What can a non-Catholic do during communion?

[PacoG]

If it’s allowed in some churches during the Liturgy then it should be allowed in all. No priest would refuse someone who requested a Blessing.

That would be mean-spirited after all it has nothing to do with receiving a Sacrament.

There are times and places where requesting a blessing from the priest or deacon is appropriate (i.e. after Mass when the priest is greeting people or in the sacristy).

The Communion line is for those receiving the sacrament.

 

[CarolNoel]

Not necessarily. Check with the priest. It’s not a part of the liturgy, and therefore is not allowed everywhere.

Exactly! I is not done everywhere, so please make sure it is ok before you go up.

 

[Netty1]

This subject has been extensively discussed on this forum and official documents posted on it. According to the Vatican** it is not appropriate** for someone to go up for a blessing during distribution of Holy Communion and even more inappropriate for someone to approach an extraordinary minister for such a blessing.

As has been stated and re stated you will receive a blessing in a few minutes anyway.

Receiving Holy Communion is a Sacrament.

I know that many Parishes allow it and many Priests encourage people to do it.

That does not in any way make it appropriate.

I am a Catholic and often do not receive for any number of reasons. On those occasions I make what is called a Spiritual Communion.

I have to say that I did not know this until I read it here on CAF and then looked it up for myself!

Here there is no indication that a blessing is not part of the liturgy and I was encouraged to go for a blessing when I was in RCIA, though I didn’t go up many times simply because I felt so self-conscious. I mostly stuck with the spiritual communion from St. Alphonsus Liguori and remained in my seat.

I have seen both Bishops and Archbishops give blessings in the communion line here in the UK. .:ehh:

 

[Tigg]

If it’s allowed in some churches during the Liturgy then it should be allowed in all. No priest would refuse someone who requested a Blessing.

That would be mean-spirited after all it has nothing to do with receiving a Sacrament.

…“after all it has nothing to do with receiving a Sacrament.” True - then why be in the communion line which is meant only for the reception of the Eucharist? It is controversial and not a practice of the universal Church. Catechists and those who prepare kids for 1st Communion generally are against it because it confuses. We are trying to instill belief in the Real Presence and encourage anticipation of the “big day” when they will finally receive Jesus Himself. Why would you want to receive something - a blessing (which you’ll get moments later anyway) when you can receive Someone - the Lord of Lords.

You should read Redemptionis Sacramentum which states nothing should be added (or deleted) from the liturgy.

 

[bben15]

I kneel in my pew and pray during the distribution. However, don’t close your eyes while you’re praying. Yesterday, someone thought I was asleep when I was really praying. They tried to wake me up.

 

[Honour]

Blessings are debated, and not standard in all parishes. I had bad experiences with it even in a church where the RCIA team. Now I stay in the pew and pray…works much better, no anxiety issues, and no worries about the blessing debate.

 

[Honour]

There is no rule against it. The only limitation is that only Catholics and Catholic converts may receive the Eucharist.

A convert to Catholicism is a Catholic. Why make the distinction?

 

[beccasmiles89]

Thank you all for the suggestions and advice!! Y’all have been very helpful! This past Sunday, I prayed an Act of Spiritual Communion, as several of you suggested - it’s perfect for where I am at in my spiritual journey right now, and I definitely plan to use this prayer every Sunday. Thank you!!

 

[liturgyluver]

I have to say that I did not know this until I read it here on CAF and then looked it up for myself!

Here there is no indication that a blessing is not part of the liturgy and I was encouraged to go for a blessing when I was in RCIA, though I didn’t go up many times simply because I felt so self-conscious. I mostly stuck with the spiritual communion from St. Alphonsus Liguori and remained in my seat.

I have seen both Bishops and Archbishops give blessings in the communion line here in the UK. .:ehh:

In England and Wales the Archbishops have decreed that blessings at communion are not only permitted they are encouraged (and the Vatican is fully aware of this). As others have said practice varies in different episcopates so you can do whatever is appropriate practice in your own area. Incidently I have also seen it done in St Peter’s Rome and elsewhere in Italy.

The sticky referred to earlier says nothing about this pratice not being permitted - it was written in the context of lay people giving blessings during communion and it is this which is not permitted.

 

[Elizium23]

The sticky referred to earlier says nothing about this pratice not being permitted - it was written in the context of lay people giving blessings during communion and it is this which is not permitted.

Actually, both the question and the answer explicitly mentioned clerics: the question mentioned Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and the answer refers to “pastors” as well as the liturgical blessing given in the Mass (always by the presider) - so the scope of the issue is not limited to lay EMHCs and this Congregation really does have some things to say about the widespread abuse of this practice. While it is not a blanket prohibition, it certainly mentions specific circumstances under which people are not to get a blessing at all, from anyone.

 

[Michael57]

OP,

Welcome on your journey home to the Catholic Church. Please read the sticky note provided by the moderators at the top of this forum regarding “blessings” at communion time. It gives a thorough explanation as to why it is NOT a good or approved practice to come forward for a blessing at communion time.

I suggest making a spiritual communion while sitting or kneeling in the pew, maybe using the prayer provided by a PP. Praying silently or singing along with the choir is also a wonderful practice at this time.

Thank you for the reference. I had no idea that this was a practice in dispute. I will wait with interest in the final determination, and in the meantime refrain from recommending or endorsing this in any way.

I learn so much here. And I stand corrected.