Where to look when the Eucharistic minister says "body of Christ"

[Cristiano]

A city which didn’t go vernacular?

Just like Roma, TX.

Now I am going to get banned but I have to make the joke. There the people rather swim across the Rio Grande than across the Tiber.

 

[psalm126]

Thank you everybody for the information. From now on I will look at the host. And I also learned to put my hands flat one over the other instead of cupped. Thanks for the information!

 

[aTraditionalist]

Maybe you should be more obedient and avoid liturgical innovations. You must say amen when receiving communion during the Ordinary Form of the Mass. On then tongue or not, kneeling or not does not dispense you from following the rubrics. You are to be silent when receiving communion during the Extraordinary Form of the Mass.

You are pretty brazen to judge my obedience. I attend a EF Mass only, our parish doesn’t offer a OF. I’m fine with a “Amen” if presented with a consecrated host, but even when I take communion in a OF, I’ll be on my knees with my mouth open. The priests has never said a word to me about it.

 

[Cristiano]

You are pretty brazen to judge my obedience. I attend a EF Mass only, our parish doesn’t offer a OF. I’m fine with a “Amen” if presented with a consecrated host, but even when I take communion in a OF, I’ll be on my knees with my mouth open. The priests has never said a word to me about it.

Considering that you presented ourself as a person that clearly states that the V-II did not strengthen the Church and that modern effeminate flavors rule the Church today I assumed that you knew what you were talking about and you were being disobedient, but I have to accept the fact that maybe you do not know what you are talking about.

 

[Joy2day]

I have always felt it was a bit rude not to look at the person giving you communion - i mean, they (the priest/EM), look at us in the eyes - so it seems the right response. However you can get a bit distracted doing this. You have to do whatever helps you keep focused on Christ. Sometimes i walk.away thinking the EM was a bit fierce & that they need to change their attitude; & other times i have felt they looked sick & spent my time trying to figure out what they’ve got; other times it seemed like a friendly social encounter between people& then other times you’re simply left to wonder - what the hell…? Sometimes its the way they say ‘the Body of Christ’ to you & you wonder what exactly they’re trying to say!’ It can be, annoying… The result of an over active imagination. If they grin at you its a bit weird. So, maybe it is a bit rude, but for the sake of God - best not to look at them (they’ll lead you up the garden path).

 

[Mary_Ellen]

I have always felt it was a bit rude not to look at the person giving you communion - i mean, they (the priest/EM), look at us in the eyes - so it seems the right response. However you can get a bit distracted doing this. You have to do whatever helps you keep focused on Christ. Sometimes i walk.away thinking the EM was a bit fierce & that they need to change their attitude; & other times i have felt they looked sick & spent my time trying to figure out what they’ve got; other times it seemed like a friendly social encounter between people& then other times you’re simply left to wonder - what the hell…? Sometimes its the way they say ‘the Body of Christ’ to you & you wonder what exactly they’re trying to say!’ It can be, annoying… The result of an over active imagination. If they grin at you its a bit weird. So, maybe it is a bit rude, but for the sake of God - best not to look at them (they’ll lead you up the garden path).

I glance at the EMHC as I approach but when they say (or whisper or mumble), “Body of Christ,” I’m looking at Jesus.

The lower the volume they proclaim Who it is they are presenting, the louder my “Amen.” I’ve almost (never, yet) asked them "huh?’ or “what?” when I cannot hear what they have said. It’s almost as if they are ashamed of what they are doing. - Sorry, this is a pet peeve of mine.

 

[Phemie]

Thanks. I had forgotten that the OF was in Latin for a short time; so associated the Latin phrase with the EF.

The norm for the OF is still Latin and any priest can opt to celebrate it in that language. Most opt for the vernacular of the parish where they are celebrating.

 

[judynurse]

In a general way, we are taught, as EMHC;s to look at the person receiving, but to speak very quietly the words “The Body of Christ”. This is because (primarily) I am standing next to the Priest in front of the Altar, and he is also speaking quietly. The words are intended for just that person, and to look at them to recognize they are coming to Christ. The person receiving may glance at the EMHC, but should then fix their eyes on the Host. I also sometimes smile at the person receiving, particularly those coming forward on a cane or walker, who has obviously put some effort (& likely quite a lot of pain) into going through the line, rather than sitting in the handicap section in the front (who receive in wheelchairs or sitting in this section because they cannot go through the line). I’ve noticed our Priest does the same, especially to those carrying a small child or baby, or those who are crippled or very old. Nothing wrong with a smile (NOT a grin!) when distributing either the Host or the Chalice. As for responding loudly, who are you trying to get to hear you? Jesus can hear a tiny whisper, and those in line behind you don’t need to hear you, they should be praying as they approach, not listening to others! The quiet, reverent approach and response is proper.

Not intending to be argumentative, but just to make a comment on my feeling of reverence and holy joy toward the Holy Eucharist.

 

[Elizium23]

What hasn’t been mentioned already is that a sign of reverence is required of the communicant before receiving. Receiving on one’s knees this is a sufficient posture already. But standing, you might genuflect, bow the body or the head. In my diocese (national conference too, maybe) the bishop(s) have determined that the reverence should be a bow of the head. My diocese released a video some years ago which demonstrated that this is best expressed at the same time as saying “Amen” so this is what I have always done since seeing it. If you are in doubt about the sign of reverence required then you should ask your pastor, it is his job to know.

 

[jmcrae]

I am now confused! What is the difference between the “Ordinary Mass” and the “Extraordinary Mass”? Does this refer to Mass in Latin (Tridentine Mass?

Yes.

Do those who attend the Latin Mass not say “Amen” when receiving the Holy Eucharist? Why not?

They don’t and it’s because the priest says it for them.

 

[dgreyes]

As a EMHC for 16 years now, when I distribute the Body of Christ I hold it at eye level. If they look at me in the eyes they see Him and not me. Most people do look at Him

As an aside, I have noticed some older generation Catholics who receive in the hand (my dad included) hold out their left hand and use their right hand to point at the host when they receive. Has any other EMHC noticed this?