Skipping Communion Line because of Status

  • Thread starter Thread starter CatholicMomm
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
Don_Ruggero said:
As a priest, i would caution against too ready of a willingness to do this.

Over the many years, I have done many things that are outside of the typical. I remember cases of persons I allowed to assist at Mass in the sacristy or in the choir loft, as but one example. As the parish priest I allowed it and I knew the reason for doing so. It was my decision. It did not concern anyone else nor was it not any of their affair…in any way.

I have had, over the years, people who wished to sit in a corner apart because they were contending with something they did not wish to expose to others as well as others with the reverse situation…who had a compromised immune system, for one reason or another, and needed to limit exposure to others – conditions which also are not the concern of anyone beyond whom they choose to share that with.

I have on occasion reminded overly inquisitive parishioners that they needed to curb and to mortify their curiosity, above all in things with which they have absolutely no concern. rankly, I have found too great of a desire to satisfy vain and idle curiosity at the needless discomfort of others.

If someone needs a special provision made for them, it is enough that they have the need of a special provision and that their parish priest has accommodated the needed provision.

In the matter of the original post, if the person in question has received the Eucharist in an atypical fashion by arrangement of the celebrant of the Mass, it is the celebrant of the Mass who is the minister of the Eucharist and the matter rests with him – and is certainly not in the jurisdiction or prerogative of review of a lay person sitting in the nave.

Similarly, if the person had to leave before the dismissal, again the lay person attending Mass is not a liturgical policeman. The person who left early…and indeed any other…does not owe any lay member of the liturgical assembly an explanation; they may owe one to the parish priest but not to a fellow lay person attending Mass.
Click to expand...
Thank you for this amazing explanation Father.
 
This is why my eyes are closed before and after communion. I don’t want to be watching others, because if I’m watching others, I’m probably going to judge them too. I focus on the priests actions then bow my head and pray, then after communion, if I don’t sing, I also bow my head and pray rather than watching everyone else line up and receive.

I would suggest focusing on why you are there (ie, the Eucharist), and quit worrying about everyone else. The provost might not hold him/herself in high status, it may all be the priest. Provost may in fact have been embarrassed by the action and that’s why he/she left? Who knows?
 
Don_Ruggero said:
As a priest, i would caution against too ready of a willingness to do this.

Over the many years, I have done many things that are outside of the typical. I remember cases of persons I allowed to assist at Mass in the sacristy or in the choir loft, as but one example. As the parish priest I allowed it and I knew the reason for doing so. It was my decision. It did not concern anyone else nor was it not any of their affair…in any way.

I have had, over the years, people who wished to sit in a corner apart because they were contending with something they did not wish to expose to others as well as others with the reverse situation…who had a compromised immune system, for one reason or another, and needed to limit exposure to others – conditions which also are not the concern of anyone beyond whom they choose to share that with.

I have on occasion reminded overly inquisitive parishioners that they needed to curb and to mortify their curiosity, above all in things with which they have absolutely no concern. rankly, I have found too great of a desire to satisfy vain and idle curiosity at the needless discomfort of others.

If someone needs a special provision made for them, it is enough that they have the need of a special provision and that their parish priest has accommodated the needed provision.

In the matter of the original post, if the person in question has received the Eucharist in an atypical fashion by arrangement of the celebrant of the Mass, it is the celebrant of the Mass who is the minister of the Eucharist and the matter rests with him – and is certainly not in the jurisdiction or prerogative of review of a lay person sitting in the nave.

Similarly, if the person had to leave before the dismissal, again the lay person attending Mass is not a liturgical policeman. The person who left early…and indeed any other…does not owe any lay member of the liturgical assembly an explanation; they may owe one to the parish priest but not to a fellow lay person attending Mass.
Click to expand...
:clapping: Well said!
 
CatholicMomm said:
I forgot to mention he also left right after communion without the final blessing. I have no idea why this is bothering me but I will put it in prayer. Thank you
Click to expand...
That is the question. Why does it bother you? This sounds rude but it is truly none of your business. You must not be concerned about whether or not some one else humbles himself or herself. You should only be concerned about your own humility and tendency to judge others without knowing any of the facts. In the first place these facts that are not your business to know.
 
When we go forward to receive the lord we should only have our eyes on Him. If we are casting our eyes about to see mistakes in other people we do not have our hearts on Christ.
 
In regards to leaving early, he may have pressing business with the University. There is no obligation to attend daily Mass. I have had to leave daily Masses early if I had to be somewhere else.
 
thequeen said:
Thank you for this amazing explanation Father.
Click to expand...
Yes, it’s great that Catholic Answers provides a Forum where we ordinary folks can come to discuss and learn and grow.

Thank you CatholicMomm and Fr Don Ruggero (and others). 🙂
 
CatholicMomm said:
I forgot to mention he also left right after communion without the final blessing. I have no idea why this is bothering me but I will put it in prayer. Thank you
Click to expand...
It’s best to refrain from taking another person’s moral inventory. We don’t know what the provost’s schedule was. In all fairness he could have been off to an important meeting or on a trip and had asked the priest for early Communion due to a pressing engagement. Or he could be an arrogant jerk. It’s not for us to decide.
 
Would never occur to me to assess others. I am also very busy juggling my walking aid to free my hands…
And i am one who avoids the main pews as I am immuno-compromised.Many masses i have spent just outside the doors for that reason. Maybe folk have thought I was late but tough.
Many leave right after communion, like the man in the high vis who gets to early mass before work .

Just love us all; God does.
 
CatholicMomm said:
I work at a University with a church inside. This morning I noticed the altar boy go to the Provost separately to hand him communion privately while the very small 8am crowd went to the middle. I was disheartened and don’t want to judge him as someone whom exalts himself but if this is the case is not the priest enabling this exaltation of self. I’m hoping there is a church explanation for this but I’ve gone to mass daily and never saw anything like it. I heard the priest say “so and so is here…” which I’m guessing was the instruction to give him communion separately. He also sits away from everyone else.

My husband says God will humble those who exalt themselves. I’ve been going to mass daily here for almost a year and this high level executive I’ve seen the past 2 days with this special treatment. I find it hard to be in the middle of this experience. May I please have your thoughts. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Frankly, this is none of your business.

Matthew 7:1-2

1 Stop judging, that you may not be judged.

2 For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.
 
I have seen some strange things at Mass or at least thought I did. So I certainly understand how the OP feels. Don Ruggero gave a very good answer though and it is nice OP was allowed to ask here at CAF:D.
 
When I see stuff like this, I am usually reminded of Jesus’ words to Peter when he asked whether John would live to see His return - “What is that to you? Follow Me.” 🙂
 
PDXSeeker_1975 said:
When I see stuff like this, I am usually reminded of Jesus’ words to Peter when he asked whether John would live to see His return - “What is that to you? Follow Me.” 🙂
Click to expand...
Amen and if someone seems to want to go ahead of me in line? I smile and stand aside. Grace always and giving in love there of all places.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top