MichaelFilo Posted February 20, 2005 Posted February 20, 2005 I have just been convinced that this is the best way to receive communion. Since rails are no longer used, kneeling for communion isn't so common. I just wanted to see what people thought. I was hoping someone who is experienced in receiving in this fashion could explain how someone like myself where this isn't the practice would go about doing it. We use alot of EMs and I am mor ethan sure none but the older ones would know what I was doing. Then again, we have rails at our church that aren't used. I'm not so sure they would know... I guess I want some feedback on how to do it for the first time (Even though I think I know how, I'd appreciate a reaffirmation), and what happens if your EM isn't totally understanding of what it is you want. ... or what if I'm lucky enough to get a priest, would they know what they are doing? God bless, Mikey
drewmeister2 Posted February 20, 2005 Posted February 20, 2005 Ive seen it done before, I think its kinda cool
epiclesis Posted February 20, 2005 Posted February 20, 2005 (edited) The norm for reception of Holy Communion in the dioceses of the United States is standing. While it may feel more reverent to kneel, if it is not the way that it is done in your Parish, you are setting yourself apart from the assembled body. We come together to celebrate the Eucharist because we are one body united thru Christ. Edited February 20, 2005 by epiclesis
MichaelFilo Posted February 20, 2005 Author Posted February 20, 2005 (edited) Both forms are perfectly acceptable in the US. While not the norm, I am about as convinced as I can be that kneeling during communion is the only way to show proepr reverance (note show). While receiving the Eucharist in whatever posture accetpable by the Church can show equal reverance for the consecrated Host, not all forms are show equal reverence to others. I have realized this and as such choose to receive in this fashion. Now I just need some instruction on how to go about it. Whatever the norm maybe for parish is irrelevant because a)the assembled body is nothing more than a millionth of the entire body. b)Outwards signs of reverance cause (even if unnoticed) a greater understanding of what is happening. For all who care, Flyfree Ministiries was really the place I was convinced. There is a thread about it under the Traditionalist section. God bless, Mikey Edited February 20, 2005 by MichaelFilo
Ave Maria Posted February 21, 2005 Posted February 21, 2005 JMJ I love to receive Jesus kneeling. I'm not really sure on how to answer to your concerns. All I know is, kneeling to receive the Holy Eucharist is an expression of faith, and it is not disobedient to choose to receive this way, no one can deny you Holy Communion. God bless!
picchick Posted February 21, 2005 Posted February 21, 2005 When we recieve communion we need to make some kind of act of reverence whether that be kneeling, genuflecting, or bowing or whatever. I kneel (not to sound proud) as a symbol of my state compared to God's almightyness.
Cam42 Posted February 21, 2005 Posted February 21, 2005 [quote]The norm for reception of Holy Communion in the dioceses of the United States is standing.[/quote] There has been no definitive statement on this action. It is said in the [i]GIRM[/i] no. 160: [quote]The norm for reception of Holy Communion in the dioceses of the United States is standing.[/quote] And this is affirmed in [i]Redemptionis Sacramentum[/i] no. 90: [quote]“The faithful should receive Communion kneeling or standing, as the Conference of Bishops will have determined,” with its acts having received the recognitio of the Apostolic See. “However, if they receive Communion standing, it is recommended that they give due reverence before the reception of the Sacrament, as set forth in the same norms.”[/quote] All the bishops have said on this is that due reverence should be given, if I deem that it most reverent to kneel, then it is so. The most recent document on reception of Holy Communion is silent, it is [i]Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion Under Both Kinds in the Dioceses of the United States of America.[/i] So, I would say this....if you wanna make your prayer bones hurt at the reception of Holy Communion, bruise them. I do, because it is the most reverent way to receive. Hands down......(literally)!!!!! LOL Cam42
MichaelFilo Posted February 21, 2005 Author Posted February 21, 2005 Lol. I just don't know what to do when I go to receive like that. No one has before. I'll try to get into the priest's aisle. They'll know what to do. Hopefully one of our two Polish priests will be bale to handle the shock . I have never received like this and I am a bit excited. I didn't even know it was a valid option. How much happier I am right now. The closest thing to it was receiving at the rail at a Church built downtown but I was younger and odn't remember it well. I live by a fairly "new school" church, I wonder if they will know what to do. Hopefully they will as well. I'd still appreciate any experiences with receiving in this manner and if anyone has switched over to it, or if anyone has come up to an EM or a priest who didn't know what to do, which is my main concern at the moment. God bless, Mikey
Cam42 Posted February 21, 2005 Posted February 21, 2005 [quote]I'd still appreciate any experiences with receiving in this manner and if anyone has switched over to it, or if anyone has come up to an EM or a priest who didn't know what to do, which is my main concern at the moment.[/quote] Mikey, It is much easier to receive this way, because it eliminates a couple of things: 1. Trying to decide what form of reverence to perform. 2. Holding out your hand or not? Although you could still, I guess. As far as someone not knowing what to do, all you have to do is wait...he will eventually give you Holy Communion. I would love to see how the EMHC responds to you. But I suspect they know what to do. When I was in a church in Ohio, I knelt down to receive Holy Communion and the EMHC made a gasp, then gave the Sacred Species. I think that the person behind me was more put off than the EMHC. Just remember it is for the greater glory of God....but you know that. AMDG+, Cam42
MichaelFilo Posted February 21, 2005 Author Posted February 21, 2005 Thank you Cam. That at least puts a few fears out of my mind. And of course its for the greater Glory of God. I think I'd be the last to deviate from the norms of Church for anything other than the greater Glory of God. Then again, that may jus tbe pride talking. Either way, I hope this form of receiving the Sacrement will show greater reverance to God. God bless, and thank you again Cam, Mikey
StPiusVPrayForUs Posted February 21, 2005 Posted February 21, 2005 The priest alone should touch the Sacred Vessals and Christ.
MichaelFilo Posted February 21, 2005 Author Posted February 21, 2005 Whoa hold it cowboy, I don't think I could ever bring myself to putting out my hang. No I'd burn my hand off for doing it. It's allowed, but I don't think I could accept it... and it won't ever become the only form of receiving the Eucharist in my lifetime, so I'm happy. God bless, Mikey
Fides_et_Ratio Posted February 21, 2005 Posted February 21, 2005 best of both worlds (well, really, one.. haha): there is a parish in the Columbus (OH) diocese that (with permission, I think) still uses the altar rail... everyone kneels. It's always pretty cool to go there.
cmotherofpirl Posted February 21, 2005 Posted February 21, 2005 [quote name='StPiusVPrayForUs' date='Feb 20 2005, 10:07 PM'] The priest alone should touch the Sacred Vessals and Christ. [/quote] The Church says differently.
cmotherofpirl Posted February 21, 2005 Posted February 21, 2005 [quote name='Cam42' date='Feb 20 2005, 09:02 PM'] There has been no definitive statement on this action. It is said in the [i]GIRM[/i] no. 160: And this is affirmed in [i]Redemptionis Sacramentum[/i] no. 90: All the bishops have said on this is that due reverence should be given, if I deem that it most reverent to kneel, then it is so. The most recent document on reception of Holy Communion is silent, it is [i]Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion Under Both Kinds in the Dioceses of the United States of America.[/i] So, I would say this....if you wanna make your prayer bones hurt at the reception of Holy Communion, bruise them. I do, because it is the most reverent way to receive. Hands down......(literally)!!!!! LOL Cam42 [/quote] The Church says we are to recieve standing. Yes we can recieve kneeling if we put personal opinion [b]before[/b] what the church asks us to do, but why would you? Why is obedience such a difficult concept?
Cam42 Posted February 21, 2005 Posted February 21, 2005 [quote]The Church says we are to recieve standing.[/quote] Nope...show me where the defference is to be given to standing as opposed to kneeling. IF none is given, then tradition would take precedence. The Church in America makes no definitive statement. Therefore the option is left to the communicant, much like that of receiving on the tongue or in the hand. If the option is not decided upon, then the option is up to us. Either way is acceptable. I simply give an argument for the affirmative. I would watch it before I start with the disobedience shouts, I am not being so....if the option is mine, which it is, I will exercise it how I see fit. That is not being disobedient. Cam42
cmotherofpirl Posted February 21, 2005 Posted February 21, 2005 [url="http://www.diopitt.org/socialconcerns/GIRM2000.pdf"]http://www.diopitt.org/socialconcerns/GIRM2000.pdf[/url] page 24
MichaelFilo Posted February 21, 2005 Author Posted February 21, 2005 Well.. the GIRM seems pretty clear that kneeling isn't to be used in the US, since it says that a person should be explained as to why it's not the norm. I'd assume you can't go back and do it again without being disobedient, although you'd still be able to receive. Hmm... I can't wait till I can drive and I can just go to a Tridentine Mass of some sort.. God bless, Mikey
Cam42 Posted February 21, 2005 Posted February 21, 2005 Well, The next time I am in Pittsburgh, I will stand....until then.....my prayer bones will ache. However, it is a deviation from the norm as established in the preface. Which says: [quote]Sections in the plain boxes....indicate differences or clarifications in this text from the previous version of the [i]Institutio[/i]. (Ordo of Mass; page 1)[/quote] On a very real level, this means that it is a diocesan adaptation. So, the universal still holds in other places. Again, the bishops have left it to the individual dioceses to decide. I will abide by whatever diocese I am in. That is obedience. Cam42
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