance from this issue from the monsignior who directs the office of liturgy in two different diocese and received the same response which is that “the issue of the laity going up for a blessing in the communion line is currently under discussion by the Holy See with some decision to come hopefully not too long in the future. In the meantime, parishes which have a history of allowing this may continue, but new ones are not to start”.

I asked my pastor about it and he is of the opinion that the Vatican will come down in the middle allowing someone to go to a bishop, priest, or deacon for a blessing but not to an EMHC.

As for an authoritative document expressly forbidding this practice, if it were already decided and expressly forbidden, the Vatican would have no need to be currently studying it, which they are.

As for the rest, time will tell.

 

[Elvis_Guy]

I almost wonder why this is such an “issue” I almost think given, other things we need to correct in the church are much more…pressing…and some are sadly destructive. To my mind I cannot get how…our Church finds these little minute … a to be honest…who cares…time money and words on a blessing in the line gasp…is it ok or not… How’s it relevant in the greater scheme …It boggles the mind… For this Catholic I have a special file and folder…the " I really don’t care ." folder… ( there are Many many things I do in the Church care deeply about, think should be nurtured… To me this is not one I care less…I honestly wonder why our church would toss manpower into it… It’s a " rat kill " project …I frankly don’t even get how Catholic laity gets so worked up… Have an aneurism …because a person …had a in line blessing from the priest and a second blessing…at the end…well golly!!! We all know blessings are a non renewable resource and we toss em about…well…hey the hi there ho there…we might run out of blessings in the near future and have to import from…Coptic’s…??? Is that how it works…only a certain % of blessings on this planet. I’m not being flip ( I’m sure someone will say it…maybe to avoid my underlying question) I’m not being flip…I simply…do not get how it matters…it’s up there with putting on a right or left sock first in the grand scheme… If someone shows me …sanely how it matters…I may reflect otherwise… I keep the whole thing labeled " Who Cares…why should I care…as I said it’s this divisive wasteful absurd non-issue.

 

[martininthefiel]

I almost wonder why this is such an “issue” I almost think given, other things we need to correct in the church are much more…pressing…and some are sadly destructive. To my mind I cannot get how…our Church finds these little minute … a to be honest…who cares…time money and words on a blessing in the line gasp…is it ok or not… How’s it relevant in the greater scheme …It boggles the mind… For this Catholic I have a special file and folder…the " I really don’t care ." folder… ( there are Many many things I do in the Church care deeply about, think should be nurtured… To me this is not one I care less…I honestly wonder why our church would toss manpower into it… It’s a " rat kill " project …I frankly don’t even get how Catholic laity gets so worked up… Have an aneurism …because a person …had a in line blessing from the priest and a second blessing…at the end…well golly!!! We all know blessings are a non renewable resource and we toss em about…well…hey the hi there ho there…we might run out of blessings in the near future and have to import from…Coptic’s…??? Is that how it works…only a certain % of blessings on this planet. I’m not being flip ( I’m sure someone will say it…maybe to avoid my underlying question) I’m not being flip…I simply…do not get how it matters…it’s up there with putting on a right or left sock first in the grand scheme… If someone shows me …sanely how it matters…I may reflect otherwise… I keep the whole thing labeled " Who Cares…why should I care…as I said it’s this divisive wasteful absurd non-issue.

AMEN!

How does it hurt anyone, if someone else, even mistakenly, approaches the altar to receive an extra blessing? I see the point of divorced, remarried Catholics. I also see why only priests and deacons can give blessings but, really…

If your pastor doesn’t think it proper, it should be clearly stated before Communion.

 

[Elvis_Guy]

AMEN!

How does it hurt anyone, if someone else, even mistakenly, approaches the altar to receive an extra blessing? I see the point of divorced, remarried Catholics. I also see why only priests and deacons can give blessings but, really…

If your pastor doesn’t think it proper, it should be clearly stated before Communion.

Thanks!! I waiting for a rock to the temple… My Priest does not care…( and he is not unorthodox or sloppy)… I would bet he thinks it a non issue…like I say Limerick Ireland…smart practical pragmatic , a brilliant mind…the fact that he neither flinched nor hesitated when I asked re my Wife in RCIA …tells me…Fr. K doesn’t care.

 

[liturgyluver]

I have requested guidance from this issue from the monsignior who directs the office of liturgy in two different diocese and received the same response which is that “the issue of the laity going up for a blessing in the communion line is currently under discussion by the Holy See with some decision to come hopefully not too long in the future. In the meantime, parishes which have a history of allowing this may continue, but new ones are not to start”.

I asked my pastor about it and he is of the opinion that the Vatican will come down in the middle allowing someone to go to a bishop, priest, or deacon for a blessing but not to an EMHC.

As for an authoritative document expressly forbidding this practice, if it were already decided and expressly forbidden, the Vatican would have no need to be currently studying it, which they are.

As for the rest, time will tell.

I have spoken to my Diocesan office this morning and they have confirmed the same. Protocol 930/08 is an observation note and has no legal guidance or status, pending a fuller review which is expected to report next year (that’s good for the Vatican - normally there are 2 speeds : dead slow and stop!).

In the meantime the Church’s official position is that blessings are permitted where Bishops allow them in their episcopal areas, and existing practice will continue until there is formal notification to the contrary.

 

[Pfaffenhoffen]

“I go always to communion, no matter what” - if you go in the state of mortal sin, that is the sin of sacrilege. For the person that wrote the original post, I’d just go to Confession as soon as possible and tell the priest what happened.

What is “a state of mortal sin”?
It is “a mortal sin”? Or it is “a state”?
Does not make much sense not?

 

[Tigg]

I almost wonder why this is such an “issue” I almost think given, other things we need to correct in the church are much more…pressing…and some are sadly destructive. To my mind I cannot get how…our Church finds these little minute … a to be honest…who cares…time money and words on a blessing in the line gasp…is it ok or not… How’s it relevant in the greater scheme …It boggles the mind… For this Catholic I have a special file and folder…the " I really don’t care ." folder… ( there are Many many things I do in the Church care deeply about, think should be nurtured… To me this is not one I care less…I honestly wonder why our church would toss manpower into it… It’s a " rat kill " project …I frankly don’t even get how Catholic laity gets so worked up… Have an aneurism …because a person …had a in line blessing from the priest and a second blessing…at the end…well golly!!! We all know blessings are a non renewable resource and we toss em about…well…hey the hi there ho there…we might run out of blessings in the near future and have to import from…Coptic’s…??? Is that how it works…only a certain % of blessings on this planet. I’m not being flip ( I’m sure someone will say it…maybe to avoid my underlying question) I’m not being flip…I simply…do not get how it matters…it’s up there with putting on a right or left sock first in the grand scheme… If someone shows me …sanely how it matters…I may reflect otherwise… I keep the whole thing labeled " Who Cares…why should I care…as I said it’s this divisive wasteful absurd non-issue.

I do not agree and many Catholic educators and catechists are against this practice. For instance, those in sacramental prep are trying to build a feeling of anticipation and wonder for the time when the kids will get into the Communion line for the very first time to receive the LORD. Instead, they are being allowed to get into that line, originally meant only to receive the Real Presence and are becoming familiar with receiving not the King of Kings, but rather “something” - a blessing. What a poor substitute and I might add, redundant, since a few moments later they will receive yet again, the same blessing. I think this whole practice came to be as a result of our abhorrence, as a society, of denying anyone anything – even if only for a short while. We want instant gratification instead of practicing any kind of sacrifice – even if for our own good.

Another point is that this practice is not part of the universal Church. Our former pastor tells of the time he took some students to Rome – not realizing some were not prepared to receive Communion. When a couple of the kids went up with arms crossed, the priests were perplexed and it caused quite a stir at the time and some embarrassment – they didn’t know what the kids were expecting. This just brought up another point in my mind – if they are unable to receive Communion due to sin, are they entitled to a blessing without sacramental absolution?

One more item is that a blessing (during the context of the Mass) being given by a lay person is without any merit, and in fact, is illicit if done on the forehead in the Trinitarian formula.

 

[Tigg]

What is “a state of mortal sin”?
It is “a mortal sin”? Or it is “a state”?
Does not make much sense not?

With all due respect, this is basic catechesis and I wonder if you’re not just joking with us? A state of mortal sin means that you no longer have sanctifying grace in your soul - you are spiritually dead and are not allowed to receive the Eucharist. Perhaps some good reading on the subject would help.

 

[maryjk]

I do not agree and many Catholic educators and catechists are against this practice. For instance, those in sacramental prep are trying to build a feeling of anticipation and wonder for the time when the kids will get into the Communion line for the very first time to receive the LORD. Instead, they are being allowed to get into that line, originally meant only to receive the Real Presence and are becoming familiar with receiving not the King of Kings, but rather “something” - a blessing. What a poor substitute and I might add, redundant, since a few moments later they will receive yet again, the same blessing. I think this whole practice came to be as a result of our abhorrence, as a society, of denying anyone anything – even if only for a short while. We want instant gratification instead of practicing any kind of sacrifice – even if for our own good.

When my son was growing up, I would never leave him alone in the pew. He came up with me. When he was very small, I carried him, as he got larger, he walked. Our local parish didn’t invite anyone up for a blessing, my son was simply with me. It is scary to think that anything thinks that young children should be left in the pew. There are notices at many churches not to leave your purse in the pew, wouldn’t a child be much more valuable?

Another point is that this practice is not part of the universal Church. Our former pastor tells of the time he took some students to Rome – not realizing some were not prepared to receive Communion. When a couple of the kids went up with arms crossed, the priests were perplexed and it caused quite a stir at the time and some embarrassment – they didn’t know what the kids were expecting. This just brought up another point in my mind – if they are unable to receive Communion due to sin, are they entitled to a blessing without sacramental absolution?

I am sorry your former pastor was so ill prepared to be traveling with teens. If this was also their pastor, why were they expecting a blessing anyway? Why hadn’t he, before a plane trip, offered Confession to any that needed it? There seem to be so many things wrong with this situation that a few embarrassed teens are the least of the problems.

One more item is that a blessing (during the context of the Mass) being given by a lay person is without any merit, and in fact, is illicit if done on the forehead in the Trinitarian formula.

This situation is about a person, the OP, going up to the priest and looking for a blessing. This has nothing to do with EMHC or other lay person.

Just for reference. I do not go up for a blessing, although it is done at our parish. I just don’t understand all of the brouhaha.

 

[Brendan]

What is “a state of mortal sin”?
It is “a mortal sin”? Or it is “a state”?
Does not make much sense not?

A mortal sin is a sin that kills the spiritual life of the soul ( hence the term ‘mortal’).

A person who has commited a mortal sin and has not had the spiritual life of the soul restore via Sacramental Confession and Absolution is in the state of mortal sin.

Recieving the Eucharist while in a state of mortal sin offers the person no benefit, and is actually harmful to them.

Thus the Church prohibits the reception of Holy Communion by a person who is in the state of mortal sin.

 

[Tigg]

When my son was growing up, I would never leave him alone in the pew. He came up with me. When he was very small, I carried him, as he got larger, he walked. Our local parish didn’t invite anyone up for a blessing, my son was simply with me. It is scary to think that anything thinks that young children should be left in the pew. There are notices at many churches not to leave your purse in the pew, wouldn’t a child be much more valuable?

This is a red herring. I never left my children in the pews when they were small either, but that does not draw a logical conclusion that because they are at my side, they are automatically entitled to something which intent is only meant to receive the Body and Blood of Christ.

I am sorry your former pastor was so ill prepared to be traveling with teens. If this was also their pastor, why were they expecting a blessing anyway? Why hadn’t he, before a plane trip, offered Confession to any that needed it? There seem to be so many things wrong with this situation that a few embarrassed teens are the least of the problems.

This is an uncharitable assumption - as I remember him telling it, the students were a large group and not just from our parish. He said he never thought about them going up for just a blessing.

 

[maryjk]

This is a red herring. I never left my children in the pews when they were small either, but that does not draw a logical conclusion that because they are at my side, they are automatically entitled to something which intent is only meant to receive the Body and Blood of Christ.

It does mean that they are not “getting in the for the very first time.” They have been in line for 7 years. But NOW they are able to receive our Lord.

This is an uncharitable assumption - as I remember him telling it, the students were a large group and not just from our parish. He said he never thought about them going up for just a blessing.

Which means there should have been other adults with the students. Possibly other priests. To go on a Catholic trip, with a priest, to Rome, and not talk about Confession and what to do while is church is at best ill prepared, at worst Just stating the facts as you presented them.

 

[Adonia]

Its only not clear to those who don’t want to follow the instructions.
Its perfectly clear to me.

On a separate issue nobody who has gone up for a blessing has ever explained why they feel the need for an extra blessing in addition to the blessing given by the priest at the end of the Mass. Do they think the one at the end is not good enough?

The one time I did it was because I desperately wanted to receive Communion but was not in a state of grace. I had seen the little kids go up before to receive a blessing in lieu of Communion, so I thought that it would be ok for me too. Because of the state I was in, I really wanted to feel the connection of Christ through the priest, who we all know acts in personna Christi. I tell you, I felt the jolt of the Holy Spirit when he gave me the blessing by making the sign of the cross on my forehead. I felt the power of God that day!

 

[Elvis_Guy]

I do not agree and many Catholic educators and catechists are against this practice. For instance, those in sacramental prep are trying to build a feeling of anticipation and wonder for the time when the kids will get into the Communion line for the very first time to receive the LORD. Instead, they are being allowed to get into that line, originally meant only to receive the Real Presence and are becoming familiar with receiving not the King of Kings, but rather “something” - a blessing. What a poor substitute and I might add, redundant, since a few moments later they will receive yet again, the same blessing. I think this whole practice came to be as a result of our abhorrence, as a society, of denying anyone anything – even if only for a short while. We want instant gratification instead of practicing any kind of sacrifice – even if for our own good.

Another point is that this practice is not part of the universal Church. Our former pastor tells of the time he took some students to Rome – not realizing some were not prepared to receive Communion. When a couple of the kids went up with arms crossed, the priests were perplexed and it caused quite a stir at the time and some embarrassment – they didn’t know what the kids were expecting. This just brought up another point in my mind – if they are unable to receive Communion due to sin, are they entitled to a blessing without sacramental absolution?

One more item is that a blessing (during the context of the Mass) being given by a lay person is without any merit, and in fact, is illicit if done on the forehead in the Trinitarian formula.

Tigg! Pax my friend! I do not feel most Priests Educators RCIA instructors are against the practice…to the contrary our own Sister who runs RCIA …thinks…it helps…we as Catholics…are Liturgical …yes. Words, Sound, Smell, Color, Tastes…by my wife coming forward it is (preparation /practice). If that makes sense…it gets her in " sync" with the Church …as for Accidental Recieves …I was on pm with a friend on this issue…there is an easy thing to do, it is a practice High Church Anglicans use… When you step before the priest / bishop… Keep the arms crossed then respectfully bend the head ( a bow of sorts)… simply lower chin…( it is A. A sign of respect. ) (B. With your head tilted down and forward…most Clergy…will get…lol…that it is for a blessing …no priest is going to try to uppercut a host to your mouth in that posture) …actually I think I was told by a friend who has studied an Obscure but Rather interesting area of our faith…Lirgical Postures and Gestures… Really good stuff ( serious interesting though obscure…) this “chin down” was…in time past use in Catholocism …I want to address a post I saw…2 notes…form of blessing…in line…I have never…ever seen a touching of a persons forehead…logistics!!! They usually have the chalice/host… It is spoken…I …don’t know where the individual is…what are there… 5 parish members??? Your priest has time to do a physical tracing…??? Never seen it…not here…not Dallas…sorry…and were they to do it…the issue is logistic…a trace to forehead (unless the are using a Consecrated Unction !!!) …is not…not…not…giving a Sacrament …(that said …red herring I’ve never seen it period…) ever. Tigg… Back to you…thank you did not intend to imply a bulk of clergy or teachers were " up in arms!!)… Neither my Priest nor My Bishop…has an issue regarding the issue…and as it is in their hands …ther disgression at this juncture right now… If anyone has a problem…well…call my bishop and tell him off real good…throw I know Church Law and Code far Better…than you…! Right… Frankly if you are in a pew…counting how many blessing an individual is getting…suggestion : When they do a remake of the movie Rainman…there may be a GREAT part for ya in there… I’m an Exellent Driver …

 

[Pfaffenhoffen]

With all due respect, this is basic catechesis and I wonder if you’re not just joking with us? A state of mortal sin means that you no longer have sanctifying grace in your soul - you are spiritually dead and are not allowed to receive the Eucharist. Perhaps some good reading on the subject would help.

I know the whole catechism front and backwads.
Do you realize that this means nothing?
A mortal sin “kills” the grace ? One only ? And the term “you are in a state of one mortal sin” is strange. what does that mean. You explained the traditional explanation but I am posing questions. How do you know you have commited a mortal sin? You know from catchism that you need 100% serious matter, 100% knowledge, 100% consent? Are you ever sure ? And if it is 99%
Since child I contested this. I was 16 when talking to a priest I sai: “I never commited a mortal sin”. Well, he was dumbfounded but he did not contest, he just said: “Well, good!”, for it was in a time when for sneezing you could commit a mortal sin (joking !!!)
The expression “state of mortal sin” does not mean anything. I would be the same as saying. you are in a state of “broken leg”. Theologically you cannot speak that way.
Nowadays, in theology, it is avoided to speak that way.
I am away from the most recent terminology but speaking of “fundamental choices” is better. What is your choice: Pro or Against God?

 

[Pfaffenhoffen]

A mortal sin is a sin that kills the spiritual life of the soul ( hence the term ‘mortal’).

A person who has commited a mortal sin and has not had the spiritual life of the soul restore via Sacramental Confession and Absolution is in the state of mortal sin.

Recieving the Eucharist while in a state of mortal sin offers the person no benefit, and is actually harmful to them.

Thus the Church prohibits the reception of Holy Communion by a person who is in the state of mortal sin.

I have answered par of the question in another post, please.
“Kill the spiritual life” means nothing. What happens acutally and concretely? What is “spiritual life”
If you asked forgiveness to God directly, says the Church, you are pardoned but you must go to confession.
So I do not see how you can go to communion in the so-called State of Mortal Sin.
Remember that in the beginning of the Mass there is a whole Confession. Lord, have Mercy, Christ Have mercy! And the priest says: “May the lord forgive your sins!” people repeat it mechanically without realizaing what they are doing. It is a whole general confession…

 

[benedictus2]

I was at mass this past Sunday and my daughter, who is not old enough to recieve, wanted to go up and get a blessing. I was not at confession recently so I was not in the proper disposition to recieve. So I went up with the entent of having Father bless both of us. When I approaced, I had my arms crossed and asked Father for a blessing. no sooner did I finish my sentence, he shoved a host in my mouth. I felt very awkward and bad at the same time. I obviously did not want to spit it back out but what was I to do? I went back and said an act of contrition. I have not yet been to confession but will defenitely be there this week. How do I explain this to the priest in the confessional?

I agree with Ike that you should not have got in line. The communion line is precisely that - a communion line.

Having said that though, I think like Plattenhofen (I probably spelt that wrong) and believe that God may have taken that out of your hands . He wants to be with you and that was that.

 

[Castello]

I know the whole catechism front and backwads.
Do you realize that this means nothing?
A mortal sin “kills” the grace ? One only ? And the term “you are in a state of one mortal sin” is strange. what does that mean. You explained the traditional explanation but I am posing questions. How do you know you have commited a mortal sin? You know from catchism that you need 100% serious matter, 100% knowledge, 100% consent? Are you ever sure ? And if it is 99%
Since child I contested this. I was 16 when talking to a priest I sai: “I never commited a mortal sin”. Well, he was dumbfounded but he did not contest, he just said: “Well, good!”, for it was in a time when for sneezing you could commit a mortal sin (joking !!!)
The expression “state of mortal sin” does not mean anything. I would be the same as saying. you are in a state of “broken leg”. Theologically you cannot speak that way.
Nowadays, in theology, it is avoided to speak that way.
I am away from the most recent terminology but speaking of “fundamental choices” is better. What is your choice: Pro or Against God?

The Catechism does not list “percentages”. Sort of the way one cannot be 99% pregnant.

Let’s take fasting before Mass.

You are a healthy adult of sound mind.

You KNOW it is a sin to eat food within the hour before you receive communion.

You reach in your pocket during the homily and start munching on a candy bar.

The candy bar did not just fall into your mouth, no one held you down and forced you to eat it. You are not ill and will faint if you do not have some food.

You chose to eat that candy bar knowing it was a sin to do it.

No percentages, just disobedience to the Church.

That is sin. That is being in a state of mortal sin. You must take that to confession.