I, too, was disappointed with the answer. However, our apologists are doing this in their “spare” time
The original poster said -
our priest thought that receiving twice only pertains to Deacons, extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist not laypeople. He told us the words “participating in a Mass” means the functions a Deacon or extraordinary minister of the Eucharist would preform.
This is typical of the “Spirit of Vatican II” thinking. I had quite an argument with an acquaintance of mine who insisted she knew the documents of VII very well and participation required having a function such as reading or being an altar server, etc.
Now, this would mean that, either everyone in the congregation MUST do something in the Sanctuary, or most of the congregation never participate at Mass.
This is utter nonsense. We participate whether in the congregation or in the sanctuary, when we stand, sit or kneel as required; when we speak the responses; when we listen to the readings and the gospel; when we listen to the homily; when we join our hearts, minds and souls with the bread and wine being offered to God in the Offertory; when we reverently adore Jesus at the Consecration; and when we receive Holy Communion. What else are we doing? How could anyone say we are not participating in the Mass? Is there anything we are not participating in? If we are asleep, nodding off, or thinking about other things, our participation is iffy. But, we certainly do not have to be one of the few who are needed to assist the priest in the sanctuary!
If a priest told me what the OP’s husband was told, I would give him my “you got to be crazy” stare before I would set him right! Yes - I have had some run-ins with a priest or two!! :yup:
