He extended his hand as if he were just shaking hands - there was absolutely no reverence - and why was he given Communion in the first place - he is a Protestant?
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This incident is good reason for abolishing Communion in the hand and putting a stop to the free for all that occurrs at Communion time in Roman Catholic churches.
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Don't forget that Roger of Taize was given Holy Communion by Cardinal Ratzinger at JPII's funeral - I don't know what that was about, but situations like it give the impression anyone can do it. (Think the Protestant Clinton, the apostates Kerry and Pelosi, et al.) Thank God, as Pope, the Holy Father has changed the way he distributes Communion - to those who kneel and on the tongue.
At least no one can take the opportunity to lambast EMHCs.
ReplyDelete"This incident is good reason for abolishing Communion in the hand" Dead right Terry!
ReplyDeleteThis is terrible. I don't know why at these ecumenical events the priest doesn't at least take the time to verbally remind everyone the rules for communion like is usually done at wedding and funeral Masses (hey, I just see that the correlation-ok, LOL). This can be done charitably. Honestly, I think we almost need this reminder at every Mass.
ReplyDeleteAnother question this story raises is why do ministers feel they have to dole out communion in such a hurry? They rush through it as if everyone has to leave - It is Mass, and one of the most solemn moments at that, what's the rush?
ReplyDeleteYes, kneel and on the tongue. What Protestant would "kneel" to what they considered a "piece of bread." They wouldn't and would not take our Lord sacreligiously!
ReplyDeleteTara, wow, I never thought of that but you are so right. When I was a protestant I would never knee to a mere symbol. This would clear up so much. I didn't see myself as a "Traditionalist" but more and more...
ReplyDeleteThat's it. NO more receiving in the hand for me. I am done. I did it that way for years - anyone that knows me knows I am reverent, believe in the Real Presence, etc. But that's it.
ReplyDeleteSince the 49th International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec last year, which I had the very real blessing of being able to attend (not just the weekend but the whole time) I have received on the tongue but for a few awkward times. Those times were caused by the fact that I was, at the time, an "extra-ordinary Eucharistic minister" and my priest, a very good, loyal and orthodox man, found it odd that I received on the tongue (implied I'm not good enough to touch Jesus) but was willing to serve in the hand to the hand. He felt it looked odd, sending a possible double message to people in the pew who would see me receive on the tongue from him but moments later serve people by hand to others in-the-hand. He said it was confusing. I agreed.
ReplyDeleteHe made a really good point, though he is fully in favour of in-the-hand.
His challenge had the reverse intended effect. I agreed to receive in the hand when also serving as a EOEM but noted that I would receive only on the tongue when participating in but not serving at Communion.
I seeing out my current responsibility as an EOEM but requesting I be removed from the serving list as of the end of the current cycle, which is August.
Interestingly, I came to this decision in June, long before all the current ruckus which only serve to confirm my decision.