Priests won't make eye contact with me?

[guanophore]

Anyone can give a blessing. I might say to you, “God bless you” (especially if you sneeze). That’s a blessing.

Priests (and deacons) are able to confer types of blessings that laypeople cannot. An example would be when a Rosary is blessed (and it thus becomes a sacramental). An exorcism (also a sacramental) is another example. These types of blessings are supposed to follow a prescribed form (there’s a Book of Blessings that all priests have). It is improper for a priest to make up such a blessing “on the fly” (though it happens).

So the question is, is a blessing at Communion the first type or the second type. Because there is no prescribed form or rite, I believe the Communion blessing is a general blessing which does not require Holy Orders to administer.

But it is also completely unnecessary. Anyone is perfectly free to remain in the pew (and nobody will think that’s strange - it happens all the time, and there are lots of reasons why people might do this). The only real benefit that I can see for this “blessing” is that it makes it easier to get everyone back into the pew in the same order.

One of the reasons it has been discouraged is just because of people like this, who don’t know the difference between a sacramental blessing and an everyday blessing. Liturgy is not the time for everyday activity, but should center around what the ordained ministers are providing for the people.

I think if the Spiritual Communion were taught then there would be less confusion on this matter.

 

[englishredrose]

Yeah, you misunderstood. I was asking that, if the priest is the only person able to give a blessing, and Im standing in the communion line, should I then skip the person giving the bread and instead go straight to the priest and cross arms over chest to get a blessing?

But what Im hearing here is that you stay in the pew. That’s what I originally thought! But someone in my RCIA program who’s been attending mass frequently told me I should go up and get the blessing, and a Catholic revert in my class who wants to become a cloistered nun agreed. Well goes to show I’ll have to be careful next time where I get my info from. I rarely see anyone in Sunday mass not getting up for Communion
(only once). So much confusion it seems…

You’re completely right!! I have to get over my complex. Although at this parish this morning, he was walking back to the altar. And the last time, I had almost fainted during the “Our Father” and had to sit down with my head between my legs, and someone was nice enough to give me water… I take 3 glucose tablets at the end of the 2nd gospel now (turns out my Aunt who is part of my family that stayed Catholic had this problem all her life, the priest would joke about it at the beginning of mass !) But sometimes I think God is testing my willpower to go to morning mass (I dont fast, just always had issues with morning blood sugar)

I have to say, the person

If you have problems with blood sugar then A) you shouldn’t fast because there are exemptions for those with medical/health and also please remember that you don’t have to stand when everyone is standing if it makes you feel worse. You can sit or kneel at those times rather than make yourself ill. Hopefully people won’t look at you as they get to know you if everyone does stand and you would rather be sitting. God won’t penalise you because you are sitting when everyone is standing. They would much rather you be sitting than have to administer glucose every week or see you giving yourself glucose every week. Hope you feel more at home soon where you are

 

[doormouse73]

@ englishredrose

But what Im hearing here is that you stay in the pew. That’s what I originally thought! But someone in my RCIA program who’s been attending mass frequently told me I should go up and get the blessing, and a Catholic revert in my class who wants to become a cloistered nun agreed. Well goes to show I’ll have to be careful next time where I get my info from. I rarely see anyone in Sunday mass not getting up for Communion
(only once). So much confusion it seems…

i would go in line with those people who are recieving communion,when it is your turn face the priest with your arms folded hands on opposite shoulders,bow your head and let the priest place his hand on your head for a blessing.then follow the line direction back to your seat(pew).and thank god for blessing and do your personal prayers…

i was in France one, received communion then i went over to receive the wine.the priest who was giving out the wine blatantly shook his head and never give it to me.i was so embarrassed…

you get your blessing,it is what Jesus wanted…

regarding the no eye contact… i cannot comment on that…i had a school teacher who was exactly the same… they have their reasons… dont judge yourself or others over this… it will work out in the end…

 

[Kennywood]

I have to admit, I am the first person to think I have done something that would offend/ hurt/ etc. someone else…and usually it is my own thoughts- not that anyone else was hurt/offended/etc.

For what it is worth, I am partially deaf. I do not wear a hearing aid, but I do compensate in other ways. For instance, I look downward if I am trying to listen intently. Perhaps the behavior you think you’re noticing is a). Your thinking more of it than it is b) a sign of something else (not about you) or c) an opportunity to think and behave charitably toward the Priest.

 

[superamazingman]

Yeah, you misunderstood. I was asking that, if the priest is the only person able to give a blessing, and Im standing in the communion line, should I then skip the person giving the bread and instead go straight to the priest and cross arms over chest to get a blessing?

Actually, even priests should not be giving blessings during communion. He will give one out to everyone present just a few short minutes later at the end of Mass.

 

[superamazingman]

I think she read the link, and understands that the extraordinary minister is not supposed to be dispensing blessings during communion, so if she wanted to seek a blessing, it should be directly to the priest.

Actually, no one, priest or EMHC, should be giving blessings during communion. Read the letter a little more carefully…

In a similar way, for others who are not to be admitted to Holy Communion in accord with the norm of law, the Church’s discipline has already made clear that they should not approach Holy Communion nor receive a blessing. This would include non-Catholics…

It doesn’t matter who gives the blessing. It shouldn’t be given during communion.

 

[michele1984]

No it is very respectful to avoid the communion line when you are not in a position to receive. That applies to Catholics who are not in a state of grace as well as those such as yourself who have not yet been received. One can also kneel during that time, and allow the hunger for the eucharist to grow inside.\QUOTE]

I think I will do that, rather than sitting there feeling awkward.
guanophore;10014163:

And lastly, no one has “wine” during communion. After the consecration, all the chalices that were filled with wine have become the Blood of Christ.

Oops! That’s my church attending rustiness showing. All in all, worrying about this stuff just takes away from the experience. Everyone’s answers have helped so much