This is absurd. The Church managed to distribute communion without the help of the laity for centuries. If people were at the communion rail, kneeling, instead of standing in a line, you’d be surprised how quickly very many can receive very quickly. Besides, should speed really be a determining factor on how people receive the Lord of Lords?
There ya go again, P.P. Picking against Church lawful practices.
Yes, but all this focus on what goes on inside the walls of the Church is the very thing the Pope seems to be warning us against, if I may put it that way.
No, just refuting an absurd claim. Besides, the Church allows the laity to debate best practices as long as they don’t question the validity of the Mass. - wdtprs.com/blog/2012/08/important-pced-response-to-two-dubia-about-legitimacy-in-universae-ecclesiae/
It was definitely implied.
I’m saying nobody knows what goes on outside the church walls in the lives of these persons, and to make such a statement is judgmental. I personally know many EMHC’s and/or Lectors who are actively serving others unselfishly in ministries besides that of the altar.
Perhaps I am confused here, but I am not seeing anything where the Pope says what you claim. Can you please provide an actual quote from Francis that says that the “task of the laity isn’t to read or distribute communon at Mass”. I even did a search for something to that effect but came up empty.
I did. And the entire article. He does not say he is “against lay readers/EMHCs.” And I’m not the only one who has pointed this out to you.
Again very thoughtful and valid points made here. As a relatively recent convert, I was not aware of the practice of only clergy distributing Communion and the use of altar rails. However I have occasionally attended Mass at a very traditional parish. Very formal, very different. There are Altar BOYS, altar rails and the Priest alone distributes Communion. This is a large church and it’s invariably packed. You are correct that this is not a slow process at all (not that speed is the objective) and I think much more respectful of the Body and Blood of Christ when from a priest or deacon than from a layperson who doesn’t seem to take this task with the kind of respect and seriousness along with the joy that this honor really deserves. When the EMHC is wearing shorts, a tee shirt and flip flops, it doesn’t have the same impact as from a priest.
I think what he’s saying is we need to go out of ourFolks, I really hope this will not turn into a ministry-bashing session, which is really a personal opinion in conflict with what the Church has instituted and permitted as valid ministries.
As St. Teresa of Avila is reputed as saying on her deathbed in a three-fold declaration, “I am a Daughter of the Church.” She, and other saints and Doctors of the Church have expressed well and often that we are to obey, not criticize, if we would please Our Lord.
That being said, who is to say that those who minister at the altar do not also minister in good works outside of the Church? Isn’t that judgmental? I know some who also take communion to the hospitals, visit the sick in nursing homes, attend gatherings to pray for others in need, and the list could go on and on.
You should put what the Church says above what an individual on an internet forum says. And Holy Mother Church says you can volunteer to serve a role in Mass.
Again I think you are reading way too much into the statements made. You say such was inferred but the poster has no control over how YOU feel about the statement. Perhaps you were mistaken?
You keep coming back to this supposed distinction made by Francis between those who serve at Mass in a bad way and those who do so in a good way. I ask again, do you have a source to back up this distinction?
You finally got it! – "rather than". Nowhere does he say lay persons should not serve at the altar at all.
Whoa there, P.P. You make some pretty tall leaps as you reinterpret what is being said there. [As you have done within this thread, also]
This applies also here in L&S. forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=762798
Pope Francis MAY know SOME who petitioned on their knees, but I do not ascribe to that implication. How many priests would verify that statement as** true**? How many get on their knees and ask for clericalization? If ANY do so, it is a miniscule minority that lacks proper understanding of ministry and needs to be properly catechized.
And the above quote is how I understood his message.
Yes, but all this focus on what goes on inside the walls of the Church is the very thing the Pope seems to be warning us against, if I may put it that way.
I’m involved with Saint Paul Street Evangelization and this is a wonderful way to get out of the pews and speak of the joy of our faith. I would definitely look into this as a very non-threatening way to reach out.
