What do we do with young children during Communion?

[ChiroCatholic]

If I understand correctly, one should not enter the Communion line if desiring only a blessing and is not planning to receive the Eucharist. However, we are expecting our first child and this got me thinking. Should we leave our child (before the age of reason) in the pew while receiving Communion? (It seems imprudent, at least when the kiddo is still very young!)

If we do bring our children with us, do we reject any blessings offered by EMHCs? Or should we make an effort to get into a line with a priest or deacon instead?

I just want to do the right thing.

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

A very small child should not be left in the pew unless there is also someone capable of supervising him who won’t be receiving Communion. Carry a non-ambulatory child; a child who can walk well can walk.

If your parish offers blessings to those who don’t receive Communion, there is no reason those people should not enter the Communion line to receive a blessing if they wish. If blessings are not offered, those who do not receive can make a spiritual communion at their seat.

Receiving a blessing from an EMHC is a gray area. If you do not feel comfortable with it, don’t “refuse” or “reject” a blessing by an EMHC but seek to enter a line for a priest or deacon. If the priest and/or deacon has a “regular” line that he serves, you can arrange before Mass to sit in the pews that will receive from the priest or deacon.