Reverence for the Holy Eucharist

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:(I was very discouraged with something that happened at Mass today. At communion time a young man (about 12-14) received the Host in his hand and instead of consuming it he held it in his hand while walking back toward the pew. I can only hope that he consumed it and did’nt take it home or leave it in the church.

I don’t personally blame the kid, but what kind of religious instruction are these young people receiving. It seems like there is a very cavalier attitute toward the Sacred Species.

I myself receive in the hand because that is what I am used to, but I always check to see if any Particles remain on my hand before I do anything else. I am beginning to think that communion on the tongue should be the way to go. I asolutely love the reverence of the TLM and attend Mass whenever it is offered.

Should I have gone to the priest or deacon and said anything?

Thanks for letting me rant. This really shook me up.

Tom
 
Alerting the priest/deacon is an important step. A homily on the topic of reverence and appropriate reception of the Eucharist is always worthwhile.
 
TomS said:
:(I was very discouraged with something that happened at Mass today. At communion time a young man (about 12-14) received the Host in his hand and instead of consuming it he held it in his hand while walking back toward the pew. I can only hope that he consumed it and did’nt take it home or leave it in the church.

I don’t personally blame the kid, but what kind of religious instruction are these young people receiving. It seems like there is a very cavalier attitute toward the Sacred Species.

I myself receive in the hand because that is what I am used to, but I always check to see if any Particles remain on my hand before I do anything else. I am beginning to think that communion on the tongue should be the way to go. I asolutely love the reverence of the TLM and attend Mass whenever it is offered.

Should I have gone to the priest or deacon and said anything?

Thanks for letting me rant. This really shook me up.

Tom
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When you see this kind of things you could consider it your personal responsibility to intervene in a charitable manner. You should approach the person with kindness and invite them to consume the Host. If nothing happens go to the person that distributed Communion.

Why do we blame others for irreverent practices but then we freeze when it comes to us doing something about it? I am blaming myself too for this poor behavior, I do it too and I am not happy about it.

I am sorry if I sound nasty but I have seen a lot of rants about abuses and irreverence but no immediate action (when possible) to correct them. We should be the role models for the other faithfuls too. This is probably part of our cross to bear.

Thanks for taking the first step in asking for suggestions in what to do. Maybe next time you will be a little bit more confident and maybe you will be able to help the young faithful in doing the right thing.👍
 
TomS said:
:(I was very discouraged with something that happened at Mass today. At communion time a young man (about 12-14) received the Host in his hand and instead of consuming it he held it in his hand while walking back toward the pew. I can only hope that he consumed it and did’nt take it home or leave it in the church.

I don’t personally blame the kid, but what kind of religious instruction are these young people receiving. It seems like there is a very cavalier attitute toward the Sacred Species.

I myself receive in the hand because that is what I am used to, but I always check to see if any Particles remain on my hand before I do anything else. I am beginning to think that communion on the tongue should be the way to go. I asolutely love the reverence of the TLM and attend Mass whenever it is offered.

Should I have gone to the priest or deacon and said anything?

Thanks for letting me rant. This really shook me up.

Tom
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Most people will say to let the priest know. However, usually that is too late and the person is long gone. I you feel comfortable I would observe the person and see what they do with the Host. then right after Mass before they leave stop and speak with them. If necessary I demand the Host back if they have not consumed it.
 
Cristiano said:
When you see this kind of things you could consider it your personal responsibility to intervene in a charitable manner. You should approach the person with kindness and invite them to consume the Host. If nothing happens go to the person that distributed Communion.

Why do we blame others for irreverent practices but then we freeze when it comes to us doing something about it? I am blaming myself too for this poor behavior, I do it too and I am not happy about it.

I am sorry if I sound nasty but I have seen a lot of rants about abuses and irreverence but no immediate action (when possible) to correct them. We should be the role models for the other faithfuls too. This is probably part of our cross to bear.
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I was thinking the same thing. Or IMMEDIATELY seek out an usher to assist.
 
the person who witnessed this should have quietly confronted the boy and insist he consume it immediately or called an usher to do so. If necessary, one should follow the child back to his parents and insure they are told what has happened, and be invited to discuss it with a member of the pastoral staff if they themselves are unsure of the proper means of reception.

please don’t just jump on the back of those who instructed this child for first communion. that makes a lot of assumptions. do you know if he even has made 1st communion? has attended RE since that time? has parents who take him to church regularly and receive, so correct action is modelled? do you even know if he is Catholic?
 
the simple response to this is. receiving the body and blood, soul and divinity of our Lady, in the hands should not be permitted, for reasons such as mentioned. It’s sad to see the people receive in the hands from the priest and then give it to themselves as it was some cookie or something.
 
Katholikos33 said:
the simple response to this is. receiving the body and blood, soul and divinity of our Lady, in the hands should not be permitted, for reasons such as mentioned. It’s sad to see the people receive in the hands from the priest and then give it to themselves as it was some cookie or something.
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“receiving the body and blood, soul and divinity of our Lady” What!
 
This very same thing happened during Christmas Eve Mass at my parish. The little boy took the Eucharist back to his seat and started playing with it. Fortunately, the EMHC saw this, immediately went over to child, and told him to consume the host because “this is Jesus!”

My husband, who sat behind the child, wondered how his parents could allow this - and he’s a non-practicing Anglican! Even he was shocked! :eek:
 
Katholikos33 said:
the simple response to this is. receiving the body and blood, soul and divinity of our Lady, in the hands should not be permitted, for reasons such as mentioned. It’s sad to see the people receive in the hands from the priest and then give it to themselves as it was some cookie or something.
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Receiving what is described here is not allowed at all!
 
I personally would not confront the boy myself, since that’s not my place and I wouldn’t want to start a fight in church during Mass. I also wouldn’t ‘insist that he consume the Host’ or ‘demand it back’ since that’s not my job, either. I would, however, speak to the priest if it really concerns you.
 
Thanks for your (name removed by moderator)ut. I will take it up with the pastor next time I see him. I am sure he would not want people walking away with the Lord.

Thanks Again,

Tom
 
osmondfan said:
I personally would not confront the boy myself, since that’s not my place and I wouldn’t want to start a fight in church during Mass. I also wouldn’t ‘insist that he consume the Host’ or ‘demand it back’ since that’s not my job, either. I would, however, speak to the priest if it really concerns you.
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actually it is your job if you witness it, and the priest is hardly available at that time, and you can’t find an usher.
 
I took the matter up with my pastor. He seemed concerned and I am sure he will take appropriate measures.

Have a Blessed New Year!

Tom
 
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