Kneeling ~ Communion

[Br. Xavier]

I don't even know. My spiritual life has been lacking for about a month, but now that I'm back and good again, and I want to kneel when I receive the Eucharist. It is allowed, technically (but standing is the norm in the U.S.), but the priest is instructed to instruct the "kneeler" at a later time not to do so. 'Somewhat of a lackluster rant seeing as this is really bumming me out.

Comments; questions; observations welcome.

 

[SemperFidelis]

Don't get yourself too stressed about it. I think kneeling is a beautiful way of showing reverence to the Holy Eucharist, and I only receive kneeling.

It is important to remember that you cannot be denied communion because you are kneeling. Period. Your priest may take you aside and explain why receiving standing is the norm, but from what I can gather, regardless of where you are in the world, you cannot be obligated to receive standing.

That being said, if it is really stressing you out, you might want to have a chat to your priest, just to express your concerns. You may (hopefully!) find that he is perfectly happy for you to receive kneeling. If it does turn into a major issues, you may want to even consider finding a new parish where you will be allowed to receive in a way you feel is most reverent.

I pray for a day when we see receiving whilst kneeling as the norm again.

Blessings,


Steve

 

[AngelicRose]

Can you set up a time with the priest at your church to talk to him about it? I think its important that we listen to the Lord and how He guides us to worship Him (as long as it doesn't go against Church teaching or the Bible). Since this is accepted, he shouldn't be telling anyone to not do it-- he could possibly thinking about safety issues... such as the person behind the kneeler doesn't see him/her and trips over them, trips into the priest, etc. But I think if the priest understood where you're coming from and the potential this has to strengthen your faith, he'll understand why you do this at Mass.

Blessings be upon you, Brother

 

[Tigg]

Why anyone would be upset if one knelt or stood is beyond me. Reverence is shown both. Maybe if one laid face down or some such wouldn't be a good idea cause of a people jam. I can't see someone being so unaware at what is happening that they would trip or fall over some one kneeling. But to kneel isn't some awful deal. Nah. Sad if any Priest objected. If it was me and there was an objection, I would attend Mass somewhere else that isn't so picky. But for you to follow what I would do? Again, nah. Better for you to pray and think on it. God bless you much.

 

[WarriorAngel]

Wish we had the Communion rail.

 

[MoNiCa4316]

Wish we had the Communion rail.

me too some churches still do.. (even Novus Ordo)

 

[Br. Xavier]

Thanks all. So should I just continue to kneel and receive? I know of priests who get bent out of shape over this, and some that have (mistakenly, but have nonetheless) refused communion.

I've felt a calling to the Ukrainian Catholic Church, and I'm going to check the local one out this Saturday, so maybe I won't even have to worry.

 

[SemperFidelis]

Absolutely, keep receiving the Body of Christ in the manner you see as most befitting. If the priest does refuse you, go straight to your Bishop.

That's my advice, anyway.

Blessings,

Steve

 

[Anhelyna]

Thanks all. So should I just continue to kneel and receive? I know of priests who get bent out of shape over this, and some that have (mistakenly, but have nonetheless) refused communion.

I've felt a calling to the Ukrainian Catholic Church, and I'm going to check the local one out this Saturday, so maybe I won't even have to worry.

Please remember that we [ UGCC ] folk do not kneel to receive the Holy Mysteries.

We love to receive visitors and you will be welcomed warmly but please do not expect to take part in public recitation of the Rosary before Divine Liturgy - there should be Matins or at the least Hours before Liturgy [ sadly not in all parishes because of historical problems ]

 

[2Cosmic2Charlie]

IF you're gonna kneel can you at least advise the guy behind you in line ?

I've tripped over and been hit by people who kneel, genuflect (multiple times) and repeatedly bowed, made the sign of the cross and I don't know what all in front of me without notice.

Its a little tight in the front of the line you know.

Give the rest of us a break, were trying to maintain reverence too.

 

[Mary's Bhoy]

I regularly attend the Extraordinary Form, so I never have any issues when kneeling to receive . Out of my desire to kneel all the time however, I made an appointment to speak with the pastor at my local parish where I will attend the Ordinary Form during the week days.

I explained to him my wish to kneel when receiving and he was perfectly fine with it . So speal with your pastor !

Regards,
Jon Paul.

 

[heavenschild]

I would not only like to see kneeling at Communion the norm, but also bring back kneeling at the Communion rails.

 

[AMDG]

I would not only like to see kneeling at Communion the norm, but also bring back kneeling at the Communion rails.

Me too.

 

[Rotator]

If the norm in your church is standing, you should stand. It's never appropriate to call attention to yourself.

 

[IgnatiusOfAntioch]

I don't even know. My spiritual life has been lacking for about a month, but now that I'm back and good again, and I want to kneel when I receive the Eucharist. It is allowed, technically (but standing is the norm in the U.S.), but the priest is instructed to instruct the "kneeler" at a later time not to do so. 'Somewhat of a lackluster rant seeing as this is really bumming me out.

Comments; questions; observations welcome.

The magisterial authority has said that receiving kneeling is the preferred posture. The priest is not instructed to do and it is in direct contradiction of the Authentic magisterial wishes to do so. Dissenting individuals are doing this and need to be opposed.

 

[IgnatiusOfAntioch]

Thanks all. So should I just continue to kneel and receive? I know of priests who get bent out of shape over this, and some that have (mistakenly, but have nonetheless) refused communion.

I've felt a calling to the Ukrainian Catholic Church, and I'm going to check the local one out this Saturday, so maybe I won't even have to worry.

Is Eucharist received kneeling at the Ukrainian Divine Liturgy?

 

[Br. Xavier]

Is Eucharist received kneeling at the Ukrainian Divine Liturgy?

No it is not (I know Ahelyna ).

 

[Br. Xavier]

IF you're gonna kneel can you at least advise the guy behind you in line ?

I've tripped over and been hit by people who kneel, genuflect (multiple times) and repeatedly bowed, made the sign of the cross and I don't know what all in front of me without notice.

Its a little tight in the front of the line you know.

Give the rest of us a break, were trying to maintain reverence too.

Of course I can, but what does that have to do with anything? Is it also impossible to watch where you're going and leave some space for the person in front of you to receive?

 

[MariaRegina]

I've tripped over and been hit by people who kneel, genuflect (multiple times) and repeatedly bowed, made the sign of the cross and I don't know what all in front of me without notice.

Our priests have told us not to make the Sign of the Cross immediately before and after receiving Holy Communion as we may inadvertently touch the Holy Chalice and cause the Priest or Deacon to spill the contents or even to drop the Holy Chalice.

I can understand about being in line and then having someone in front of me suddenly kneeling. Since I have double vision, I may not see where the person went.

Hasn't the priest made any statement about being at least one arms length away when in line. That was drilled into me as a child in elementary school line ups.

 

[Br. Xavier]

The magisterial authority has said that receiving kneeling is the preferred posture. The priest is not instructed to do and it is in direct contradiction of the Authentic magisterial wishes to do so. Dissenting individuals are doing this and need to be opposed.

GIRM 160. Says:
The norm for reception of Holy Communion in the dioceses of the United States is standing. Communicants should not be denied Holy Communion because they kneel. Rather, such instances should be addressed pastorally, by providing the faithful with proper catechesis on the reasons for this norm.