I made my first Holy Communion in 1971. We all recieved the Eucharist on the tongue. I don't remember having to kneel, although I do remember the congregation kneeling at the alter rail when I was very young. I can't remember when we got taught to take the Holy Eucharist in our hands, but I have been doing this for many years. When I read the messages of Maria Divine Mercy. One of the messages said that Our Lord is most offended by the practise of taking the Eucharist in the hand. Even though I now believe these messages are not Divine messages, it did make me think. So since this year, I have return to taking the Holy Eucharist on the tongue standing up. I'm not brave enough to kneel as well, as no one else does. I see 3 years ago, The Holy Father has called for the return of recieving the Eucharist on the tongue, and kneeling at the alter rail. What way do you recieve Jesus?
I've always been a treasure-hunter since a kid enjoyed junk shops and salvage shops. There was an especially good salvage yard in Berkeley, CA that I visited about 8 years ago. In it I stumbled upon this beautiful bent wood "thing" with a velvet pillow which wrapped around a portion of it. This was a discarded altar rail and I actually got sick when I figured it out. But it sent me on a hunt about how to receive the Eucharist. Being a convert I was kind of clueless. Soon after that I read Maria Simma's 'GET US OUT OF HERE" and she was very upset about the way we were receiving the Eucharist in the hand and had said it was a great affront to Jesus. I asked a dozen priests what they thought and what I was supposed to do and they were all very wishy washy on the 'correct' way so I prayed about it. I was led to receive on the tongue but with a reverent bow, not a deep genuflect. I'm afraid I'd go right over if I knelt to receive or that I couldn't get back up and I'd have to crawl away.
Here is an excerpt from Pope Benedict XVI's book "Light of the World" from http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/7213/Light-of-the-World-Excerpts.aspx . I prefer to receive by the hand but will be loyal to whatever the Church decrees. Communion on the Tongue As pope, you have begun to administer Communion on the tongue, while the communicants receive the Sacrament on their knees. Do you regard this as the appropriate posture? The first point that needs to be made is that time has a structure that is common for all believers. The Old Testament prescribes this structure already in light of the creation account, presenting the Sabbath as the day when God rests and men rest with him. For Christians, time gets this structure from Sunday, the day of the Resurrection, when he encounters us and we encounter him. Once again, the most important act here is, as it were, the moment when he unites himself to us through his self-gift. I am not opposed in principle to Communion in the hand; I have both administered and received Communion in this way myself. The idea behind my current practice of having people kneel to receive Communion on the tongue was to send a signal and to underscore the Real Presence with an exclamation point. One very important reason is that there is a great danger of superficiality precisely in the kinds of mass events we hold at St. Peter’s, both in the Basilica and in the Square. I have heard of people who, after receiving Communion, stick the Host in their wallet to take home as a kind of souvenir. In this context, where people think that everyone is just automatically supposed to receive Communion — everyone else is going up, so I will, too — I wanted to send a clear signal. I wanted it to be clear: Something quite special is going on here! He is here, the One before whom we fall on our knees! Pay attention! This is not just some social ritual in which we can take part if we want to.
Like you I receive on the tongue but am not brave enough to kneel. (I reverted to COTT following my reading of Maria Simma's book 'Get us out of Here'). I have hardly seen anyone else ever receive on the tongue. As far as I know, receiving in the hand has never been officially approved. The practice first began, I believe, in Belgium by a decision of the local bishops' conference without reference to Rome and was allowed reluctantly and retrospectively by the Vatican authorities when they became aware of it, as they did not wish to insist on the reversal of a decision of the local bishops. Other countries' bishop conferences therefore felt free to do likewise and so it began. In the Phillipines the bishops decided to discontinue the practice (bless them!). My own Parish Priest was heard assuring someone that the practice was permitted under the Vatican II reforms but this is untrue, I do not feel brave enough to correct him and doubt that it would make much difference. My first communion was in the 50's and so I recall kneeling at the altar rail and the use of a paten by a server to ensure that the Host did not fall to the ground. I am always shocked when I see people of my own generation receive in the hand for some reason.
My 1st Communion was 1969, and at my church we not only coverered our heads, but wore gloves, kneeled at an altar rail, and received on the tongue. When I returned to Church at the age of 35, I was a little shocked to see the sloppy mode of dress, everyone standing, doing a tiny head bow before receiving, and taking on the hand. BUT, it seemed alot easier than "dressing up" on Sun morns, and I didn't want to be different, so I followed suite. I happened to go on a day trip, to Holy Hill WI and see the relics of St Therese. There was Mass with the Bishop officiating, and over 10,000 people there, so many were standing up in the isles of the Church. When I held out my hand, the deacon almost dropped the host, and I heard Jesus say to NEVER receive in the hand anymore, that it greatly offended Him. I did start on the tongue but continued to dress and act as everyone else in my Parish, very laid back, when after a Mass one morn I turned on the radio, and they were talking of head coverings in various religions. I turned it off, but felt Jesus was prompting me to wear a dress and cover my head. I ignored it but when I got home I turned on a movie and a little girl was walking into a Church with Jackie Gleason and he removed his hat. The little girl removed her hat and he quickly put it back on her head! I again felt urged so I started "argueing" with the Lord, saying I don't want to stand out, and no one else does...etc, etc... After about another day of this I heard His voice clearly and He said "My Mother is there and her head is covered. Are you above My Mother??" Well that was the end of it for me! My head is covered ever since many years now and I care NOT what anyone thinks. If I feel that people are looking at me I just offer it up. I also kneel or genuflect as low as I can when receiving. You cannot show too much worship and reverance to our Lord!
Lee. You made me laugh. I almost pictured you kneeling in front of the priest to recieve Jesus, and giving up getting up, so you just crawled back. Daniel. Isn't it sad to think someone would put the Eucharist in the wallet to take home. I actually believe many practising Catholics don't understand about the host truely being Jesus. You're right. If we do kneel, it is sending a clearer message 'that something is really going on here'. Steve, you say you hardly ever see anyone recieve the host on the tongue. What country do you live? Not that I am a seasonal traveler, but I did some traveling in Europe this year and last year, and they all have different customs. Carmel, I am only a couple of years younger than you, so I understand the era you were in. Yes I can remember covering our heads, I can't remember the gloves though. Didn't the dress code change quickly. I must admit about 6 Christmas' ago, I wore a lovely green summer dress (I"m Australian) that showed my cleavage. I must say I didn't feel that comfortable in wearing it. I think it was the last time that dress was worn. I do dress more appropriately now. Mind you, being in your early 40's to late 40's is a bit different. Carmel, I admire you for your stance. Your attitude in doing what pleases the Lord, and not what people would think is encouraging.
FYI. In the church in Garabandal. For communion, they bring out a single kneeler for people to kneel in recieving Jesus. Most people kneel and recieve the Host on the tongue. But being in Garabandal, there can also be pilgrams there, in which some stand and recieve the Eucharist in the hand also. About 4 years ago, our parish priest told the congregation that we all need to do the same. He said we are to come and bow, then recieve the Host in the hand. This didn't worry me, as I was taking it in the hand anyway. But i did hear that he refused to give the Host to a lady that came up and put out her tongue. We don't have that priest in our parish now. But now that I recieve on my tongue. What would I do if another Priest commanded that again? I suppose I would either have to obey or go to another parish. When I was in Medjugorje last year. It was extremely hot and I wore a summer dress that was a couple of inches above my knee to Mass. I then saw a sign in the church with rules of dress code in Churches throughout Europe. I can't remember all the rules, but one said about covering your knees. After mass, I couldn't get back to my hotel quick enough and put a different dress on that went nearly to my ankles. Funny though, the longer dress is actually cooler. I would never have thought about it, I just dressed to how the world dressed. I would have never wanted to dress to offend in the Church. So it just goes to show, we as Catholics aren't educated well enough. Firstly, it needs to be taught to us from our parents, and secondly the Priests need to tell us also. The warning is going to teach us so much!
In the Eastern Rite tradition there are no pews except in the U.S. You stand the entire Divine Liturgy which can be 1and a half hours long or more! Then when it is time to receive communion there are NO women allowed behind the Iconistance (the divide between the people and the altar) and only altar boys allowed. The priest either stands at the front and each individual comes up and tells the priest their name and the priest says, "Servant of God, **martha** receive the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ..." you tilt your head back, keep your tongue in your mouth and he drops a crouton size piece of consecrated bread that has been mingled with the blood of Christ in the Chalice into your mouth. You go back to your seat and stand until all are done. Then the priest 'blesses' all those in union with Christ with the Chalice of salvation. Then you sit or kneel and pray while he cleans the vessels etc. In Europe, they stand the whole time, then when communion comes the whole entire crowd kneels and the altar server holds a cloth or paten under the the person's chin and the priest meanders through the crowd and each time the person receives the Holy Eucharist one of the servers rings a little bell. If it is super crowed, the person gets up, or crawls over to a spot to pray. It is so beautiful and I am always amazed at the babies and little children who wait in joyful hope to receive our Lord and they jump up and down seeing the priest 'coming' toward them! Two out of 7 kids of mine were baptised and Chrismated 3 to five days after birth and received the precious blood of our Lord until they could consume the body in the form of bread. My kids have such great memories and miss it so much! ESPECIALLY THE REVERENCE!!
[quote="Jane, post: 22162, member: 545" Steve, you say you hardly ever see anyone recieve the host on the tongue. What country do you live? Not that I am a seasonal traveler, but I did some traveling in Europe this year and last year, and they all have different customs. [/quote] I'm in the UK
Yeah well 50 is getting closer, so I am more of an "old fox" now. I definately dress modestly in Church, in fact anywhere now.
As I said, I always wear long modest dresses to church. I try to find pretty ones with lace collars and buy linen alot because it is comfortable and I can layer it with a long linen coat. I don't want to look like a sack, or someone from another century. I've had several men at Mass over the years come up and say I look very nice, and thank me for dressing so pretty and modest. NEVER have had a women say anything. Some even glare at me LOL! Not that I expect anything said mind you, but it is interesting that men actually seem to LIKE the pretty modest dresses. Sometimes I wonder if they really don't like all this "sexy" clothing women are wearing nowadays.
Oh and don't EVEN get me started on flip flops!!!! Over the summer as everyone came up to get Communion, all you could hear was SNAP SNAP SNAP SNAP SNAP...... I swear I had to beg the Lord to take the uncharitable thoughts out of my head, as nothing seems more disrespectful than shorts and flip flops....
Carmel I'm really glad you brought up the veil or head covering as in my heart I've grappled with this over the years. In Rome and Medj. there were plenty of women who covered their heads but in this country, or city really, it's only the women from the church of Latin Masses that follow this practice. But it speaks to me. When I was small my aunt took me with her, on rare occasion, to mass with my little cousins and they had gloves and veils and I knew that this church was set far apart from any other because of it. I loved it. But the veil's went away and eventhough I've always thought they were important I never found a priest or any writings to support it. I even went to a consignment store and found a beautiful heavy lace ecru veil, I think I'm just waiting for the Lord to give me the nudge! For years I was in charge of the late Sunday mass and trained the EEM's to serve. I could always tell the women who were going to after installed push the boundaries and told them right up "no thighs, no boobs- just leave them at home!" I always felt sorry for that poor priest who had to "not look" at what was right in front of him!
Lee, I would wear the veil too. I'm definately waiting for a 'big push' than a nudge. During the warning Jesus will tell us if we should be wearing the veil. Maybe we better buy one and be prepared. I too look, and have uncharitable thoughts on how people dress in church. Yet I had been guilty of it. But please remember what I said above. Most people are just unaware of what they are doing. No one has ever pointed it out to them. I believe it is up to the priests to maybe talk about it in the newsletters. As a parent I can educate my girls. I have 3 daughters who are old enough to go out at nights. I have said very bluntly to one of my daughters "You look like a tart." This goes straight to the heart, and has made her go back to her room and do a fix up. It is hard for them. They want to look good and fit in with everyone else. Sadly, as Carmel said. I hate all this "sexy" clothing. TV series HAPPY DAYS. Joanie was sneeking out when she was about 13. She was dressed inappropriate, and nearly got herself in trouble. Fonzie said. "You advertise yourself, someone will answer the ad." This is what I say now, if I ever feel the need.
When I was a young altar boy in my local Irish parish many moons ago we were trained to place the paten under the chin of the communicant and this was considered an important job. I would have dropped dead if a host had fallen on the floor but thankfully none ever did. Such was the awe in which people believed. And all people received kneeling and only on the tongue. The Eucharist was held in much greater reverence then than it is now. Our Lady said at Garabandal that 'less and less importance' is being given to the Eucharist. One of the reasons is the change in Church discipline. If I were Pope I would immediately restore Church discipline of receiving Communion on the tongue only and kneeling at the altar rail. These are signs and signals that what we are receiving is the Bread of Life. Outward signs are important reminders of inward spiritual realities. Abuses surrounding communion hosts have multiplied in recent years because of a lapse in Church discipline. Jesus deserves the best! He is the Bread of Life, Manna from heaven but our Communion queues look like a queue at McDonalds. Order and discipline are needed to restore belief in the Real Presence. The next Pope Peter the Roman will restore Church discipline and many won't like it.
Quarterly, my Catechisis of the Good Shepherd has a special mass for the children and we have two kneelers and the altar boy holds the paten under our chins and it's sublime...it's the way it should be I agree. There is reverence, time to prepare, be present and know why you are there. I'd love to see the altar rail re-installed in all the churches, wouldn't that be wonderful, a great outward sign of reverence. I've thought a lot about Peter Roman and the Church he will lead, and I think differently about it. I think that the Body of Christ will have changed, hearts changed. That those who are still in the Church will be filled with the understanding of why we are there and Who is there with us. The discipline will be a natural "next step" and we will yearn for it rather than resist. It will, as the pundits say, be smaller but glow with a much brighter light, a holier light. It's going to be after the "wake up call" and we'll be illuminated, we'll be cleaned up and reflecting the light more perfectly.
I had a fight with myself over this and ended up agreeing to just go along with the Church 's laws. Certain visionaries scared me over this. I would be more concerned over not recieving the Body and the blood. Jesus said take and eat, take and drink. So He meant us to have both species. If recieving the host is equivalent to recieving the blood, then why have the wine? Taking the blood has its own very special efficacy. But eventually I believe we will go back to taking it on the otnge and kneeling under both species. I think the best argument for the tongue is that Satanists are stealing the hosts for the black mass. ANYTHING that can avoid this can only be good.
I ogt a good tip[ for Communion one time. If you have any prayers of petition; ask them of jesu when He coomes at Communion; its the best of all times to ask for favours.
