When to sit down after Communion

[Reformed_Rob]

Most people in my parish kneel during Communion, and then return to sitting position when the Priest sits down. But I’ve heard (and it makes sense) that it is more proper to sit down after the Priest puts the Eucharist in the tabernacle.

Not that you have to stop kneeling then, but that since Christ has been removed from the altar (as it were) then that more relevant than when the Priest sits down a few seconds later.

Probably not a big deal, but does anyone here know for sure? Thanks

 

[tobinatorstark]

Most people in my parish kneel during Communion, and then return to sitting position when the Priest sits down. But I’ve heard (and it makes sense) that it is more proper to sit down after the Priest puts the Eucharist in the tabernacle.

Not that you have to stop kneeling then, but that since Christ has been removed from the altar (as it were) then that more relevant than when the Priest sits down a few seconds later.

Probably not a big deal, but does anyone here know for sure? Thanks

I am pretty sure you are to start sitting as soon as the priest finishes sitting. I have a cousin that grew up Pre Vatican II and observes all Post Vatican II precepts. and whenever the priest stands she stands, when he sits she stits

 

[rick43235]

At our local cathedral there are no missals provided. Rather, there is a pamphlet distributed for the Sunday Mass that has the hymns, the order of the Mass, etc., printed out. It also includes some helpful “directions.” Included are the directions to “sit or kneel upon returning to your pew after receiving Holy Communion.” So, I guess it’s up to you.

 

[osmond]

Most people in my parish kneel during Communion, and then return to sitting position when the Priest sits down. But I’ve heard (and it makes sense) that it is more proper to sit down after the Priest puts the Eucharist in the tabernacle.

Not that you have to stop kneeling then, but that since Christ has been removed from the altar (as it were) then that more relevant than when the Priest sits down a few seconds later.

Probably not a big deal, but does anyone here know for sure? Thanks

You may kneel, sit or stand after returning to your pew. That is 100% up to the communicant. Your choice. You should stand no later than after hearing “let us pray.”

 

[John_Lilburne]

The Ceremonial of Bishops has:
“166 When the bishop returns to the chair after the communion, he puts on the skullcap and, if need be, washes his hands. All are seated and a period of prayerful silence may follow, or a song of praise or a psalm may be sung.”
(Ceremonial of Bishops, Liturgical Press, 1989, ISBN 0-8146-1818-9, page 60).

The 2002 General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) has:
“43. … and, as circumstances allow, they may sit or kneel while the period of sacred silence after Communion is observed.”

I find this vague and confusing. Does it mean some sit and some kneel?

I think it should be interpreted in line with GIRM 42: “A common posture, to be observed by all participants, is a sign of the unity of the members of the Christian community gathered for the Sacred Liturgy: it both expresses and fosters the intention and spiritual attitude of the participants.” So if the priest kneels, everyone kneels. If the priest sits, everyone sits. Thus there is a common posture, a sign of the unity of the members of the Christian community.

But I have never seen a priest kneel after Communion. So it would be clearer if the GIRM just had “all are seated” as the Ceremonial of Bishops does.

 

[tobinatorstark]

At our local cathedral there are no missals provided. Rather, there is a pamphlet distributed for the Sunday Mass that has the hymns, the order of the Mass, etc., printed out. It also includes some helpful “directions.” Included are the directions to “sit or kneel upon returning to your pew after receiving Holy Communion.” So, I guess it’s up to you.

we have what is called a missalette (sp) that has all hymnals and the readings, plus during lent the rights at Easter Vigil, but doesn’t have baptismal rights or anything else, just what is included during the different seasons of the Church

 

[zab]

This question has come up a few times in our parish in the past couple of decades. Previous pastors have said that the time one may sit (of course you may continue to kneel if you want to) is after the priest closes the tabernacle. They also said that some may wait as a courtesy for the priest to sit down first, but it is not necessary. When our present young pastor was asked this question, he also said that one may sit after the tabernacle has been closed after Communion. However, he added, "whatever you do, do not sit when the priest sits**!** He seemed to think that this would place emphasis on waiting for the priest over showing reverence to Jesus in the tabernacle.

 

[mystified]

I kneel in the pew following communion, then sit after on of the ladies (EMHC) closes the tabernacle because the priest may have been seated directly in front of the open repository for some time.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Most people in my parish kneel during Communion, and then return to sitting position when the Priest sits down. But I’ve heard (and it makes sense) that it is more proper to sit down after the Priest puts the Eucharist in the tabernacle.

Not that you have to stop kneeling then, but that since Christ has been removed from the altar (as it were) then that more relevant than when the Priest sits down a few seconds later.

Probably not a big deal, but does anyone here know for sure? Thanks

You may sit when you are done praying or reflecting any time after the Blessed Sacrament is placed in the tabernacle and the taberncale is closed.

 

[Steven_John]

A little of your thread but on the same lines,

we pray in the Eucharistic prayer “…we thank you for counting us worthy to stand in your presence …”

Then later we pray “…i know i am not worthy to receive you but only say the word and i shall be heeled…”

if i feel and know at this point God is merciful to me and heels me should i stand?

For most it may not be important but it really really pressures me in such a peaceful way.

Could this mean i am listening to the wrong spirit? it does not feel so, i feel so loved.

some time ago i actually stopped saying i am not going to stand and stood but dont want to rock the boat.

No one in the parish has ever challenged me or has had a problem with me about it.

An old woman is also doing the same weekdays and Sundays and the nuns do on weekdays but not Sundays.

 

[japhy]

Most people in my parish kneel during Communion, and then return to sitting position when the Priest sits down. But I’ve heard (and it makes sense) that it is more proper to sit down after the Priest puts the Eucharist in the tabernacle.

I kneel at least until the Eucharist has been placed back in the tabernacle; sometimes I kneel longer, if I’m not done praying. The Church does not wish to rigorously control your posture at this time; you could, if you want; just sit down after receiving.

 

[osmond]

You may sit when you are done praying or reflecting any time after the Blessed Sacrament is placed in the tabernacle and the taberncale is closed.

That’s not what the Church instructs. After receiving communion and returning to one’s pew, their posture (standing, sitting or kneeling) is 100% up to them. There is no direction to wait for the tabernacle to be closed or to finish one’s prayers. Unlike after the sign of peace where the local bishop can define a posture, the posture after communion is the sole choice of the communicant and it begins when they return to their pews.

 

[osmond]

I kneel at least until the Eucharist has been placed back in the tabernacle; sometimes I kneel longer, if I’m not done praying. The Church does not wish to rigorously control your posture at this time; you could, if you want; just sit down after receiving.

That is very well said.

 

[John_Lilburne]

… Unlike after the sign of peace where the local bishop can define a posture, the posture after communion is the sole choice of the communicant and it begins when they return to their pews.

Do you have an official document that endorses this “sole choice of the communicant”?

It seems contrary to parts of the GIRM, for example:
“42. … Therefore, attention should be paid to what is determined by this General Instruction and the traditional practice of the Roman Rite and to what serves the common spiritual good of the People of God, rather than private inclination or arbitrary choice.”

“43. … With a view to a uniformity in gestures and postures during one and the same celebration, the faithful should follow the directions which the deacon, lay minister, or priest gives according to whatever is indicated in the Missal.”

“96. … This unity is beautifully apparent from the gestures and postures observed in common by the faithful.”

(My bold text.)

 

[Apryl]

Included are the directions to “sit or kneel upon returning to your pew after receiving Holy Communion.” So, I guess it’s up to you.

So… just make your way back… take a seat??

… and I just looked in the GIRM… not that I know how to look in it, but I looked… and there is nothing to say this is wrong…

 

[Apryl]

You may sit when you are done praying or reflecting any time after the Blessed Sacrament is placed in the tabernacle and the taberncale is closed.

That’s what I thought too! I even looked it up in the GIRM!

But lo and behold, it ain’t there! Where I got this from, I’m not sure… but I sure thought I was sure that it was in there!

 

[LilyM]

As far as I know there is no official statement on post-communion posture. However, I was taught as a wee lassie that you may sit either after the Blessed Sacrament is placed back in the Tabernacle or after the priest is seated, whichever is later.

Of course, then I got thrown by a few priests who have the habit of not sitting at all after Communion, simply placing the Host in the Tabernacle, purifying the vessels and then inviting everyone to rise for the final prayer

 

[puppypatrol]

Most people in my parish kneel during Communion, and then return to sitting position when the Priest sits down. But I’ve heard (and it makes sense) that it is more proper to sit down after the Priest puts the Eucharist in the tabernacle.

Not that you have to stop kneeling then, but that since Christ has been removed from the altar (as it were) then that more relevant than when the Priest sits down a few seconds later.

Probably not a big deal, but does anyone here know for sure? Thanks

When the Presider sits, you sit. Not before because that is rude and disrespectful. Would you sit before Jesus?

Proper form is to follow the priest.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

That’s not what the Church instructs. After receiving communion and returning to one’s pew, their posture (standing, sitting or kneeling) is 100% up to them. There is no direction to wait for the tabernacle to be closed or to finish one’s prayers. Unlike after the sign of peace where the local bishop can define a posture, the posture after communion is the sole choice of the communicant and it begins when they return to their pews.

It’s obvious from the OP that they are kneeling after returning from Holy Communion. A person may sit upon returning, but then they would not have to determine when to sit since they are already sitting.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Do you have an official document that endorses this “sole choice of the communicant”?

It seems contrary to parts of the GIRM, for example:
“42. … Therefore, attention should be paid to what is determined by this General Instruction and the traditional practice of the Roman Rite and to what serves the common spiritual good of the People of God, rather than private inclination or arbitrary choice.”

“43. … With a view to a uniformity in gestures and postures during one and the same celebration, the faithful should follow the directions which the deacon, lay minister, or priest gives according to whatever is indicated in the Missal.”

“96. … This unity is beautifully apparent from the gestures and postures observed in common by the faithful.”

(My bold text.)

Yes there is a document that says that the posture of the faithful after returning from receiving Holy Communion is not to be dictated, it is their choice.