Why Is CITH So Popular?

[pnewton]

The first six guesses are not really good reasons.

5.) They personally find the early church model to be more reverent.

If greater reverence is not a good reason I do not know what is. It is the precise reason that many receive on the tongue. Is greater reverence not a good reason to receive on the tongue?

 

[benedictgal]

No BG–
My point is precisely that for most Catholics in the pews, it’s not a smokescreen issue. It’s simply easier – from a mechanics point of view – to receive in the hands and then place the host on your own tongue. I’m not debating the worthiness of this practice, but rather the ease.

I am well over 6 feet tall, and yes I often have to bend my knees when receiving on the tongue. It’s not difficult per se, but it’s an extra step to be taken that is not needed if receiving in the hand. People tend to resort to what’s easiest.

And the quote from RS has nothing to do with the discussion. We are talking about why many of the recipients of HC do so in the hand. What you mention is perhaps a concern of the EMHC, but not the average person approaching the altar.

Actually, the quote from RS has a lot to do with this thread. We tend to forget that COTT is the default and CITH is the indult, and indults can be rescinded at any time. Thus, while CITH does remain a legitimate option, it is not permanent, while COTT is.

 

[surritter]

Actually, the quote from RS has a lot to do with this thread. We tend to forget that COTT is the default and CITH is the indult, and indults can be rescinded at any time. Thus, while CITH does remain a legitimate option, it is not permanent, while COTT is.

Sigh – :banghead:
This thread is about why CITH is more popular. You are mistaking it as a thread about why COTT is more in line with the Church’s thinking.

I actually agree with you, but do you see how it’s not quite the same as the OP’s question?

 

[benedictgal]

If greater reverence is not a good reason I do not know what is. It is the precise reason that many receive on the tongue. Is greater reverence not a good reason to receive on the tongue?

However, if you re-read the new Prefect’s statements (from the article that I quoted a few posts back), you will note that:

…Communion in the mouth has a long history and tradition that expresses in a profound way the sense of adoration, reverence in the presence of the body of Christ. Everything that is at stake in the real presence of Christ. If Communion in the mouth goes with the gesture of kneeling, it expresses

So, you can very well make that same argument for COTT.

 

[benedictgal]

Sigh – :banghead:
This thread is about why CITH is more popular. You are mistaking it as a thread about why COTT is more in line with the Church’s thinking.

I actually agree with you, but do you see how it’s not quite the same as the OP’s question?

There is no need to be head-banging here surrter. I am not mistaken about the OP. It seems that, as I read the OP, there may be an underlying point here, and, this is a legitimate question to raise. Furthermore, while there is a perceived notion that CITH may be popular, we must remember that since this is an indult, it can be rescinded.

And yes, based on my dealings with one RCIA program in Central Texas, nary a word is mention about the fact that one certainly can receive COTT; only CITH was brought in as the method.

 

[surritter]

There is no need to be head-banging here surrter. I am not mistaken about the OP. It seems that, as I read the OP, there may be an underlying point here, and, this is a legitimate question to raise. Furthermore, while there is a perceived notion that CITH may be popular, we must remember that since this is an indult, it can be rescinded.

And yes, based on my dealings with one RCIA program in Central Texas, nary a word is mention about the fact that one certainly can receive COTT; only CITH was brought in as the method.

Here’s an analogy: if we’re discussing why sexual sins are so common in our society, it seems extraneous to say that sex outside of marriage is immoral. We all know that; the topic of why sexual sins are so common involves human motives, not a restating of objective morality.

That said, I suppose that I did overreact on you…

 

[pnewton]

That said, I suppose that I did overreact on you…

I’ve done that a few times with her. Fortunately, not lately. I have found that benedictgal has a lot to offer if one is willing to learn.

Speaking of which, my reason why I do not want reverence to be dismissed as a reason to receive in the hand is that it is my reason. I recognize my history is not typical and I may be rare in this subjective opinion.

 

[japhy]

I’m curious how popular CITH was in the US before 1977, and how it came to be so popular.

 

[Hotchkiss]

Hey Hotchkiss,

Ever watch EWTN? that’s where I got it from… In a discussion about Pope Benedict’s assertion that we all ought to be kneeling during communion. Its easier to stand it takes less effort, try kneeling and geting up compared to just standing there. If you don’t think there’s a difference, then I don’t know what to tell you… kneeling take more effort… try a Eastern Orthodox rite Mass, (during Lent is Better) bring your exercise gear, compared to the RCC its a workout.

John

We are talking about COTT versis CITH. not posture…

They don’t have Masses is in the East. They have other sacrificial liturgies like the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom. I attend one each week. We don’t kneel on Sundays. We receive standing.

 

[Hotchkiss]

I’m curious how popular CITH was in the US before 1977, and how it came to be so popular.

Me too.

 

[John_oxios]

The priest’s hand “washing” is symbolic only and would not decrease the amount of germs on his hands significantly. Add to that that he shakes hands at the sign of peace and any cleansing he may have done at the Lavabo is cancelled out.

I don’t know why everyone is so concerned with germs, from the hand of the minster, to the Eucharist, to the hand/ tongue of the receiver. Let’s take the Eastern Orthodox Rite,
They give Holy Communion, Body and Blood in one Challis, from ONE Spoon, and drop/place the Eucharist in each and every communicants mouth. Not one spread of Disease can be attributed to in that fashion.

 I use to think I'll receive on the Tongue from a priest, and on the hand from a E.M,

Then when I started knelling to receive, I’ll kneel before a priest or deacon, and stand for a E.M, Its a bunch of Nonsense!!! It doesn’t matter who, is administering the Eucharist, What matters is that the Eucharist is Christ, I must bow, kneel, pray, Worship Christ however He is presented… When the Priest @ the Consecration Holds up the Eucharist, Don’t we all Pray Lamb of God Have Mercy on us?

Scott Hahn describes how he went to se what the Mass was about as a Protestant, he sat in the back with his Bible, listening and turning the pages realizing he was living the Book of Revelation (Heaven on Earth) and as the priest holds up the Eucharist, he couldn’t help but to kneel and say, My Lord and My God… After that first Mass, he couldn’t help but to convert… he planned to do it over four yrs… He converted that next Easter.

If A Protestant can kneel in awe, how much more ought we from whoever Holds the Eucharist? Does it matter? NO What matters is Christ Presence, Heaven on Earth, and receiving HIM in a most intimate way…

God Bless,
John

 

[John_oxios]

We are talking about COTT versis CITH. not posture…

They don’t have Masses is in the East. They have other sacrificial liturgies like the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom. I attend one each week. We don’t kneel on Sundays. We receive standing.

What? They Don’t have Mass in the East, They just don’t call it Mass, Mass comes from the Latin, Which the Eastern Rites have broken away from and today many have returned… next you’re gonna tell me their not Catholic I suppose?

Its still a Mass, there is a blessing in the beginning, Scripture is read, a homily spoken (teaching on the readings) THEY SING HOLY, HOLY , HOLY, A Consecration, AND Christ received by the Participants…
It is Christ who adminsters all Sacraments.

"THE MASS S NOT A RELIGIOUS SERVICE When Catholics say morning prayer or recitation of the Rosary or even have benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, That’s a service. It’s something we do for God, similar to the public prayer of any religious denomination. But the holy Sacrifice of the Eucharist, The Divine Liturgy, is not precisely- in its essence- done by man at all… the priest functions in the persona Christi
(FR. BENEDICT GROESHEL, in the forward to Scott Hahn’s book ‘The Lambs Supper’
pg.X11)

its not I was mixing apple with oranges, We were one Church, Culture and tradition is what separate us… Eastern rite broke away because they do not believe you can explain the mysteries of God philosophically… The term ‘Transubstantiation’ was the last straw from their perspective.

God Bless,
John

 

[John_oxios]

We are talking about COTT versis CITH. not posture…

They don’t have Masses is in the East. They have other sacrificial liturgies like the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom. I attend one each week. We don’t kneel on Sundays. We receive standing.

 I know I've attended Greek Orthodox  Divine Liturgy  'Mass'  Have received with permission from Both Church's and attended many Greek Orthodox Bible Studies, even have their Bible.

God Bless,
John

 

[japhy]

What? They Don’t have Mass in the East, They just don’t call it Mass, Mass comes from the Latin, Which the Eastern Rites have broken away from and today many have returned… next you’re gonna tell me their not Catholic I suppose?

John, I’m having trouble understanding your posts.

Hotchkiss is not saying the Eastern Rites aren’t Catholic. He’s simply saying they don’t call the Divine Liturgy the “Mass”.

 

[Monty61]

I think too many people are looking for a snake under every rock. CITH is popular for two reasons: It’s how many are taught. We can debate the motives of the folks who do the teaching, but the end result is that the pupils do what they’ve learned. C’mon, a second-grader is not trying to downplay the Real Presence by receiving in the hand. And as they grow up, it just kind of remains their habitual manner of receiving Holy Communion.

The other reason why it’s popular is one that has been mentioned several times: it’s just plain easier.

It is easier, and it is what people are taught today. And there are reasons why there was a movement to teach it this way, it wasn’t an accident. And that’s why today’s second graders and converts are taught that way. I don’t blame them.

 

[NewEnglandPriest]

Why is that all of these COTT v. CITH threads remind me of:

They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they remained silent. They had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest.
Mark 9:33-34

 

[Hotchkiss]

Sigh – :banghead:
This thread is about why CITH is more popular. You are mistaking it as a thread about why COTT is more in line with the Church’s thinking.

I actually agree with you, but do you see how it’s not quite the same as the OP’s question?

Thanks!

 

[Hotchkiss]

Why is that all of these COTT v. CITH threads remind me of:

They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they remained silent. They had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest.
Mark 9:33-34

This is NOT a “COTT v. CITH thread” – although some have tried to make it one…

 

[Hotchkiss]

It is easier, and it is what people are taught today. And there are reasons why there was a movement to teach it this way, it wasn’t an accident. And that’s why today’s second graders and converts are taught that way. I don’t blame them.

Now way would it account for the huge popularity of CITH – particularly with those who grew-up with COTT.

 

[Hotchkiss]

I don’t know why everyone is so concerned with germs, from the hand of the minster, to the Eucharist, to the hand/ tongue of the receiver. Let’s take the Eastern Orthodox Rite,
They give Holy Communion, Body and Blood in one Challis, from ONE Spoon, and drop/place the Eucharist in each and every communicants mouth. Not one spread of Disease can be attributed to in that fashion.

 I use to think I'll receive on the Tongue from a priest, and on the hand from a E.M,

Then when I started knelling to receive, I’ll kneel before a priest or deacon, and stand for a E.M, Its a bunch of Nonsense!!! It doesn’t matter who, is administering the Eucharist, What matters is that the Eucharist is Christ, I must bow, kneel, pray, Worship Christ however He is presented… When the Priest @ the Consecration Holds up the Eucharist, Don’t we all Pray Lamb of God Have Mercy on us?

Scott Hahn describes how he went to se what the Mass was about as a Protestant, he sat in the back with his Bible, listening and turning the pages realizing he was living the Book of Revelation (Heaven on Earth) and as the priest holds up the Eucharist, he couldn’t help but to kneel and say, My Lord and My God… After that first Mass, he couldn’t help but to convert… he planned to do it over four yrs… He converted that next Easter.

If A Protestant can kneel in awe, how much more ought we from whoever Holds the Eucharist? Does it matter? NO What matters is Christ Presence, Heaven on Earth, and receiving HIM in a most intimate way…

God Bless,
John

They do that in the Catholic Church too. At the distribution of each sop that spoon (which is less likely to harbor germs that one’s fingers) is fairly well disinfected by the Precious Blood that has NOT lost it’s antiseptic properties.

You’re attempting to compare apples and oranges…