Unable to cross arms at communion

[Spyridon]

Unfortunately, the subject of who does and doesn’t go to Communion sometimes becomes the subject of gossip.

“Blessed are you when men speak evil of you falsely for my sake.”

Not only would you receive a blessing at the end of Mass, then you’d receive a double blessing from God for people gossiping about you.

Double win.

 

[Hereiam]

If the local Bishop allows it, and the presiding priest allows and invites adult parishioners to come forward for a blessing, with or without children, then why is it being debated here?

Pretty much wraps it up. But the pseudo canonist can’t pass on a good legalistic argument.

 

[Spyridon]

Another reason I don’t like going up to receive a blessing in the communion line is because of the confusion using the crossed arms posture creates with the East.

In the Slavic usage of the Byzantine Rite, the normal posture for Communicants going up to receive is arms crossed.

So Romans going in line with arms crossed as a sign of being unable to receive creates a bit of a disconnect between Orient and Occident.

 

[stpurl]

Because it wasn’t being ‘debated here’, perhaps?

Can you tell me what, exactly, is wrong or debatable about telling a mother with a 3 week old infant that she does not, never did, never will have to 'come up in the communion line for a blessing?"

Isn’t that correct teaching? No Catholic MUST come up in the communion line to receive a blessing?

 

[AlbertDerGrosse]

I was vaguely aware of this difference between orient and occident, but do you mean that when you approach you get confused as to which liturgy you’re at?

 

[Spyridon]

No, it isn’t called for. Of course with 70% of young people leaving the church in their teens or early twenties, eliminating the “foolish” inclusivity might raise that to 85%

Hasta luego.

I say let 99% of them go if that’s their attitude.

The Church will be stronger with a more devoted flock.

Hoardes of lukewarm material heretics weaken the Church, they don’t strengthen her.

 

[Spyridon]

but do you mean that when you approach you get confused as to which liturgy you’re at?

No…

My motto:

“When in Rome, do as the Romans. When in Constantinople, do as the Byzantines.”

Tomorrow I’ll be in Constantinople, so I shall pray as a Byzantine.

 

[stpurl]

Plus, the idea seems to be that all those ‘young people’ that we’re supposed to be so tender and inclusive of will leave and never return.

These forums alone show how often somebody who ‘leaves’, returns. . . and also how seldom it usually is that the person takes a hike because of wrongdoing (or perceived wrongdoing) by some priest or people. Usually the drifter just. . .drifts. And what brings them back isn’t a hunger for inclusivity (which they can get at the nearest Starbucks) but a hunger for God --the real thing-- and a realization of their own ‘lacks’, NOT their own ‘inflated self-worth’.

 

[Lara]

I don’t mind the practice of going up for a blessing because it pacifies my Protestant in-laws so they feel included. They’re probably not even aware of the final blessing. If you asked them how many times they were blessed at Mass, I bet you they’d say one.

Plus it prevents them from receiving the Communion unworthily. One in-law thought she could just take Communion even though she’s Alliance. When I warned the Priest she would be attending and would likely do this, he told everybody who was not Catholic or not disposed to come up for a blessing.

 

[JimG]

The biggest problem I see with going up specifically for a blessing, other than it not being part of the liturgy, is that some parishes have a very large number of EMHC’s. And EMHC’s cannot give blessings.

I have seen parents bring toddlers up to communion with them, the toddlers holding the parent’s hand as they receive, and then return to the pew, with nobody receiving a blessing.

 

[StephieNorthCo]

You reminded me of one time at church with one of the (now retired) Pastors…

Parents and a little pre-first communion kidlet in front of me in the communion line. Kidlet gets to front of line. Our pastor tells her with a big grin on his face “do you know how much Jesus loves you?”

I don’t know, but to me, that was a beautiful and special moment.

 

[DaveBj]

This was never a practice in the Church. If a person was not going to receive, the person stayed in the pew.

This is true, and if I am not disposed to receive Holy Communtion, that is precisely what I do.

Unfortunately, this horse has not only left he barn; he’s way into the next state by now.

D

 

[joeybaggz]

joeybaggz:

No, it isn’t called for. Of course with 70% of young people leaving the church in their teens or early twenties, eliminating the “foolish” inclusivity might raise that to 85%

Hasta luego.

I say let 99% of them go if that’s their attitude.

The Church will be stronger with a more devoted flock.

Hoardes of lukewarm material heretics weaken the Church, they don’t strengthen her.

Now let me get this straight; this is the church founded on Him who said, “I will leave the 99 and go in search of the one missing…”
Spyridon say, “let the 99 go, and I will sit here with the one who pleases me…”
Ponderous man, ponderous.

 

[Spyridon]

Spyridon say, “let the 99 go, and I will sit here with the one who pleases me…”
Ponderous man, ponderous.

It’s the same Church that Jesus said “many are called, but few are chosen” and “enter by the narrow gate, for many are lost.”

Two can play the game you started pal.

 

[joeybaggz]

It’s the same Church that Jesus said “many are called, but few are chosen” and “enter by the narrow gate, for many are lost.”

That might be the most Protestant example of a Catholic ripping a verse from scripture and using it out of context to argue a point (at least on this thread) to which it doesn’t apply. What in the name of Sweet Sister Sadie does that have to do with small children feeling included in mass. Especially when those in authority permit it.

Oh and by the way, this is the church founded on him who admonished his apostles, "do not withhold the little ones from me?’ NO?? Or maybe you missed that one,

 

[Spyridon]

You’re the one who wants an argument and is creating tension.

I’m done derailing this thread arguing with Mr. Bagg.

 

[pensmama87]

In our parish, it’s common for parents to take their children up with them and get a blessing.

The blessing is incidental, though. I bring my younger kids up with me so they don’t get into trouble. Some priests bless them, some don’t.

 

[joeybaggz]

You’re the one who wants an argument and is creating tension.

Thank you for showing your true colors. I find it interesting that someone who takes a position in opposition to the arrogant and judgmental “guardians of orthodoxy” is creating tension. What you are saying is your position, and those aligned with you, are right and anyone who doesn’t agree is “creating tension.” Spy, you are emblematic of those who believe that only you have the true answers and all others who don’t agree need be either ignored or expunged from these threads. 75% of baptized Catholics have turned their back on the faith, and you and those who think like you, are a big part of the problem. Of course, in your mind, that could never be true.
I like your position that arguing for the inclusion of children and all who want to experience in a personal way, the beauty of the Lord in the Eucharist, even when they can’t partake, is derailing a thread that is aimed particularly at that situation.
Ponderous, man, ponderous.

 

[Spyridon]

Well okay then Judge Joey Baggs.

I guess I’m gonna go to hell for giving people suggestions and wishing to see the Church purified.

 

[hope]

I have never heard that before. Do you have a document that I could reference that it is up to the local Bishop. I have never heard a bishop say anything either way.