Vatican official suggests reconsidering Communion in the hand

[ProVobis]

If it is indeed a choice, why are some persecuted or questioned on receiving on the tongue when everyone around them receives in the hand? Per Canon Law, isn’t custom the determining factor in cases of dispute? In any case, I don’t think I should feel as if I’m being watched as I receive the Body and Blood of Christ, especially after I’ve gone and made a good confession in preparation. Still thinking the Church made a big mistake in allowing communion in the hand; hasn’t improved reverence and has only served as another divisive element amongst the faithful.

 

[rlg94086]

You’re right… neither side will convince the other. I just pray that if a change is made, that people will be obedient. Obedience is so very important.

What dismays me is the vehemence with which “one side” attacks the “other side”. We must remember that, currently, both sides are being obedient to the Church, and it is not anyone’s place to judge the interior dispositions of either side. God alone is Judge.

In case you or anyone else is wondering, I’m kind of stuck in the middle. I’ve received in the hand for years, and prefer that method for a variety of reasons. However, lately, I like the sense of humility that receiving on the tongue gives, and so now usually receive that way. I don’t really “sweat” the issue, since the Church allows both methods. If she changes back to only on the tongue (or even comes up with some brand new method ) I would obey.

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*“I wish that my heart could beat, that I could live and breathe only for Jesus, I wish that my tongue could utter no other name than that of Jesus; that my eye could see only Jesus; that my pen could write only about Jesus, and that my thoughts could soar to nothing but Jesus. I have often wondered where on earth there might be something on which I could center my love. But neither on earth nor in heaven do I find any such thing but only my beloved Jesus… I am the fruit of your passion, Jesus, born of your wounds. O Jesus, seek me in love; I no longer possess anything; you have stolen my heart…” *- St. Gemma Galgani

Interestingly, while I have obviously heard and read the arguments regarding the reverence of receiving on the tongue, I have never heard someone in a parish say anything regarding receiving on the tongue equivalent to the following which was said during our EMHC meeting: “can’t we make an announcement to people that they have to receive in the hand?” Apprently, they were bothered by placing the Eucharist in someone’s mouth. Obviously, she was a little ignorant of the fact that receiving on the tongue is the norm and receiving in the hand is by indult.

I don’t know what the percentages are at the other Masses at our parish, but I would say that about 65-75% of the people at the Mass I serve receive on the tongue. Now, at that particular Mass, the common prayers are chanted in Latin, so the numbers may be reverse at the other times.

I did have one person (elderly, in wheelchair) who put her hands out and then opened her mouth…that was a tough one.

 

[Antegin]

I remember an incident about three years ago when someone tried to sell on eBay a host that was allegedly consecrated by Pope John Paul the Great. The sellers claimed that they “palmed” the host during one of the outdoor masses at St. Peter’s.

Whether the sellers claims were valid or not, God only knows. But if everybody received on the tongue this could not happen.

 

[seekerz]

I remember an incident about three years ago when someone tried to sell on eBay a host that was allegedly consecrated by Pope John Paul the Great. The sellers claimed that they “palmed” the host during one of the outdoor masses at St. Peter’s.

Whether the sellers claims were valid or not, God only knows. But if everybody received on the tongue this could not happen.

The proper practice when receiving by hand, is to place the Host in one’s mouth in front of the priest, so I don’t see how it could be “palmed”. Of course if things are not done properly, either method of receiving could be abused. People could just as easily remove the host from their mouths on returning to the pew, so it’s a stretch to say this kind of abuse is impossible when receiving on the tongue.

 

[LilyM]

I remember an incident about three years ago when someone tried to sell on eBay a host that was allegedly consecrated by Pope John Paul the Great. The sellers claimed that they “palmed” the host during one of the outdoor masses at St. Peter’s.

Whether the sellers claims were valid or not, God only knows. But if everybody received on the tongue this could not happen.

There were plenty of Black Masses in every century prior to the 20th, that definitely used Consecrated Hosts. None of which, obviously, were obtained by reception in the Hand. More than a few were undoubtedly obtained by receiving on the tongue and then spitting it out, athough there are other means (stealing them from the tabernacle etc).

I dare say numerous people who went to Papal Masses in the 15th or 18th centuries would do similarly with their Hosts and keep them as ‘souvenirs’, whether through ignorance or deliberate malice.

 

[SacredHeartFan]

There were plenty of Black Masses in every century prior to the 20th, that definitely used Consecrated Hosts. None of which, obviously, were obtained by reception in the Hand. More than a few were undoubtedly obtained by receiving on the tongue and then spitting it out, athough there are other means (stealing them from the tabernacle etc).

I dare say numerous people who went to Papal Masses in the 15th or 18th centuries would do similarly with their Hosts and keep them as ‘souvenirs’, whether through ignorance or deliberate malice.

What are “Black Masses”?

 

[LilyM]

What are “Black Masses”?

They are satanic rituals, usually based on perverted forms of the actual prayers and rituals of the Catholic Mass. Frequently they involve desecration of an actual consecrated Host in various ways which I won’t describe in gory detail.

 

[johnstown_johnn]

There were plenty of Black Masses in every century prior to the 20th, that definitely used Consecrated Hosts. None of which, obviously, were obtained by reception in the Hand. More than a few were undoubtedly obtained by receiving on the tongue and then spitting it out, athough there are other means (stealing them from the tabernacle etc).

I dare say numerous people who went to Papal Masses in the 15th or 18th centuries would do similarly with their Hosts and keep them as ‘souvenirs’, whether through ignorance or deliberate malice.

**Black masses were not centered on confiscated Hosts taken from a Catholic church.

Instead there were Catholic priests who had given themselves to Satan and performed Black masses and consecreatd bread and wine at those evil gatherings.

Today, Consecrated Hosts are used for vile and blashemous acts against Jesus in the Eucharist.**

 

[KathleenElsie]

The proper practice when receiving by hand, is to place the Host in one’s mouth in front of the priest, so I don’t see how it could be “palmed”. Of course if things are not done properly, either method of receiving could be abused. People could just as easily remove the host from their mouths on returning to the pew, so it’s a stretch to say this kind of abuse is impossible when receiving on the tongue.

We sit in the first pew so we see alot of the people receive in the hand. There are a great many people that step to the side prior to placing the host into their mouths. Some get as far as where they partake of the chalice. There is no one that polices the actual act of “chew and swallow” and the priest is way too busy to stop the line to make sure each and every host is properly consumed.

My family and I use the tongue and sometimes father is in such a hurry he barely waits till we say AMEN and stick out our tongues.

 

[GemmaRose]

My family and I use the tongue and sometimes father is in such a hurry he barely waits till we say AMEN and stick out our tongues.

Gosh that aggravates me at the time I least wish to be aggravated. How can anyone be in such a hurry so as to not even give me a chance to say “Amen” ?? With a priest like that, I’d much rather receive in the hand since there is a greater risk of the Host falling on the floor while he’s trying to put in on my tongue while I’m trying to say “Amen”.

Over the years, I’ve seen Communion time go from a lengthy but not burdensome time period with maybe two priests giving out Communion to having such a gaggle of priests and EME’s (I know that’s the old term - can’t think of the new name right now) that there’s not even time to sing a verse and refrain of a Communion song before Communion time is over.

What is the rush??? Would the world end if it takes 3-4 minutes to give out Holy Communion rather than 1 minute? I just don’t understand.

Incidentally, I was going to say this in an earlier post, but forgot –

The subject of particles remaining in the hand after receiving in the hand… well, I know most people don’t do this, but when I receive in the hand, I ALWAYS immediately check my hands and if I see anything that even remotely looks like a crumb, I make sure it gets into my mouth, even if I have to lick my palm. If people really believe in the Real Presence and prefer to receive in the hand, they should be doing this already. Unfortunately, there are so many Catholics who do not believe this.

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*“I wish that my heart could beat, that I could live and breathe only for Jesus, I wish that my tongue could utter no other name than that of Jesus; that my eye could see only Jesus; that my pen could write only about Jesus, and that my thoughts could soar to nothing but Jesus. I have often wondered where on earth there might be something on which I could center my love. But neither on earth nor in heaven do I find any such thing but only my beloved Jesus… I am the fruit of your passion, Jesus, born of your wounds. O Jesus, seek me in love; I no longer possess anything; you have stolen my heart…” *- St. Gemma Galgani

 

[rlg94086]

Over the years, I’ve seen Communion time go from a lengthy but not burdensome time period with maybe two priests giving out Communion to having such a gaggle of priests and EME’s (I know that’s the old term - can’t think of the new name right now) that there’s not even time to sing a verse and refrain of a Communion song before Communion time is over.

What is the rush??? Would the world end if it takes 3-4 minutes to give out Holy Communion rather than 1 minute? I just don’t understand.

I heartily agree. We went to one parish, while on a family trip, with about 15-20 EMHCs. It was ridiculous, and they didn’t consume the blood properly at the end of communion. They just placed the glass chalices on the corner table to be taken care of after Mass…no time I guess.

 

[GemmaRose]

15-20 EMHCs ???

I think I’ve seen fewer vendors in Yankee Stadium!

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*“I wish that my heart could beat, that I could live and breathe only for Jesus, I wish that my tongue could utter no other name than that of Jesus; that my eye could see only Jesus; that my pen could write only about Jesus, and that my thoughts could soar to nothing but Jesus. I have often wondered where on earth there might be something on which I could center my love. But neither on earth nor in heaven do I find any such thing but only my beloved Jesus… I am the fruit of your passion, Jesus, born of your wounds. O Jesus, seek me in love; I no longer possess anything; you have stolen my heart…” *- St. Gemma Galgani

 

[rlg94086]

15-20 EMHCs ???

I think I’ve seen fewer vendors in Yankee Stadium!

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*“I wish that my heart could beat, that I could live and breathe only for Jesus, I wish that my tongue could utter no other name than that of Jesus; that my eye could see only Jesus; that my pen could write only about Jesus, and that my thoughts could soar to nothing but Jesus. I have often wondered where on earth there might be something on which I could center my love. But neither on earth nor in heaven do I find any such thing but only my beloved Jesus… I am the fruit of your passion, Jesus, born of your wounds. O Jesus, seek me in love; I no longer possess anything; you have stolen my heart…” *- St. Gemma Galgani

Due to the musical choices and style of the parish, my 14-year-old came out of Mass and said “what do they think this is…a Broadway show?”

My kids miss the reverence of our local parish when we travel. The kneeling, the Latin, the vestments, the bells, the use of patens (by two of our army of altar boys…usually 6-8 of them), the care with which our pastor cleans the vessels, etc. We’ve only been going to such a parish for a little over a year, but they are hooked. My 8-year-old even asked this morning if she could start wearing a mantilla.

 

[GemmaRose]

I was reading through some posts on the EWTN forum and one was talking about Eucharistic Ministers opening the tabernacle even when the priest is present. Although the poster’s point was that this could contribute to a watering down of faith in the Real Presence, I could not help but think about this also being a symptom of let’s-rush-through-this-Mass-as-quickly-as-we-can. Instead of the prayerful silence as we wait for Father to go to the tabernacle, while he’s doing one thing someone else goes to the tabernacle.

Upon further reflection, however, I know of parishes where if Mass dare last anytime over 45 minutes, they start complaining to the Bishop’s Office (“Father preaches too long.” etc.)

I know this sounds terrible, but sometimes I wish that people who felt this way would just stay home and let us have a beautiful, unrushed, Mass. Let Father preach as long as he wants. Let Communion time last as long as it takes. Let the choir finish a song!

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*“I wish that my heart could beat, that I could live and breathe only for Jesus, I wish that my tongue could utter no other name than that of Jesus; that my eye could see only Jesus; that my pen could write only about Jesus, and that my thoughts could soar to nothing but Jesus. I have often wondered where on earth there might be something on which I could center my love. But neither on earth nor in heaven do I find any such thing but only my beloved Jesus… I am the fruit of your passion, Jesus, born of your wounds. O Jesus, seek me in love; I no longer possess anything; you have stolen my heart…” *- St. Gemma Galgani

 

[KathleenElsie]

I was reading through some posts on the EWTN forum and one was talking about Eucharistic Ministers opening the tabernacle even when the priest is present. Although the poster’s point was that this could contribute to a watering down of faith in the Real Presence, I could not help but think about this also being a symptom of let’s-rush-through-this-Mass-as-quickly-as-we-can. Instead of the prayerful silence as we wait for Father to go to the tabernacle, while he’s doing one thing someone else goes to the tabernacle.

Upon further reflection, however, I know of parishes where if Mass dare last anytime over 45 minutes, they start complaining to the Bishop’s Office (“Father preaches too long.” etc.)

I know this sounds terrible, but sometimes I wish that people who felt this way would just stay home and let us have a beautiful, unrushed, Mass. Let Father preach as long as he wants. Let Communion time last as long as it takes. Let the choir finish a song! Yes one part of a four part song just does not do it for me. When written the song had a story to tell and the whole thing needs to be finished.

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*“I wish that my heart could beat, that I could live and breathe only for Jesus, I wish that my tongue could utter no other name than that of Jesus; that my eye could see only Jesus; that my pen could write only about Jesus, and that my thoughts could soar to nothing but Jesus. I have often wondered where on earth there might be something on which I could center my love. But neither on earth nor in heaven do I find any such thing but only my beloved Jesus… I am the fruit of your passion, Jesus, born of your wounds. O Jesus, seek me in love; I no longer possess anything; you have stolen my heart…” *- St. Gemma Galgani

But then again those that are doing the complaining need to be here even more. We need to pray for them.

 

[tiffinwood]

At the Last Supper Christ broke the bread and handed it to the disciples. This was the early practice of the Church not receiving on the tongue.

I grew up pre VII and feel that I can be just as reverent either way and certainly more comfortable receiving by hand.

 

[MrS]

At the Last Supper Christ broke the bread and handed it to the disciples. This was the early practice of the Church not receiving on the tongue.

I grew up pre VII and feel that I can be just as reverent either way and certainly more comfortable receiving by hand.

Good for you. Remember now, that when you are being ordained a priest and bishop, as the Apostles were at the Last Supper, you too will be handed the Sacred Host.

And if you ever get a chance to feed the 5000, remember that it was only the Apostles who came back to Jesus for more food to feed the multitudes. They did not come up and get their own, nor did they collect the remainder.

Sorry if I seem sarcastic… well, actually, no I guess I am not. But I do get a bit tired of the example of the Last Supper being equated with laity and communion in the hand.

.

 

[LilyM]

**Black masses were not centered on confiscated Hosts taken from a Catholic church.

Instead there were Catholic priests who had given themselves to Satan and performed Black masses and consecreatd bread and wine at those evil gatherings.

Today, Consecrated Hosts are used for vile and blashemous acts against Jesus in the Eucharist.**

And you were there way back when and know all about how it happened, of course.

There have always been ways to get hold of consecrated Hosts for such a purpose without a priest needing to be present to consecrate them.

 

[johnstown_johnn]

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And you were there way back when and know all about how it happened, of course.

There have always been ways to get hold of consecrated Hosts for such a purpose without a priest needing to be present to consecrate them.

To have a Black Mass a Catholic priest is required. To have other “rituals” stolen Hosts were and are used and defiled. Many “priests” have sold their souls, apparantly.

 

[LilyM]

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To have a Black Mass a Catholic priest is required. To have other “rituals” stolen Hosts were and are used and defiled. Many “priests” have sold their souls, apparantly.

Aah, so I’ve not used the correct terminology. Thanks for the correction :tiphat: