What do I do with mu kids when we receive the Eucharist?

[jgaryCNC]

Hi everyone. As part of my geneology research, I found that my great grandparents attended a Ruthenian Catholic church on one side of the family, and a Hungarian Byzantine Rite church on another side of the family (both in McKeesport, PA).

I attended the Divine Liturgy once as a young child with my grandparents. There are two Ruthenian Catholic churches near me (suburbs of Detroit, MI). I want to attend, with my wife and children.

My concern is that my son (age 8) is making First Communion this spring in our Latin Rite church. My daughter (age 5) is still a few years away. This sacrament is a big deal, and we want to preserve it as a family event (my nephew is making First Communion at the same time).

When we go to our parish, the kids come up to Communion with us, arms crossed, and receive a blessing. So, what do I do with the kids when we go to the Byzantine Rite church? Make them wait in the pew? Talk to the priest ahead of time & ask him to bless them? Thanks, and God bless!

John.

 

[samcarter14]

Hi everyone. As part of my geneology research, I found that my great grandparents attended a Ruthenian Catholic church on one side of the family, and a Hungarian Byzantine Rite church on another side of the family (both in McKeesport, PA).

I attended the Divine Liturgy once as a young child with my grandparents. There are two Ruthenian Catholic churches near me (suburbs of Detroit, MI). I want to attend, with my wife and children.

My concern is that my son (age 8) is making First Communion this spring in our Latin Rite church. My daughter (age 5) is still a few years away. This sacrament is a big deal, and we want to preserve it as a family event (my nephew is making First Communion at the same time).

When we go to our parish, the kids come up to Communion with us, arms crossed, and receive a blessing. So, what do I do with the kids when we go to the Byzantine Rite church? Make them wait in the pew? Talk to the priest ahead of time & ask him to bless them? Thanks, and God bless!

John.

At our church, if our priest is unfamiliar with a family, he looks to the parent when they approach for Communion; usually the parent will, while indicating the child, shake his or her head if they do not wish the child to receive. Then Father gives a blessing to the child and they move on.

Or, even simpler, you can call the parish ahead of time and speak the priest to see what he would like you to do. In general, you can bring your children up with you, and if they aren’t acting like they wish to receive (arms crossed on chest), then the priest will give them a blessing.

 

[Allyson]

In some parishes I have been to, having your arms crossed was a sign that you were receiving communion. I would also call ahead to check with the priest.