Sorry, ANOTHER Q on EMHCs

[NanaGigi]

This is getting ridiculous. I thought I have known the answer for a long time and then I get whammoed by the Pastor and Pastoral Associate, who REPORTEDLY told the catechumen I sponsor, that ANYONE COULD GIVE HER A BLESSING. I disputed this. I said well, yes, the EMHC could say something like, “May God bless you” or something like that but it isn’t a blessing.

You must understand that our parish has MANY people who are not able to receive Holy Communion. The former Pastor and current Pastor have always tried to make them feel part of the community by telling them that, if they cannot receive for some reason (it’s mostly unconvalidated marriages), they should feel free to come up for a blessing - they haven’t made it clear the people should be in THEIR line and our EMHCs have not been instructed properly. Some refuse to do anything and people get hurt feelings. One actually came up to my catechumen last Sunday to ask why she hadn’t come to HER line for a blessing (and she was distributing the Precious Blood!!!). AAAACK!

I am at a loss. Are there written instructions anywhere? I need to get this straightened out pronto! Thanks for your help.

Gigi

 

[mosher]

zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=71485

 

[John_Lilburne]

There are no instructions for anyone (bishhops, priests, deacons or EMHCs) to bless during the distribution of Communion.

My view is that it should not happen.

 

[CRW]

This is getting ridiculous. I thought I have known the answer for a long time and then I get whammoed by the Pastor and Pastoral Associate, who REPORTEDLY told the catechumen I sponsor, that ANYONE COULD GIVE HER A BLESSING. I disputed this. I said well, yes, the EMHC could say something like, “May God bless you” or something like that but it isn’t a blessing.

You must understand that our parish has MANY people who are not able to receive Holy Communion. The former Pastor and current Pastor have always tried to make them feel part of the community by telling them that, if they cannot receive for some reason (it’s mostly unconvalidated marriages), they should feel free to come up for a blessing - they haven’t made it clear the people should be in THEIR line and our EMHCs have not been instructed properly. Some refuse to do anything and people get hurt feelings. One actually came up to my catechumen last Sunday to ask why she hadn’t come to HER line for a blessing (and she was distributing the Precious Blood!!!). AAAACK!

I am at a loss. Are there written instructions anywhere? I need to get this straightened out pronto! Thanks for your help.

Gigi

Although EMHC’s are not authorized to give blessings for non-communicants, The Book of Blessing (your priest will have one) has many blessing where lay can give blessings. For example, your Christmas Tree, Advent Wreath, and your children and many others. Ask to review it and you will be surprised.

 

[Karin]

This is getting ridiculous. I thought I have known the answer for a long time and then I get whammoed by the Pastor and Pastoral Associate, who REPORTEDLY told the catechumen I sponsor, that ANYONE COULD GIVE HER A BLESSING. I disputed this. I said well, yes, the EMHC could say something like, “May God bless you” or something like that but it isn’t a blessing.

You must understand that our parish has MANY people who are not able to receive Holy Communion. The former Pastor and current Pastor have always tried to make them feel part of the community by telling them that, if they cannot receive for some reason (it’s mostly unconvalidated marriages), they should feel free to come up for a blessing - they haven’t made it clear the people should be in THEIR line and our EMHCs have not been instructed properly. Some refuse to do anything and people get hurt feelings. One actually came up to my catechumen last Sunday to ask why she hadn’t come to HER line for a blessing (and she was distributing the Precious Blood!!!). AAAACK!

I am at a loss. Are there written instructions anywhere? I need to get this straightened out pronto! Thanks for your help.

Gigi

why people go up for a blessing I will never understand…the Priest gives everyone a blessing at the end of Mass…thank God our church does not use EMHC’s and our priest(s) do not hand out blessings on the Communion line!