When to sit after communion

[Ohana]

We tend to kneel until the priest and deacon sit, and that is not until the consecrated hosts are placed back in the chapel. I sort of sit kneel to be honest (knees). We are pretty consistent I think. It is helpful that our priest faces the ciborium as it is carried (elevated) out of the church and to the chapel. Then he sits, gives everyone a moment to conclude their private prayers, the does the concluding rite. it works.

 

[YoungTradCath]

We tend to kneel until the priest and deacon sit, and that is not until the consecrated hosts are placed back in the chapel. I sort of sit kneel to be honest (knees). We are pretty consistent I think. It is helpful that our priest faces the ciborium as it is carried (elevated) out of the church and to the chapel. Then he sits, gives everyone a moment to conclude their private prayers, the does the concluding rite. it works.

If you scoot a little further up and instead kneel on your upper shins, it may relieve your knees.

 

[Bookcat]

Seems one is free…to sit or kneel right after Communion.

In 2003 the Congr. for Divine Worship responded to a dubium on the question of what to do right after Communion:

adoremus.org/Kneeling-CDW-response03.html

Unless something has changed I assume it still the case…(one can contact CA apologists too…they may have more info).

 

[zab]

Seems one is free…to sit or kneel right after Communion.

In 2003 the Congr. for Divine Worship responded to a dubium on the question of what to do right after Communion:

adoremus.org/Kneeling-CDW-response03.html

Unless something has changed I assume it still the case…(one can contact CA apologists too…they may have more info).

As I recall, Some bishops gave an instruction that we were to remain standing when coming back from Communion. The Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments responded to a question regarding this instruction. They stated that the instruction should not be so rigidly set as to deny persons the choice to kneel or to sit when returning from Communion. But for the sake of the OP’s question, my response and that of others pertained to those who are already kneeling,

 

[Brendan]

Seems one is free…to sit or kneel right after Communion.

In 2003 the Congr. for Divine Worship responded to a dubium on the question of what to do right after Communion:

adoremus.org/Kneeling-CDW-response03.html

Unless something has changed I assume it still the case…(one can contact CA apologists too…they may have more info).

The OP’s question was not if one was ABLE to sit after Communion, but noting that there were differences in what was commonly done. In some parishes, everyone sits when the tabernacle is closed, in other, it was when the priest sits down.

I don’t think it was a question in regards to either being specifically mandated, but rather what some common practices are.

 

[CB_Catholic]

That is why I asked the question…see at my parish, it isn’t in unison. Many people sit once the eucharist ministers close the tabernacle, but another large number sit after the priest has finished purifying the vessels (but just before he turns to go to his seat), others remain kneeling until the priest then arises to start the Concluding Rite. Some small number sit when the priest sits.

The 5 eucharistic ministers always are kneeling the last, because they are the last ones to return to their pew and they want some time to pray after the communion. Sometimes they are still kneeling and praying after the priest begins the Concluding Rites.

So with so many different times people in our parish sit from kneeling, I thought we should be consistent.

I think people, after Communion, should take the posture they pray best in. It is not necessary for everyone to always be perfectly uniform, that is why the Church says people may sit, stand, or kneel. We do have the Church for guidance here.

 

[Bookcat]

The OP’s question was not if one was ABLE to sit after Communion, but noting that there were differences in what was commonly done. In some parishes, everyone sits when the tabernacle is closed, in other, it was when the priest sits down.

I don’t think it was a question in regards to either being specifically mandated, but rather what some common practices are.

Oh I see…

Yes I have seen it happen both ways…(where many wait to sit until one of those two happen). It varies.

I still sit right after Holy Communion --I pray best after Communion that way.

 

[Leon_Bloy]

The liturgical law (what the GIRM says, that is) is that lay people are entitled to choose the posture they wish to after communion - so basically, kneel or sit as you wish. There is no rule.

 

[puzzleannie]

the simple solution if the pastor wants uniformity is simply to announce the preferred practice. In at least half the churches I visit regularly the tabernacle is not in view of the main body of the church so that would not be a useful marker.

 

[Leon_Bloy]

In at least half the churches I visit regularly the tabernacle is not in view of the main body of the church so that would not be a useful marker.

I am pretty sure that’s in violation of the Church’s norms… and very sad and frustrating. It brings to mind the words of St. Mary Magdalene when she first saw the empty tomb of the Lord.

 

[thistle]

GIRM

1. The faithful should stand from the beginning of the Entrance chant, or while the priest approaches the altar, until the end of the collect; for the Alleluia chant before the Gospel; while the Gospel itself is proclaimed; during the Profession of Faith and the Prayer of the Faithful; from the invitation, Orate, fratres (Pray, brethren), before the prayer over the offerings until the end of Mass, except at the places indicated below.

They should, however, sit while the readings before the Gospel and the responsorial Psalm are proclaimed and for the homily and while the Preparation of the Gifts at the Offertory is taking place; and, as circumstances allow, they may sit or kneel while the period of sacred silence after Communion is observed.

 

[Richard320]

I am pretty sure that’s in violation of the Church’s norms… and very sad and frustrating. It brings to mind the words of St. Mary Magdalene when she first saw the empty tomb of the Lord.

Not so. St Peter’s in Rome has it in a side chapel. saintpetersbasilica.org/Altars/BlSacrament/BlSacrament.htm

For that matter, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels also has the Tabernacle in another room. The design of it leaves much to be desired, but that’s fodder for another thread…

There are so many tourists in both locations that it is thought best to keep it… how to phrase it without soundly disrespectful?.. out of the way.

 

[MarkThompson]

Not so. St Peter’s in Rome has it in a side chapel. saintpetersbasilica.org/Altars/BlSacrament/BlSacrament.htm

For that matter, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels also has the Tabernacle in another room. The design of it leaves much to be desired, but that’s fodder for another thread…

There are so many tourists in both locations that it is thought best to keep it… how to phrase it without soundly disrespectful?.. out of the way.

As I have remarked upon elsewhere, the rules in place as of 1905 were summed up thus by the American Ecclesiastical Review:

1. In parochial and other churches the tabernacle ought to be regularly placed on the high altar (S. C. Episc. and Reg., November 28, 1594, and Rituale Rom., Tit. IV, Cap. I, de SS. Euch. Sacramento, No. 6), but not necessarily (S. R. C., May 18, 1878, n. 3,449 ad I).
2. In cathedrals and very large parish churches it should (valde opportunum est) be placed in a side chapel, so as not to interfere with the pontifical or other solemn ceremonies (Caeremoniale Episc., Lib. I, Cap. XII, no. 8). If the tabernacle is placed on the high altar, the Blessed Sacrament is to be removed to another altar before the pontifical or other solemn services begin (ibidem).

It is for this reason that the Ceremonials usually prescribe for the celebrant only a bow to the altar. If the Blessed Sacrament is kept in the tabernacle of the altar, the celebrant (bishop or priest) genuflects, e. g., when passing the middle of the altar during the incensation.

1. The Blessed Sacrament is to be reserved on a side altar in the sanctuary, or in a side chapel, even though the bulk of the people attending Mass may not see the altar. All that seems to be required is that the chapel should open into the church. The decrees or rubrics do not define the side altar more specifically.
   (boldface added).

 

[Ohana]

Not so. St Peter’s in Rome has it in a side chapel. saintpetersbasilica.org/Altars/BlSacrament/BlSacrament.htm

There are so many tourists in both locations that it is thought best to keep it… how to phrase it without soundly disrespectful?.. out of the way.

How about the term “safer”. I think part of the reason the Blessed Sacrament is kept in a side altar or side chapel are several, but the bottom line seems to be to protect the consecrated hosts. They are usually in rooms that are capable of being locked and secured. One church had brass openwork lockable gates installed which sufficed.

There have been instances of people coming in and bathing in the baptismal font, attempts to steal sacramental vessels, etc. It is a difficult world we live in.

I really miss coming into church and experiencing the Presence. However, seeking the chapel or wherever He is reserved is small price to pay for security.

I would add to the “bathing in the baptismal font” above, that this was done by a homeless, probably mentally ill person. Steps were taken to prevent that in the future, but he was in no way rejected from our community.

 

[rhiannonh]

Is God going to punish and tell you to get out of church for sitting at the wrong time???

I cannot believe how bogged down people become in answering a simple question.

 

[Pax2u]

In our diocese we have been instructed to kneel when coming back from receiving Communion and remain kneeling until everyone stands for the final blessing. Our pastor has reiterated several times that if you are unable to kneel (or can’t kneel for that long), feel free to sit.

 

[keepingfaith4]

In our diocese we have been instructed to kneel when coming back from receiving Communion and remain kneeling until everyone stands for the final blessing. Our pastor has reiterated several times that if you are unable to kneel (or can’t kneel for that long), feel free to sit.

my advice to arthritics–kneel only as long as your knees can take it(for me–5 minutes)