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St. Ann
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In the last couple of weeks I have felt this longing to kneel to receive Communion. Only recently have I begun receiving directly on the tongue and a desire was awakened to deepen my devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist. I am fortunate to be able to attend daily Mass since August. I realize how easily distracted I am, and I always seem so hurried at Communion to keep the line moving and the kids in check. Our Church building is only 30 years old and there is no Communion rail. I am very tall and feel way too clumsy to try to kneel on the ground to receive, which would just distract me all the more  I am considering approaching my Priest about this and ask if there is an option, even if only for daily Mass. I also think that our Pope Benedict has influenced me in this area. I know that there is a special kneeler for those who receive from him. Have any of you dear ladies had similar thoughts and experiences? I have this feeling that I would not be the only one kneeling at daily Mass if the option was presented. In addition, I do want to clarify my query, that I do not believe that those who receive with their hands and in a standing position do not have a true devotion, but only that I am so weak in that area, that I need the extra physical assistance.
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Stephanie
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Mackfam
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Stephanie - I was very drawn in a similar way a few years ago to begin veiling for Mass. I want to say immediately that I do not veil as a way of standing out nor do I judge other's holiness because they do or do not veil - this was something I believe the Blessed Virgin was asking of me to address a particular weakness I have.
It was, as you point out in your journey above, something that is an outward sign of an interior attitude. I too am so weak and prone to distraction during Mass. The veil is a tangible reminder for me that I am before the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, under God's authority and under the authority of my dh. It helps keep my attitude in check - my own tendencies to pride. It is a very visible reminder for me to bow in humility before sweet Jesus.
I believe that if God is calling you to kneel it would be good to approach your husband and your priest in all humility to request their assistance. Every time you go before Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament ask Him to make known to you His holy will in this regard. Tell him that you only long to please Him in your obedience. Ask Our Lady to help you. Her gentle hand is always so instructive.
Kneeling for receiving our Lord has been a great blessing to me, and again helps me keep my attitude focused as a result of the physical assistance of my body posture. Like you, I in no way cast judgement on others that do not seek these physical assistances - I am too grateful (and so needful) for their example in so many ways. I'm also so grateful that Our Lord saw my weakness and offered me helps to keep my attention focused on the sacrifice of the altar and His Holy Presence.
I encourage you to listen to the still, small voice, Stephanie. I will be praying for your discernment.
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Jen Mackintosh
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Lisbet
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Jennifer, Do you kneel no matter where you are? Whether you know the priest or not? Our parish has a communion rail so naturally I kneel there all of the time, and at another church I would kneel for daily mass, but I knew the priest very well and he understood. I have knelt at other churches only for the priest to be very befuddled - so I stopped - I didn't want to become a distraction to anyone else.
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Lisa, wife to Tony,
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Mackfam
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As a family, we attend a Diocesan Latin Mass for our Sunday Mass and also for the once a week daily Mass we attend. Kneeling there for Communion is the norm.
If we're traveling and at another parish for one weekend we generally choose to follow the traditional posture for reception in that parish. We make a sincere genuflection to Our Lord as the person in front of us receives. I do still veil though no matter the Mass.
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Jen Mackintosh
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St. Ann
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Jennifer and Lisa,
I am just now responding, because I am still pondering and praying...
Your thoughts and shared experiences have been a great help.
Even when I am at Mass without children I feel rushed at communion. I am hardly able to respond "amen" before receiving. I must make a conscious effort to slow down.
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Stephanie
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Susana
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God Bless you Stephanie :) I really hope that you can answer the call that God is sending you to kneel before Him :) Kneeling is all I've done all my life and I guess I've just taken it for granted. I never knew how blessed I was to be able to do it. I feel for you and your longing  . Maybe you'll set a good example and others who are too "scared" or self concious to kneel before their King will follow along after you.
Take care
-Susana
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LisaR
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Susana wrote:
Maybe you'll set a good example and others who are too "scared" or self concious to kneel before their King will follow along after you.
Take care
-Susana |
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but what about the directives of the GIRM?
I've had some interesting discussions about prayer posture lately. Attending Eastern Rite liturgies including the Maronite Rite where extreme reverence is shown although they never kneel once during their liturgy.
I understand with a communion rail, and/or kneeler available during a latin (Roman Rite) Mass, but if those are not present??
I AM grateful that I am in a Diocese where kneeling is still the norm after reception, this is detailed in the GIRM as well....
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Lisa
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Susana
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Lisa, what is GIRM?
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MaryM
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It's the General Instruction of the Roman Missal - the official rubrics for the celebration of the liturgy.
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Mary M. in Denver
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Susana
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Thank you Mary! :)
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MaryM
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The specific section in the GIRM on this topic is here:
Quote:
160. The priest then takes the paten or ciborium and goes to the communicants, who, as a rule, approach in a procession.
The faithful are not permitted to take the consecrated bread or the sacred chalice by themselves and, still less, to hand them from one to another. 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.
When receiving Holy Communion, the communicant bows his or her head before the Sacrament as a gesture of reverence and receives the Body of the Lord from the minister. The consecrated host may be received either on the tongue or in the hand, at the discretion of each communicant. When Holy Communion is received under both kinds, the sign of reverence is also made before receiving the Precious Blood. |
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St. Ann wrote:
| I am considering approaching my Priest about this and ask if there is an option, even if only for daily Mass. I also think that our Pope Benedict has influenced me in this area. I know that there is a special kneeler for those who receive from him. |
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At my parent's parish (small, rural church, no communion rail) they have started having a kneeler available for those that choose. This has just been in the last year. Just before communion one of the altar servers will get the portable kneeler (like those used by the altar servers) and place it in the center aisle. There are two lines for communion and the kneeler is basically between them right in front of the priest. People can then either receive standing or step to the inside and kneel while receiving.
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Mary M. in Denver
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Susana
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Mary, while we're on this topic, do you have info or know why the Roman rite made it the norm to stand?
-Thanks! I learn so much on these forums!
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LisaR
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MaryM wrote:
| and place it in the center aisle. There are two lines for communion and the kneeler is basically between them right in front of the priest. People can then either receive standing or step to the inside and kneel while receiving. |
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this sounds nice.!!
without altar rails, reception on the knees can cause some logistical issues.
we've seen it happen a few times over the years, where someone genuflecting will end up causing the person behind them to trip/fall into them
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Lisa
dh Tim '92
Joseph 17
Paul 14
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Dominic 8
Maria Gianna 5
Isaac Vincent 9/21/10! and...
many little saints in heaven!
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4Real Forums : Domestic Church
Topic: love for the Eucharist
