4Real Forums: kids not yet old enough for communion

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Topic: kids not yet old enough for communion

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PDyer
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Posted: April 22 2008 at 7:29am \| IP Logged

MaryM wrote:

So, the blessing of anyone by an EME at Communion time is a vain gesture, which does nothing for the recipient. Furthermore, by a gesture which suggests priestly authority in a sacramental setting, it confuses the role of the laity and the ordained minister, something prohibited by the Instruction on Certain Questions Regarding the Collaboration of the Non-Ordained Faithful in the Sacred Ministry of Priests. Answered by Colin B. Donovan, STL

I understand this. Some EME's in our parish make the sign of the cross, and some people speak to the children, but what they say varies.

So tell me, what is my responsibility in my parish? Our pastor is a wonderful holy priest who stepped into a difficult situation five years ago. Do I need to speak to him? Do I need to figure out which EMEs offer this vain blessing and avoid their part of the procession? In all seriousness! What do I do?

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Patty
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Marcia
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Posted: April 22 2008 at 8:50am \| IP Logged

In the Eastern Rite, you do not recieve in the hand...so you must come forward with your arms across your chest so that the host can be place in your mouth. Each Eastern Rite is a little different. (if you've never been I HIGHLY recommend it!). In the Ruthenian Byzantine Rite you are given the Body and Blood together out of the chalice from a spoon. It is flicked into your mouth as you hold your mouth wide open. A red cloth is laid over your hands and under your mouth to catch any particles that might not land in your mouth. Any child baptized in this Rite recieves communion as well (at the same time)....so the person that talked with you must have experienced this.
When we attend the Byzantine Church
here I just tuck my non-receiving communion children behind me in the line and pull them onward as we leave the front of the church (no blessing either)....Then at the end of every Mass there is some kind of blessing given (the saint of the week) and my children go up to receive the blessing then with arms crossed over their chest....and also holy oils are given with the blessing on their forheads. It is wonderful to visit.

At our own parish, I try to get in the priests line. But if not the deacon usually says "I ask that Jesus will bless you" or "Jesus loves you" to my children.

Lorri
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Posted: April 22 2008 at 10:11pm \| IP Logged

My dh went through EMHC training with a canon lawyer. The book and training he received instructs EMHCs on how to bless children who approach with arms crossed over their chest. It doesn't make sense that church approved materials, taught by a canon lawyer would give instructions on something that would be a "vain blessing."

Definitely talk to your priest, who will hopefully bring a better understanding.

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