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Confusion surrounds stricter rules for Mass

Published: February 26, 2008

Stricter rules for Mass including disallowing taking Communion in the hand and time limits on homilies may soon be initiated by the Vatican.

DPA reports that Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship Archbishop Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don was quoted in Italian newspaper La Stampa saying that the moves were necessary to eliminate "extravagancies".

Provisions include restricting to 10 minutes homilies and ensuring they be exclusively based on the Gospel readings.

Archbishop Ranjith was also quoted as saying the practice of allowing the faithful to receive Communion in their hands would be "urgently reviewed".

"The Vatican wants the host placed directly into the mouths of the faithful so they don't touch it (with their hands)because many don't even realize they are receiving Christ and do this with scant concentration and respect," Archbishop Ranjith said.

The distribution of communion on the hands has been widespread since Vatican II.

However, Ranjith said the practice was "illegally and hastily introduced by certain elements of the Church immediately after the Council".

"Some people keep hosts with them as a sort of souvenir, others sell them while in some cases the hosts have been taken away to be used in blasphemous Satanic rituals," he said.

Ranjith said the measures to bring back "dignity and decorum" to Mass celebrations were in line with Pope Benedict's wishes.

Since the release of the articelo on Monday, Archibshop Ranjith denied the report by La Stampa saying on Vatican Radio that no new Mass regulations were envisaged.

"The article published on Monday by Turin daily La Stampa contained a collage of phrases citing him (Ranjith) that led to conclusions which were out of place," a Vatican Radio broadcaster said.

Archbishop Ranjith has now denied any plans are afoot, saying instead on Vatican Radio "the hope is that the existing norms will be regularly applied and that the Eucharist be celebrated with devotion, seriousness and nobility."

SOURCE

Vatican to 'review' taking of Communion in the hand (Earth Times 25/02/08)

Vatican official denies report on communion in the hand (Earth Times 25/02/08)

LINK

Congregation for Divine Worship

 

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Recent Comments

  1. Christ gave the first Communion on the hand. Adults put food into their own mouths. Children are fed by their parents.

    Posted By: Fr Noel Mansfield

  2. I submitted a comment on a matter last week. I would now like to know what is being done with these comments before I submit any further ones.
    I would very much appreciate your comments.
    Marie M

    Posted By: Marie

  3. Personally I have not found any greater irreverence in receiving Holy Communion in the hand, rather I found a greater reverence as people realised the privilege of holding their Saviour in their hands. It is true that some may keep the consecrated host but this also happened when Communion was on the tongue.
    Maybe in culturers or countries that lack proper catchesis it has become less reverent. I think one has to leave such decisions to the local Bishops in communion with their people - otherwise we go back to the Dark Ages!
    Fr John

    Posted By: Fr John P Evans

  4. If Jesus was here with us and He offered His hand I would react in a flash, and I believe that is what Jesus would want. He is looking for my friendship, and I want His very badly. Communion in the hand? Of course. I hope and pray that I am a friend of Jesus and He would be smiling!

    Posted By: Brian Fitzsimmons

  5. It seems to me that there are people in Rome who have solutions to problems which they have not yet found. Why change things that the people are comfortable with? Perhaps they don't have enough to do.

    Posted By: Ian Fairweather

  6. I am in favour of bringing back the reception of Holy Communion on the tongue. The amount of times I have seen, children especially, returning from the altar with no reverence and chewing the host even in some cases dropping it. I have always taken my Holy Communion by mouth. I also feel they should bring back kneeling when receiving Holy Communion. It made you feel reverence to receive the Body and Blood of Christ.

    I am also amazed at the amount of children and teenagers that I see chewing gum before going up to Communion. Surely their parents must also see this. I am all in favour of bringing back some of the old ways of the church. There have been too many changes too quickly made in the church.

    Posted By: C Leonard

  7. This urgency to ban communion in the hand is really an overreaction and unnecessary. Putting the host directly on a person's tongue does nothing to stop "blasphemies" which originate in the heart. It is likewiase unsanitary to be touching someone's tongue and then another and another.

    Posted By: Patricia Marks

  8. It is not reception in the hand which is the problem causing one to fail to recognise one is receiving Christ, but the fact of walking down in a queue of people like a supermarket checkout that occupies the mind. What we need to do is to reinstste kneeling at the altar rail to receive. This gives one time to recollect oneself and realise what one is receiving in the hand or mouth

    Posted By: Roland Comfort

  9. Communion on tongue must unreservedly be introduced in order to halt the gross irreverence indirectly resulting from the dynamics of
    vatican 11.

    Posted By: robert

  10. When I see young people going to communion chewing, boys with hands in pockets, adults dipping the host into the chalice and walking away dropping Our Lord's blood onto the carpet, yes i think the reverence of the occasion is sadly missing

    Posted By: robert carrucan

  11. This item makes as much sense as the decision to reinstate latin masses! It is still hard to believe that, 40 years after Vatican II, there are still members of the hierarchy who believe Vatican II was a bad idea and the church should return to "how things were" 50 years ago. It is sad to think such thinking still exists in the church of the 12st century.

    Posted By: Patrick O'Connell

  12. Although I have not doubt that there have been abuses and misunderstandings when it come to receiving the Precious Body (and Blood) of Christ during Holy Communion, to penalize the vast majority of the faithful because of a minority of case is not very pastoral nor prudent for the universal church. The faithful in the Church today are simply not stupid peasants that can lectured at or be bossed around. It is a well known fact that to receive the Sacred Presence on the hand is a ancient, noble and genuine sacred tradition. To have a 'super spiritual nanny' now yank Holy Communion from our hands, shows a lack of good will, distrust and judgment on behalf of our superiors. Perhaps when the financial contributions that are used to support these bureaucrats dry up then things might straighten up. Besides, the good Archbishop would be most welcome to join us out here in the trenches of real life where he can truly be of assistance to the People of God of whom we are called to serve and not be served.

    Posted By: REv'd Fr. S. C. Page

  13. It seems the secretary of the Congregation of Divine Worship is making some extraordinary claims.
    Thank God that the Vatican Council's renewal is still being upheld by the Vatican itself.

    Posted By: Liz Morris

  14. 1. It should be not have been begun - to allow the faithful to take holy comunion by hand.and I also suggest the Pope should not allow concelebrated masses because the con-celebrants are sometimes not devoted to the Mass. They talk to each other, make phone calls or send txt messages during the Mass and take photos.
    2. In the Philippines the Bishops priests and religious are involved too much in practical matters but do not not care enough about apostolic works and missionary work.The Holy Father needs to advise them about these things.

    Posted By: Fr. joeph

  15. Please allow Holy Communion in the hand to stay. Let us not go backwards.
    Where there is lack of respect let the clergy and laity be vigilant and let there be good catechesis on the matter.

    Posted By: Mary Hahn

  16. Why is the Vatican determined to go backwards? Do they really want to see the dwindling numbers at Mass reduce even more. Our children don't attend now - this retrograde step will make Mass even less appealing to them

    Posted By: Pamela Waller

  17. The time has come for the rank n file Catholics to say enough is enough.This turning back the clock rubbish coming out of the Vatican just has to stop.

    Posted By: Bill Brady

  18. It's regrettable that you chose to include this piece of misinformation in today's News. The Archbishop has categorically denied that the report is accurate. Do we believe him ? Or do we wish to stir up controversy when none really exists ?

    Posted By: denbo

  19. The proper question concerns not reception in the hand nor on the tongue but the reception of the heart. Get this right and all will be well.

    Posted By: James Wood

  20. I do not agree with reverting to communion directly into the mouth. It is a health hazard. If the inside of the mouth is touched by the minister it is unhygienic as Bacteria or viruses can be transmitted to the next communicant, unless the minister washes his/her hands after each person. This is especially dangerous with HIV Aids as well as herpes and the common cold and influenza.

    I do agree with the ruling on homilies. It would be more important to have some scriptural input. This would ensure that priests did some serious study and preparation, something which is sadly in some priests.

    Posted By: Claire Skehan

  21. Hopefully, taking Communion in the hand will remain. As a Special Minister I find it rather unhealthy having to put the host on the tongue.
    With regard to C Leonard's comment about many young people chewing while going up to Communion, I also find this very irreverent, I suppose we could look at it this way, at least they are going to Mass (even if made to by their parents).

    Posted By: Joyce B

  22. As one who gives the Body of Christ to "the faithful" at Mass, I am often humbled by the reverence with which people hold out their hands to receive their Lord under either form. It is much more difficult to give someone the Body of Christ reverently if one is preoccupied with not touching their tongue nor dropping the Host in the process. As a communicant, I'd much rather receive the body of Christ in my hand - I find that much more dignified and more intentional. (and I totally agree with Fr Noel).

    Posted By: Anne

  23. This is the second time Cath News has produced this spurious article.
    The content were private remarks made by the said Archbishop in an introduction for some book he was asked to comment on.
    Cath News should not be peddling such remarks, you are just being incendiary and encouraging bad feelings towards the Vatican.
    Is this the sort of standard of 'news' we are going to have imposed on us? How about some uplifting news, what about the Pope's Letter to Educators, published last week, why aren't you promoting that instead of this divisive nonsense.

    Posted By: Fr Mick Mac Andrew Bombala NSW

  24. I cannot believe the majority of these posts, particularly those from the the clergy. Clearly what I was taught was entirely erroneous.

    Posted By: Michael

  25. I cannot believe the vast majority of posts on this subject, particularly those from clergy. Very clearly, what I have been taught has been in serious error and present-day "Catholics" posting here are of very superior intellect to their forebears. Not!

    Posted By: Michael

  26. I am somewhat taken back by the statement and assumption that 'many (people) don't even realize they are receiving Christ and do this with scant concentration and respect'. I personally find it a much more reverent experience receiving communion in the hand and most people I know feel the same. Let's hope wisdom prevails and we don;t go back to practices of the past that are not relevant today.

    Posted By: Bernie

  27. As a Communion Minister I see the story of a person's life in the hands of the Communicant, from the soft gentle hands of a child to the work worn hands of the labourer or mechanic. There is nothing hygienic about placing Communion on a person's tongue and then another. Who are any of us to judge people!
    Why is the Congregation for Divine Worship so intent on taking our Liturgy backwards? Do they want to see our churches emptied completely?

    Gabrielle

    Posted By: Gabrielle Saide

  28. Thank goodness for the disclaimer at the end of this report.My heart was sinking as I read of the so called changes being mooted,particularly regarding the reception of Holy Communion. Surely what is important is that,whatever the mode of reception,those of us who are recipients of this incredible gift,do so with deep devotion ,humility and joy. As for homilies,a good one ,under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit,can last as long as it takes,a bad one is not worth a minute of anyone's time

    Posted By: paul

  29. i agree that communion in the hand should end....

    Posted By: james tucci

  30. After reading the majority of these posts and being disgusted that people regard themselves as being worthy to touch the body and blood of Christ, I take comfort in what Malachi Martin said regarding the New Mass, "that an increasing number of Novus Ordo Masses are invalid due to the priests' intentions" Meaning that if the priest doesn't have the intentions set forth under the Council of Trent, then the consecration is invalid and really what is being touched, dropped, desecrated is only bread and wine.

    Posted By: GH

  31. I for one welcome receiving communion on the tongue. I see that my opinion is far and few between. I will continue praying for all priests.

    Posted By: Lise

  32. I hope and pray that the Vatican does disallow communion reception in the hand. The liturgical language of passing by and grabbing our Lord in our hands versus reverently kneeling at the communion rail and humbly receiving Him on our tongues speaks volumes. People are losing faith.

    Posted By: Mickey Brad

  33. Anyone who says that there has not been a decrease in reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament in the past 40-50 years is simply not being realistic. Was it caused by Communion in the hand? Perhaps. There is a great misunderstanding with Communion in the hand. There is actually a great reason for it. Namely, since we are receivers of every good thing from almighty God, it only makes sense that we receive Holy Communion directly from our spiritual father - the priest. Despite this, perhaps another reason for the lack of reverence is the absurdity that occurs in some Catholic parishes. From guitar and rock Masses, to banal modern day organ hymns, to lousy translations of the Mass, the True Faith has suffered greatly since the new liturgy was created. Communion being received on the tongue is but one step to restoring dignity, reverence and beauty to the Mass. Long live the Pope!

    Posted By: Fr Reilly

  34. There have been many abuses since Holy Communion has been given in the hand. Hosts have been found on the floor, in the pews, some young people come to receive with markings on the palm of their hands, chewing gum. Thank God that some people are going back to receiving on the tongue. I notice that they are increasing in numbers.

    I hope Pope Benedict XVI will make it mandatory for everyone to receive on the tongue. We need to be reminded that it is Jesus Christ (Body and Blood) we are receiving and we should receive Him with humility and reverence!!

    Posted By: Anne Bertazzon

  35. I beg to differ with Fr. Noel M. He should know that visionary, Anne Catherine Emmerich, saw Jesus place the Eucharist into the mouths of the apostles at the Last Supper. He must also be unaware of the crumbs that fall from the communicant's hand.

    Posted By: Sister Veronica

  36. I am astounded at the responses on this subject. None of us, I mean none of us, are worthy of holding Our Lord in our hands.
    Do you really think that Our Lord Jesus would allow us to get sick by receiving Him. O ye of little faith.
    I am also shocked at the number of priests who have written on this blog. Their hands are consecrated specially to offer Jesus to the faithful. As I see this, they are 'afraid' of putting Jesus on the tongues of the faithful because.. why??
    "O Lord, I am not WORTHY to receive You, but only say the word and I shall be healed.
    I will pray for all of you to be enlightened! God bless you.

    Posted By: Rosie

  37. Do we all not have OUR OWN job to do? I believe that the more we compromise the'Original Church' the more we give it to the Enemy! Is God not Past, Present and Future? Jesus is here NOW just as He was and will ever Be! We have no rightto change what God has given us, and I believe with immovable volition that Jesus wants us to take the Host from the Priest's Hand (the one who Jesus sent to represent Himself), not our own.
    I'm sure we all agree that the priest represents our Lord in the flesh giving Himself to us in the Host. The reason that we do not take the Lord in our own hands is that we could drop a piece of the Holy Flesh or perhaps decide to keep it without consuming it (as those who work for the Enemy would!).
    Thus, there is far less a chance of defiling, disrespecting and
    continuing to "crucify" Jesus Christ if the priest (who represents the Lord) doesthe job of handling the Sacred Host. In Christ, Tracy Illes

    Posted By: Tracy Illes

  38. I pray that this reform will take place as soon as possible in receiving the Body of Christ on the tongue. The argument it would be unhealthy is ridiculous, the priest's hands are the only ones to distribute communion. The practice of intinction of the Blood of Christ would be absolutely wonderful, too.

    Posted By: evelyn stieber

  39. hygiene? posters are worried about hygiene? what a red herring.

    how do these same people feel about the precious blood?

    Posted By: Jack

  40. Father Noel, Your post confuses me. Are we not to consider ourselves children of God? Your post seems to imply otherwise. We are so divinely lucky to be offered the Blessed Sacrament. Any which way our Holy Mother Church calls us to reecive Him is good with me.

    Posted By: Jack

  41. and this "backwards" nonsense... if I fall into a bad habit or incorrect behavior is it not good to return to the previous correct behavior? Does a sick man not want to return to health? Do travellers not want to return home?

    Uhg. returning to reverence is not backwards. It is infact upwards - to Heaven and Him.

    Sigh...

    Posted By: Jack

  42. Receiving the host in the tongue reduces the possibility of particles being thrown around. And every single particle contains the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Isn't the paten used precisely to catch these fallen particles? What safeguards are there to prevent this from happening when receiving the host in the hand?

    Posted By: Jose Maria Alcasid

  43. The discussion can be to move forward with restricting reception of our Lord my mouth, only, just because people carry Him away and do blasphemous things with Him. By mouth would enable the Priest to be assured that in his role as pastor that the Eucharist is being consumed and not carried away. Ensuring reception while at Mass is a good reason in itself! Forget all the dialogue about whether it is more reverent or not, we need to make sure the Host is consumed then and there!

    Posted By: Theresa

  44. The Vatican should restore the altars and communion rail as well as insisting the Host be received on the tongue (and kneeling) to bring back reverence to the Mass. The Tridentine mass should be available in EVERY PARISH, not just a diocese, which can be far away and make it impossible for the elderly, disabled, and those who don't drive or have a ride. Our archbishop, Hughes, ignores all the requests for the Latin mass to be performed throughout the diocese and I can only pray that he will retire asap and be replaced with a more reverentially traditional archbishop. May the Lord bless and keep us all!

    Posted By: Margaret Combs

  45. This is the best news I have ever heard. I have always received Communion on the tongue. This is what our Lord wants. No harm will come to anyone if they take communion on the tongue. Is God so cruel? If you respect his wishes, why should you be afraid. Arent you his child? Dont worry. I thank our Holy Father the Pope for this consideration. I do also wish that if we covered our heads (the Ladies) and knelt and took communion, we would be giving our lordthe respect the respect he deserves from us. Receiving Communion is holy and wonderful.

    Posted By: Cecelia D'Souza

  46. Reverence trumps any and all excuses not to receive Our Lord on our tongues. As a young woman, I see all kinds of abuses at my parish from both young and old. Go Vatican go! We want you to intercede and fix all the terrible abuses taking place in our churches!!

    Posted By: Marie Brown

  47. Personally, I will only take the Eucharist in the mouth. I do not feel worthy enough to touch HIM by the hand.

    As far as the 10 minute homilies - NO! Give me the 30 minute homilies/sermons with so much detail that I have to bring a notebook to get all of the information. With everything God gives me, how can I dare to ask HIM for a shorter service and/or homily?

    Posted By: Kay

  48. The Priests who defy the Pope are heretics, and will be chastised by Our Lord. The new is NOT better. It has led to the almost complete destruction of the Catholic Church, look around Fathers, people, what do YOU see? Anyone can see LaSallette fulfillling itself.. Keep dreaming that the new is best, it is only a dream. The Pope will retore the Church and the Shepards of Christ better get on the bandwagon BEFORE they are punished for wanting to shake off the Yolk of the Lord..The Church is full of compromise and heretical acts, it will be purged..wait and see...

    Posted By: Sherri

  49. It's obvious that communion in the hand is less reverence by being less humble while giving greater opportunity for the body of christ to be taken and used for other purposes .

    Posted By: C Brown

  50. How is taking Communion in the mouth going to add to the knowledge that it is the Lord? Jesus said, "Take and eat". I hope we still have the option in the future.

    Posted By: Nick Martrain

  51. Any attempt to return to Communion on the tongue would just confirm how out of touch the Vatican is with modern day Catholics abd drive yet more people away. When will they ever learn ? !

    Posted By: Gilbert Long

  52. I'm glad that they are considering going back to receiving communion in the mouth. Our hands are unclean, and therefore, not worthy of holding the most Blessed Host. This is why the priest uses the water during preparation, to cleanse himself, and his hands from sin. On top of this, I've actually witnessed someone try to run off with the Host in hands. It doesn't seem like a serious matter, but it is, and I personally am glad that the Vatican is reviewing it.

    Posted By: Richard Mora

  53. sorry, I could not resist:

    To those who say that receiving on the tongue is unsanitary I say this: better to receive on the tongue by only ministers in Major Orders than an army of EMHCs that increase your fears.

    As for this being a step backwards, I repeat the same intent as before. When people begin to ADORE what they just received in communion then the matter of communion in the hands should be reviewed. Until we can honestly say we as Catholics would die to receive or bring others the Eucharist without it being profaned, it'd be better if our unconsecrated hands stayed away.

    What we need is catechesis: how many people can paraphrase the 10 commandments, in order, if asked? What about listing all seven sacraments in 10 seconds or less? Say all the fixed parts or responses of the mass in Latin (yes, the NORMATIVE way). When we can do that and similar things 10 year olds could do in the 1950s almost in their sleep, I say we start talking about this being backwards. We know not WHO we hold and WHAT we do.

    Posted By: Joe

  54. I have to disagree with Fr. Evans since I see more people scarcely stop from their 90 degree turn upon receiving the Eucharist in their hands. Another issue that will come up will be questions from the communicants about the EMHCs and rightly so. Every church is built differently, and more drastically in the past 50 years, but I fail to see the need for the drastic amount of EMHC at an average American parish mass. If it takes the priests and deacons longer, well, maybe it'd be good for the parish's communicants to meditate over that which they just did. Also, if the laity received under both species more infrequently the amount of EMHCs would reduce. As this issue tightens, their role will have to be more strictly enforced by the Ordinary.

    In response to Ian's comment about people comfortable with a way of receiving communion I say this: when we get back to 75-80% rather than 30-35% of our communicants believing that what they just consumed was in fact the BODY, BLOOD, SOUL, and DIVINITY of OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, maybe then we should think about communion on the hand. Until then, I say let's have our priests pray the mass by the normative way the Roman Rite is to be celebrated and take up all the exceptions to as just that, exceptional.

    Posted By: Joe

  55. We have lost our sense of the sacred in the Church & in our lives.

    Posted By: James Faulkner

  56. I am fairly new to the faith "2005"

    I truly agree that the holy eucharist should be received by "mouth" because our hands are not pure but our Priest's hands are at the Mass. We in turn receive the holiest purest form of Christ without stains.

    Let us remember that our Priests bring the power of God to the altar for us, to love thanks and praise.

    God bless you!

    Chicago, USA

    Posted By: Patricia

  57. The children at Fatima received communion by kneeling and receiving it on the tongue.

    Posted By: Patricia

  58. Oh Deary Me! I think some of the ideas spouted by the Prefect concerned are very, very strange indeed.
    Reverence is something which needs to be inculcated by example. You can, in my opinion, be reverent whilst receiving Communion in both kinds (as with Anglicans); receiving the bread and wine mixed together (as with Orthodox and Eastern Rite Catholics) from a spoon; on the tongue; standing or kneeling.
    I am glad the Vatican seems to have reined in the Prefect. The Church is for the real world.
    I shudder to think what Our Lord - who had a biting sense of humour - would have said.

    Posted By: Edward F

  59. I am extremely disappointed to learn that reception of Communion in the hand is being considered as an "extravagance"! At the time of its introduction I remember being somewhat reticent until a wonderful nun asked me what would be the first thing I would do if Christ were to come back onto the earth. Without hesitation, I replied, "I would touch Him!". Since then it has been a blessed and wonderful privilege to receive Communion in the hand.
    In my entire life I have seen only one disrespectful treatment of the Host and that was an older child who should have known better. To remove the privilege from everyone would not eliminate the problem of desecration; it would still be possible to receive the Host on the tongue and then remove it into a handkerchief for any ulterior motive at a later date.
    Shame on those who do not have enough trust in their communities! Please God, this backward suggestion will fall on deaf ears!

    Posted By: Maureen S

  60. Where you there when Jesus gave first communion in the hand?For over 1962years communion was on the tongue. The Saints never received on the hand.This is the tradition.How are the particles on the hand taken care of?It is still the body of Jesus.Why do priests wash their hands before coonsecration.According to Pope Paul VI, the smoke of satan entered the church.Satan is now having a field day,causing confusion.We must look up to the Pope.He is Peter,infallible on faith and morals.People talk of HIV, virus,cold,hygiene,mouth ulcer etc to justify communion on the hand. Where is your faith in the Eucharist?Even extraordinary ministers are no longer extraordinary but commonly referred to as Eucharistic minister,a title for priests.The growing trend now is for the laity to walk up to the altar,pick up the host and dip it in the blood ; a kind of self service, while the priest is sitting down.The writings of St Augustine or other saints are now used as gospel reading; laypeople now do the sermon etc.This is what Cardinal Arinze called a DIY liturgy.I travel a lot and l see so much outrages ,sacrileges and lack of reverence.So, we have to make Reparations. The body and blood of Jesus is SACRED and must only be touched by consecrated hands.It is a shame some priests do not realize the power they have;angels do not have the power to change bread and wine into the body and blood of Jesus.Remember, someone touched the Ark of the Covenant and died But in our time,God is so merciful!Let us follow the ways of holy people like Blessed Teresa of Calcutta,who received on the tongue and never worried about health issues or being fed like a baby.A priest is a Father but some do not want to be!Help us Jesus to to understand clearly what God gives us because sometimes we give up doing a good deed believing it to be a wrong.Help our little faith.Never allow humility and pride to dwell within us. If our knees should bend at the name of Jesus,what should be our posture when we receive him body, blood, soul and divinity!Let us pray for our priests.

    Posted By:  IK. Charles

  61. Rather than focusing on the issue of how Christ is received, it would be wiser to encourage the faithful to look at the state of their souls when they receive our Most Holy Lord. Too many I know receive whilst in a state of serious sin (no I'm not judging), but fornication and adultery come to mind. We have forgotten what sin really is and must be more mindful of the state of the temple in which our Lord is to be invited in. It took me a long time to wake up and realize what St. Paul was saying when he spoke of receiving unworthily. Once, I was in that place and thanks be to God, priests and the sacraments, I have come to a greater appreciation of this Holy Catholic Church. We who appreciate the truth have an obligation to evangelize our brother and sister Catholics in this time of intellectual darkness.

    Posted By: Ingrid

  62. I am surprised by the number of people that are so ignorant that they can't see what has happen to our most precious gift, the mass and the receiving of Our Precious Lord. We are now standing after receiving the King of Kings, instead of on our knees in adoration! People are coming into mass at all different times, even at communion no matter how late! Walking out of church with Our Lord in their mouth right after receiving. YOU CAN'T SEE WHAT IS WRONG???? Get the sacredness back into our mass.!! I receive Our Dear Lord on my tongue, as I have since I was a little girl. I kneel after I get back to my pew and treasure the moments I have with Him, as the tears run down my cheek. I will not stand there like a pole with my Lord in my mouth. I don't understand how they can't see what is happening to our churches because of the lack of reverence. I was taught that the church is the house of God, and to be silent, that it was a house of prayer, but it is very difficult to pray with everyone laughing and talking so loudly in there. I cannot tell you how precious my time is when Our Lord is there with me, but it is all too short. Take a good look people, maybe you can figure out what is wrong and what did this to the House of God!!
    Dorothy Ziga

    Posted By: Dorothy Ziga

  63. Perhaps it is time to offer a "refresher course" on the proper reception of the Body and Blood of Christ?
    If people can show "reverence" to State Dignitaries, Popes and Archbishops, how much less reverence should they be showing to the One who Died on the Cross for them?
    It all begins with Parents, being role models of piety, respect and moral comportment in the House of God, and once the values are instilled in those children, and the proper etiquette and modest dress are shown, those values remain throughout the lifetime.
    It doesn't matter whether the Mass is said in Latin or English, whether the Eucharist is received with one's hands, or placed in their mouth, it is the recognition of WHO we are inviting into our hearts, minds and souls, to lovingly and reverently welcome Him, and show the gratitude that He would even lower Himself to invite us to His table.
    Please think about the most important issue, and not allow Satan to distract you, when you are "in line" or "Receiving Him". Keep in mind, as you receive the Eucharist, that it very well might be the last time you receive His body and blood, and make each and every time, joyous and pious for yourself.
    God Bless all of you, in your Journey to Christ Jesus.

    Posted By: Barbara

  64. As an minister of communion, I have witnessed a lot of abuse during commnunion, including those who walk out the door with our Lord in hand. Maybe many of the abuses are not necessarily their fault - just poorly instructed in our faith. I feel sorry for them.

    Posted By: James

  65. IT IS VERY SELFISH OF ANYONE TO KEEP COMMUNION IN THE HAND, AFTER KNOWING THAT THEIR BELOVED SAVIOUR IS BEING USED IN EVIL WAYS. THIS IS OUR GOD WE'RE TALKING ABOUT HERE.

    IF SOMEONE HAS THEIR FEELINGS HURT BY HAVING TO RECEIVE IN THE HAND THEY NEED TO LEARN ABOUT SACRIFICE. START BY LOOKING AT THE CRUCIFIX.

    Posted By: SHANE

  66. Alleluia!!!!!!!!!!!

    ALLELUIA !!!!!!!!!!!

    THANK yOU GOD !

    I DIDN'T THINK I WOULD LIVE LONG ENOUGH TO SEE THIS DAY. PRAISE YOU MIGHTY GOD, FATHER SON AND HOLY GHOST............!!

    THE CONFUSION IS OVER, THE HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS IS BACK. GOD WILL BE SERVED. WE WILL AGAIN WORSHIP HIM. THE MC IS OUT AND THE SHOW IS OVER. JESUS IS LORD. GIVE ME JESUS ......!!!!! LOVE AND ADORE YOU, JULIA

    Posted By: Julia Malanowski

  67. I don't understand all this talk about "going backward" concerning communion on the tongue. I believe it would be a correction of a very grave mistake. After that is fixed, maybe we can proceed with fixing the entire "Novus Ordo" by giving it to any Protestant denomination that wants it and get back to being REAL CATHOLICS once more!

    Posted By: John Fedor

  68. Dear Fr. Noel, With all due respect, surely you must know we are all children of God. Also, the Apostles knew exactly what Jesus was asking them to eat and drink, plus they were the first priests, who received Communion from Jesus Himself (their own hands)... To the others, why focus on what you think will bring people or money to church, what you think makes people comfortable, what you like or don't like? This is not a spiritual perspective and necessarily gives pride an importance it doesn't deserve. Will pride and comfort get anyone to Heaven? You contradict yourselves saying Jesus is your friend, then insulting Holy Mother Church for all you find unpleasant. Love God! Do what He says! Forget yourself! Be humbly grateful to receive this greatest gift however you can get Him.

    Posted By: Michelle

  69. I am sooooo glad to read this news!!!!! I will not receive Holy Communion in my hand and nor does my family. If you all notice why does the priest wash his hands in holy water? Do any people do this before they have the host put in their hands? I just think it is a horrible show of disrespect to Jesus,receiving Holy Communion in the hand.Why do you think our country is headed in the direction it is? Receiving Holy Communion in the hand comes from the Prostestants any way. They don't believe it is actually the Body and Blood of Jesus so why does it need special respect. I will pray for Fr. Noel Mansfield for the point of view he has posted. As a priest he is responsible for the souls of his parish. Vatacin II and the United States bishops started Holy Communion in the hand on their own.

    Posted By: angie

  70. Emphasis needs to be on resacralising holy communion as practised in most churches. For me, communion on the hand helps me cope with the chaos and shamozzle unleashed by the rejection of altar rails and kneeling and the rush to have as many "special" ministers on the altar as possible.
    Communion on the hand helps me slow down the process just a little. I also don't trust most "special" ministers with this. I am most happy to find a devout priest who encourages it. I had an experience recently of being able to kneel as well at rail- really contemplative and peaceful. Why should we laity have to put up with this chaos and jostling. It gets totally ridiculous when the time used to give communion under both kinds to each special minister on the altar could have been instead used to give communion to half the congregation by one priest. I'm not kidding -do a time a motion study- If it wasn't so tragic it would be hilarious.
    By the way- the current mode is so clericalist- laity subjected to queuing, haste and jostling while priest gets to stay happily in one place (or in some circumstances sit back while the laity do all the work). The old system of kneeling at the rails looked so much more like the priest serving the people. Hmmm

    Posted By: Allie

  71. Reflecting further- It would seem to me that the major problem is the rejection of kneeling and altar rails. It would make sense to bring these back and leave reception on the hand optional where local custom allows. Most of the abuses related to reception in last decades are related to a loss of reverence engendered by a loss of capacity to kneel quietly and not be rushed or jostled.
    Hygiene issues are a consideration but I know that some priests are very adept at placing host on tongue to minimise risks. Hygiene certainly rules out communion under both kinds as ordinarily practised. And that is another big controversy.

    Posted By: allie

  72. The use of EMHC's will also need to be reviewed as they too have to touch the sacred species for distribution. Would like to have a response, as due to practical difficulties more and more EMHCs are being introduced in parishes for speedier distribution of commmunion and taking the viaticum to the sick.

    Posted By: eddie

  73. It is so amazing to read these comments...the Priest's comments are so needy...they need to be on display and show...they need to be accepted...they want attention and to be popular...however...the comments of the Faithful are of people who desire holiness and salvation and not what is popular. Fathers, please, turn back to a desire of holiness and not of poularity.

    Posted By: athanasius1998

  74. Why stop at communion in the hand? I propose that people bring up their own salami and make sandwiches. Then quaff the wine that's in those cheesy plastic cups (you know, the ones that you wouldn't even want in your home). Then, since Jesus is just our best bud, we can start consecrating Tequila, have bar masses, and tell Him about the problems we had with all our ex-wives. You mean, this hasn't been done, yet?? Gotta call Vatican III!

    Posted By: Charles

  75. Subliminal suggestion? It is obvious how you feel on this issue. By the choice of a B&W photo that looks like it dates to the 1960's the suggestion is this that this is old fashioned and outdated. Our Lord is being found on the floor, in missals and worst of all in satanic rituals. Does anyone still believe in the real presence???? I DO!!!

    Posted By: Ken Schmidt

  76. Thank God that finally the Holy See is putting an end to this ridiculous practice! I can't tell you how many instances of irreverence I've seen with Communion being given in the hand. How many times I've had to stop a youngster from returning to the pew with the Sacred Species tucked in his grimy little hand as if it were a souvenir. As for Fr. John's comment about returning to the Dark Ages - such are comments from the liberal priests who are destroying the church from within! He must be a jesuit of some sort! I wonder if Fr. John will be the obedient priest he HAS to be if the order is given to stop the practice? Or will he forget his vows as so many do nowadays!! I pity his sort.

    Posted By: Gabriel Espinosa

  77. Too many of us come to be with and receive Our Lord without reverence, without love, and without a thought. It's becoming too common that we receive this Sacrament without going to Confession. Bring back the holiness in the Mass and respect for Jesus' flesh and blood, and maybe we'll see less of the Protestant "feel good" types of behaviors (holding hands during Our Lord's Prayer, immodest dress, singing during every moment more appropriate for prayer, and not kneeling in the presence of Our Lord). Bring on the old-school, pious, holy Masses, and let us see the Tabernacle instead of hiding it!

    Posted By: Nicole

  78. I would welcome any change that would reinforce the divinity of Jesus in the species. The communion in the hand has had a negative catechetical effect on my generation - to the point that only 10% even believe in the real presence. What a disaster! Any practice that encourages piety that reinforces the teaching is long overdue. We Catholics use 'gestures and actions' to reinforce our chatechesis. We stand, sit, bow, etc. to emphasize certain beliefs. I find it curious that during Eucharistic Adoration and processions, the postures (bowing, kneeling, bending on the knee) and attitudes are completely different from what we exhibit during Mass. They are completely out of synch! Changing to receiving communion on the tongue would be great chatechsis of the teaching on what we are receiving. Lastly - one has to remember that receiving in the hand originated (in recent times) in Holland as a counter statement against the teaching of the presence. It was intended to 'mock' this belief. It was widespread in this country contrary to the legality of the practice, and Rome had to capitulate on this practice, making it an 'indult' that took a life on its own that then spread thoughout many countries.

    Posted By: Aptak

  79. Restoring the traditional and PREFERRED method
    of receiving the Most Blessed Eucharist (that is,
    on the tongue, cf. Memoriale Domini), would
    be a FIRST STEP, in restoring BELIEF IN
    the substantial presence of the God-Man in the
    Blessed Sacrament.
    It is too bad the Holy See has evidently decided
    not to correct such an aberration.

    Posted By: Fr Edmund Castronovo

  80. Reply to Fr. Mansfield: "Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." - The words of our Lord from Matthew 18:3. To all - give up your pride and humbly kneel before the Lord to receive Him!!

    Posted By: John

  81. May I recommend a booklet titled, "Communion Under Both Kinds" by Michael Davies? It encompasses history, Council of Trent,Vatican II, hygiene, even extraordinary ministers. Quoting St. Thomas Aquinas: "The dispensing of Christ's Body belongs to the priest for three reasons. First, because he consecrates in the person of Christ. but as Christ consecrated His Body at the Supper, so also He gave It to others to be partaken of by them. Accordingly, as the consecration of Christ's Body belongs to the priest, so likewise does the dispensing belong to him. Secondly, because the priest is the appointed intermediary between God and the people, hence as it belongs to him to offer the people's gifts to God, so it belongs to him to deliver the consecrated gifts to the people. Thirdly, because out of reverence towards this Sacrament, nothing touches I t but what is consecrated, and likewise the priest's hands for touching this Sacrament. Hence, it is not lawful for anyone else to touch It, except from necessity..." Extraordinary ministers, as intended after Vatican II, are only to be used in matters of "necessity," and rarely, if one reads what was posited. The reasons for Communion on the tongue, and under one species are laid out clearly. Read what the Council of Trent anathematizes. Also, Pope John Paul II, himself, wrote about "The Privilege of the Ordained."

    Posted By: Gloria

  82. The only person who washes his hands is the priest. All others put everything they touch in their mouths when they take communion in hand.
    All the house items, keys, car, church doors, pews, books, other people's hands touching the same long list of dirty, germy surfaces. When you take communion in the hand all of this goes into your mouth eeekkk. Oh let's not forgot the majority of people do NOT wash their hands after going to the bathroom, including when they change baby's diaper. yuk yuk All of this goes into your mouth.

    We need to have communion on the tongue. When the host is handled small particles fall off. This is the body of Christ, and they are walked on. When communion on th tongue there is the patten to catch the particulates and the priest would respectfully clean the patten.

    Our 'have my rights' is desecrating Christ. How about growing up. This is not weather we are adults or children who can feed ourselves.

    This is about being politically correct get over it. Jesus Christ was not PC. He was about morally right.

    The facts are there is a horrible amount of disrespect being directed to Christ. Any opening to such behavior should be minimized.

    I am disgusted at watching people chewing gum, drinking coffee, eating in church. This is the adults and the DA&% clergy continually look the other way.
    Where is your back bone?

    The talking / gossip that goes on during the mass, yes Father even during your sermon. By the way the gossip is far more interesting than your boring sermon.

    Posted By: Barbara

  83. Interesting... is Jesus my buddy, or my King? When he returns, will I be slapping him on the back in welcome, or kneeling in awe? Didn't Jesus approve of the Centurion who said, "Lord, I am not worthy...?" Somehow, I can't imagine calling Jesus on the cell phone and saying, "Hey, bud, would you mind coming over and doing something about my bad back?" And I never got the impression from reading the New Testament that the disciples considered themselves anything but, well, disciples... that is, followers of Jesus. He was The Lord, not Yo, Homey. While I don't think it matters in the largest sense whether we receive Communion by mouth or by hand, what DOES matter is that we have deliberately "forgotten" what years and years of learning, recovery from heresies, practice, and knowledge of human nature distilled into the Mass and the traditions of the Catholic Church. The reason we knelt and didn't receive the Eucharist in our hands wasn't because there was any law (Divine or otherwise) against it, it was that long understanding of human nature taught us that a humble posture, and a sense of one's own unworthiness was more likely to remind us of the awesomeness of what we were doing. When we, as one poster pointed out, act like adults, we think of ourselves as adults. And aren't we, in relation to God, supposed to be children?

    Posted By: Nancy

  84. As a convert to Catholicism, I used to take the host by hand, but in the last year I take it by mouth. I fully understand this is much more respect for the Body of Christ than for my unclean flesh to be touching it.
    Fr. Mansfield states that Christ gave the first Communion by hand; that is true. BUT, He was Christ! It shocks me as I read these posts from priests and congragational both, how far downhill the Church that Jesus Himself founded, has come.
    I know this is part of the Vatican II "liberalization" that has caused this (I've been a convert since '85). Worse, American Catholics act like a bunch of spoiled babies that whine when they don't agree with the Church! In respect for our Lord & Saviour, I'll receive Communion by mouth, the same way our martyrs and saints down through the centuries took it! Anything else is pure weak-kneed Liberalism of modern post-Vatican II run-off that is causing many people to leave the Church.

    Posted By: Wade

  85. Good Grief! I have only read a few comments, and it seems as if I am reading a bunch of Liberals comments on it. Mostly anyway. This is CHRIST we are talking about, not just some peice of bread they put in our hands. I can understand why they might want to put the practice of receiving on the tongue back in place. Even if a small crumb is dropped on the ground, we are dropping our Lord. Yes, receiving on the hand is easier for us, but I dont want to take the chance that I might drop a crumb....... Whats more important, pride, or our Lord?

    Posted By: Sharon

  86. The Church finally recovers a touch of Christian mysticism. Alleluia! In this case, to go "backward" (as some might contend) is to go "forward".

    Catechesis and the contemplative dimension to life are so lacking today that spiritually, most adults are "children" and need to be fed; to accept this is humility, not to do so is evidence of spiritual narcissism. I can't think of a better sign of humility-- and Christian dignity-- than to receive Christ in this fashion. And don't worry, He won't stop being our Brother or Pal in this world--the reality of God-man!

    Posted By: Joe, layman

  87. I am past 50 and recall that receiving Holy Communion in the hand began as an ABUSE in Europe, and became so widespread that the late Pope Paul VI finally gave permission to the faithful to receive Our Lord in the hand. Since then I have seen abuses in various parishes (I have lived in 3 different dioceses over the years) and increasing disrespect/indifference for this Sacrament. The Communion lines in parishes resemble meal lines in the local McDonalds. It is very difficult to teach one's children reverence for the Real Presence in such an atmosphere. When I travel to attend the traditional Latin Mass or an Eastern Rite Divine Liturgy, the mode of receiving the Eucharist is so beautiful and reverent--a completely different attitude shown by the Faithful. I'm glad the Holy Father has finally decided to address the issue.

    Posted By: Susan Mary

  88. FR Mansfield, I'm sure you are aware that at the first Mass Our Lord was addressing His "first Bishops," and as I recall their hands were consecrated: As for your comment, adults feed them selves while children have to be fed. Are we to interpret that to mean, one is less then an intelligent adult If one believes that communion in the hand has been one of the biggest "arbitrary" scandals to infiltrate the Church, in these modernist times: Fr Evans assertion that more reverence is now shown, as we the creatures of ALMIGHTY GOD, {unlike the Angels Who prostrate themselves on the ground in the presence of God,} have somehow become equal to God, and in-fact above the angels, we not only have the arrogance to routinely handle Our Lord with unwashed hands in all form of lackadaisical manner, we do it as we stand; looking around; waving to our friends; carelessly chewing; mouth open returning to our seats, If what I have mentioned is not IRREVERENCE, ACCORDING TO THE ONES WHO SHOULD KNOW, Then what of the numerous particles of Host, and all the stains of the Precious Blood being found in the churches, in any area of any town? If I may I would also like to address a statement I have heard thousands of times, repeated verbatim, by those wishing to justify the modernist agenda; It's Vatican II, IF ANY ONE CAN SHOW ME, FROM THE DOCUMENTS OF THE COUNSOL, any justification for any of this destruction of the old liturgy, I would appreciate It: I have been unable to locate any, cause It's not there!!!

    Posted By: j morelli

  89. ON Communion in the hands: for many years I took the Lord's Body in that way and did so devoutly. However, about 2 or 3 years ago I read that somebody sold the Blessed Body of our Lord in its Eucharistic form in Ebay. That did for me. As protest I began taking the Body of Lord in the mouth as I did when I first received Him at age 9 in 1965. I have also known of one other abuse: a woman, a Protestant Christian, somehow managed during her marriage to her Catholic to get a hold of a consecrated Host and had it placed in among the memorabilia in her photo album for her wedding. Enough is enough - as there seems to be no real way to safeguard the Blessed Sacrament from being abused (unless we want to set up a kind of secret police who watche every recipient during Mass) it is time the practice of Communion in the hands be stopped.

    Posted By: Mike Drabik

  90. I do not mind if there are only two people attending Mass as long as they are the two that believe in the Real Presence of Our Lord and act accordingly. This would of course mean receiving on our tongues as we are not fit to hold him in our dirty hands!

    Posted By: Allison Hugh

  91. Whatever will foster more reverence in the reception of the Blessed Sacrament should be welcomed with open arms. Receiving communion on the tongue is a help. Receiving while kneeling at an altar rail is even better in my opinion since I am fortunate that I can do it at a parish in my diocese when I get a chance. There's really no comparison in the the reverence one feels in receiving the Sacred Species while kneeling.

    Posted By: Stan

  92. Slow down everybody! There is NO story here. There was speculation by a secular newspaper that was denied by the Archbishop. It also has NOT been reported in respectable Catholic sources such as Zenit and Catholic World News. Let's not get steamed till we have something to get steamed about!

    Posted By: JimAroo

  93. I wish that you would take greater care to make certain that the descriptors are accurate as regards the articles to which reference is made in your mass emailings.... The respective one for the present article is flat out untrue: there is as yet NO confirmed report of new regulations being issued as regards the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite -- in fact, the *opposite* (according to the article itself) has now been indicated.

    Posted By: Martin

  94. It's about time. I pray Vat ll dies by the wayside and the old Tridentine Rite has a Glorious Ressurection and stays put till the end of the world.
    Watching people take communion in the hand, makes me, and I'm sure, Our Lord also, very ill.
    I personally hate anything that has to do with Vat ll.
    If I can't go to a Latin Mass, I'd rather not go at all.
    Vat ll is just another protestant social club. What a disgusting joke.

    Posted By: Virginia Gentner

  95. While Christ may have given the apostles communion in the hand, it was precisely to stop irreverence to the sacred species that communion on the tongue was introduced. Yes, children are fed by their parents and priests are meant to be our spiritual fathers so it is appropriate that they give communion on the tongue. The present practice of lining up and receiving on the hand does not give one time to prepare properly to receive Our Lord. Kneeling at the altar rails gave time to prepare, helped one develop a reverent disposition, allowed a short period of thanksgiving and was far more efficient in distributing Holy Communion than the cafeteria approach.

    Posted By: Michael

  96. How about abuses by the choirs who sing not only profane popular tunes but also the hymns of rabidly anti-Catholic sects who teach that the Pope is the anti-Christ and that Catholics are the agents or even children of Satan. These hymns are found in popularly distributed allegedly Catholic hymn books and they are copyrighted so it means that the authors and/or their sects receive royalties because we are using their songs. We have taken a hammer to bash our own heads. Those abusive choir members should be reminded that it is not in the Catholic culture to use church singing as a springboard to popular entertainment. The choirs should be banished from the floor and go back to the choir lofts where they rightfully belonged for centuries. Their swaying, gyrations and cutesy antics are a distraction.

    Posted By: crescente villahermosa

  97. Receiving communion in the mouth is not unsanitary. What is unsanitary is drinking from the same cup. Reception under the species of wine should be discontinued immediately.

    Posted By: cris villahermosa

  98. To have communion in the hand has gotten way out of anything Catholic.
    Not only that but to have Eucharistic Ministers who do not have consecrated hands touching the Body of Christ is BLASPHEMY.
    Communion should only be given by a Priest and on the mouth of the individual while kneeling before God.

    Posted By: Greg Schuller Sr.

  99. Those priests who condone giving Communion in the hand are the ones just too damn lazy to give it out in the first place. Most just drop it in the hand with no reverence whatsoever.

    Posted By: Greg Schuller Sr.

  100. Let's be honest: there is a lack of faith and respect for the Eucharist. If you haven't noticed that then you must have eye trouble. I think Rome is on the right track. Mass should be dignified, the homilies should be better, and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament should be fostered. For those who argue this is "going back." Well didn't Vatican II say we should "return to the sources?" Isn't that "going back?" Maybe we have thrown the baby out with the bath water and need to "go back." And the Dark Ages weren't really that dark. Have you seen some of the beautiful Cathedrals they built back then? So many have abandoned the Church and Mass with the fads introduced after Vatican II. How about giving the other side a chance for a while? They can't do much worse then the liturgists have for the last 40 years.

    Posted By: Fr. Jim

  101. This sounds great to me and i hope some other revisions are made by eliminating any distributing lay ministers at Mass. IF and WHEN they are needed for sick people's holy communion, they should be closely scrutinized for practice of holy life (not just anyone who's received basic sacraments) and going to daily Mass, etc., as much as possible.
    Let us FORGIVE, esp priests who maybe have been trained and indoctrinated with certain norms for some time.
    See much disobedience of simple rules at our Masses & this concerns me. Don't like the short Consecrations, but LONG sermons saying little. After Communion--no silence, but songs, bulletin read to us, regular 2nd collections and much other distractions. Leave early? Not the worst of sins here to me, as noisy chaos erupts at Mass end on Sundays.
    But daily Masses are more reverent, IF they are conveniently scheduled for people's schedule. If we can get more weekday evening Masses and daily confessions before them, think laity will view things differently and humbly. Then maybe we will have more holy VOCATIONS.
    To me, vast numbers of unholy lay or priests do not please God as a smaller remnant. Though some who wish money may not agree with me.

    Posted By: Sharbel

  102. So what dark ages is "presbyter" John P. Evans talking about? The one that produced St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Augustine? Be careful not to let your pride misguide you.

    Beware lest any man cheat you by philosophy, and vain deceit; according to the tradition of men, according to the elements of the world, and not according to Christ. (Colossians 2; 8)

    However, the Church has much bigger problems than communion in the hands.

    Posted By: Pat

  103. It is clear from the many posts that the Catholic Church is indeed fractured. Reverence, respect, piety are so frequently missing from the celebration of the Mass as well as during the reception of communion in the hand. And to see the many comments by the clergy justifying this continued disrespect by so many communicants is just as amazing and devastating. Pope Benedict , please act to save Christ's Church !

    Posted By: Charles O'Connell

  104. I just wanna say that this whole discussion really turns me off. I'm pretty sure that most of you are probably way more bent out of shape about this issue than Jesus himself. I would bet he is way more grieved by the division this issue causes than whether we actually receive on the hand or the toungue. While we take aim at each other from our various camps there are people who are dying for a little love and a little good news. As I read St. Paul's praise of love in 1 Cor 13 and the graphic FINAL JUDGEMENT scene in Matt. 25 where Jesus talks about what we did or didn't do for "the least of these", I am dumbfounded by those who seem to vehemently suggest that our final destination is determined by the way we receive communion.
    A song comes to mind:

    Everybody loves a holy war
    Draw the line claim divine assistance
    Slay the ones who show the most resistance
    Everybody loves a holy war

    Posted By: Harley

  105. The general lack of reverence and loss of the sense of the numinous that one sees frequently in mass is something that needs to be addressed. Communion in the hand may be only one aspect of this. I have noticed a gradual falling off of many of the traditional acts of reverence that were habitual in the past, physical gestures that enshrined a profound sense of awe. One rarely sees the bowing of heads,let alone kneeling at the recalling of the incarnation during the credo, neither is it common to see many people genuflect towards the tabernacle on entering and leaving the church. In France for example, most of the congregation stand throughout the prayers leading up to the consecration.

    The gesture of kneeling in submissive, prayerful reverence to receive Our Lord is, in itself, a form of prayer. Some of the comments here that equate the activity with that of putting food into ones mouth are ill conceived at best.

    Posted By: Julian Gavin

  106. I agree that communion in the hand should be stopped. Personally i believe that the kneeling position is the most appropriate way to receive our lord whom we should adore with all our hearts. but I don't get the Child Analogy (which ive heard once before) if we are all Children in God's eyes than shouldn't we allow Christ (God with us) to feed us with himself? just a thought.

    Posted By: Michael M

  107. Typical modernist remark.

    Posted By: SG

  108. "I am dumbfounded by those who seem to vehemently suggest that our final destination is determined by the way we receive communion".

    You are obviously either not Catholic or had a poor catechesis (which would not surprise me). Our salvation has a lot to do with the way we "receive" our lord in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (It is the central part of our Catholic faith). Unless, of course, you believe it’s just a table and meal... than, you’re right, it doesn’t matter.

    Out of reverence towards this sacrament [the Holy Eucharist], nothing touches it but what is consecrated; hence the corporal and the chalice are consecrated, and likewise the priest's hands, for touching this sacrament. -- St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, P. III, Q. 82, Art. 3

    Posted By: pat

  109. Can't hardly wait for receiving Christ kneeling down with longer quiet time. Since when is Our Lord's precious blood unsanitary? And what of the alcohol content in the wine? I resent any ridicuing, condensending or patronizing especialy from the "church leadership" who should be educating, instructing, building up instead pulling down (dark ages, backwards?). Continual catechesis should be going on always everywhere including in the "USA", not only in other cultures or countries.

    Posted By: Jacoba Seman

  110. People, calm down! This story is fake! Vatican Radio says this story just peiced together quotes from the Archbishop taking him completely out of context. They would NEVER say homilies can't be more then 10 mins - an obvious clue that this story is false. There is NO document forthcoming, never was.

    Posted By: Anon

  111. People, calm down! This story is fake! Vatican Radio says this story just pieced together quotes from the Archbishop taking him completely out of context. They would NEVER say homilies can't be more then 10 mins - an obvious clue that this story is false. There is NO document forthcoming, never was.

    Posted By: Anon

  112. Please read this message:

    I am sorry to report that many of the people in our pews are asleep, do not realize they are recieving the true presence of our Lord Jesus through our Mass.

    My conversations with many Catholics do not go to confession, many of them agree with abortion, cloning, stem research and do not believe in hell.

    Cloning human beings in petri-dishes, aborting babies, I recently read that people are eating aborted babies in their soups and micro-chipping dogs and now people.

    WHERE IS THE LOVE?!

    Do you not think these are extreme times?!

    Hitler History is repeating so, let us fight fire with the purifying fire and light of Jesus Christ.

    Let us put on sackcloth to repent, fast, pray, kneel and take the holy eucharist by our tongues.

    You may agree with me or not! It does not matter....

    Catholics, Please just do it! Please encourage all Christians to pray, fast and do good works, today.

    Thank you and GOD BLESS our church, Pope and all the levels of Priests!

    THANKS TO BE GOD FOR THEM!!!

    Posted By: Pat

  113. I agree with communion by tongue and kneeling.
    Keep Jesus Christ Holy and A little exercise changes those who are in routine.

    Jesus presence is the holy eucharist and our Priests are responsible for distributing him in the purest way, possible.

    Posted By: Jon

  114. Fr. Noel Mansfield your comment is noted.

    Thank you because you understand that being a Father means to feed your baby children hand to mouth.

    I am in agreement with receiving Jesus Christ on our tongue.

    If someone is offended by it well, then it would be a great penance for them to offer up for the holy souls in purgatory... especially those who are CATHOLICS.

    Posted By: Isreal

  115. True or Not True, I personally hope and pray that the Vatican takes this step of stopping Communion in hand. People today really do not acknowledge the Real Presence of Jesus in the Host. I will continue to pray that this practice stops and I humbly request all my brothers and sisters who are in favour that the practice of taking Communion on the and to be stopped, to kindly join me spiritually in prayer. Mama Mary intercede for us.
    Marianne

    Posted By: Marianna

  116. While we are at the topic of the Holy Eucharist, I would like to bring it to the notice of the Holy See to abolish having nuns and women lay-ministers as readers and distributors for Holy Communion. The sanctuary (the altar) is a holy place and should be kept that way. Jesus was a man not a woman, if it is not right for a woman to be ordained as a priestess then for the same reason it is also not right to have women lay-ministers and readers. In the bible you will find that it mentioned that a woman's voice should not be heard. I think the Holy See has to look into it. I would like some feedback on this, please.
    Adolf

    Posted By: Adolf

  117. In response to the Fr.s' comments and with all due respect. First, I would have to say that decisions as important as the reception of communion shouldn't be left to local Bishops in communion with their people. One of the four marks of the Church is our ONEness; we can't have every diocese having different rules concerning the proper reverence towards Our Lord. We need stability within the church or the faithful could be easily shaken in their faith. This case should already be closed as it is, the Council of Trent forbade reception in the hand as did saints and popes as early as St. Sixtus I who said "The Sacred Vessels are not to be handled by others than those consecrated to the Lord," and as recently as Pope Paul VI (in Memoriale Domini) and Pope John Paul II (in Dominicae Cenae, 11). As to Adults feeding themselve and Children being fed - are we not children of God, is not the priest an Alter Christus to bring God to us? If reception on the tongue was a rule of faith for the Church before the 1970s then it is after as well, God is the same yesterday today and forever and our Holy Mother the Church does not change doctrine. I will end on a quote from St. Thomas Aquinas " The Body of Christ must not be touched by anyone other than a consecrated priest. No other person has the right to touch it, except in case of extreme necessity."

    Posted By: Nathan M

  118. Here is a link to a great explanation of why we
    should receive on the tongue.
    http://cathcon.blogspot.com/2008/03/majesty-of-our-lord-in-blessed.html

    Posted By: Tony Valente

  119. When Communion in the hand was introduced in Australia over 35 years ago, I recall resding in the Catholic Weekly the response of an elderly person saying what a great privilege it was to hold in our hands Our Lord Jesus Christ, even for just a few moments. Where is the irreverence in that?

    Posted By: Fr Colin

  120. I read and read and read and still can not believe that so many ignorant, narrow-minded people still can argue that something like receiving on the tongue "returns us to the Dark Ages"...It should never had been allowed to be placed in the hand to begin with...It would be the same ridiculous argument to say that Mass attendance has dropped in the last 40 years as a result of receiving in the hand...Again absurd...Perhaps you are the same group of people who would support changing the colours of the flag as it would be a good idea in order to "go with the times and update the flag"...Some things are just steeped in tradition (And I am not speaking of the doctrinal issues), and should not be altered....For the amount of abuses receiving in the hand COULD spell, is it not better to just revive a method that prevents it altogether?...What if the wafer itself was mistakenly removed from the service 40 years ago, would you resist bringing it back as a return to the "Dark Ages" as well.As for the use of the word "ignorant" in the beginning it is directed towards the individual who refers to us receiving AIDS along with the Eucharist..Please be educated before you post a response...Praise to you Benedict XVI..............

    Posted By: Mitchell

  121. I am appalled at the attitude of our current Pope and his 'management'team. They seem to be determined to reverse all the changes that Vatican II deemed necessary for the Church to progress - "a new dawn" in the words of Pope John XXIII. I know that not all the changes have been embraced nor welcomed in some quarters but not to change means that we do not stand still but regress! The reversal of such changes is a slap in the face for Pope John XXIII and all who were involved in the council.
    I believe the the 'Body of Christ' - the Church, is in good shape but I am beginning to despair of the 'management'!

    Posted By: John Welsby

  122. Recently a program on EWTN announced that there would be a new ruling that Catholics should be KNEELING when receiving Holy Communion. I cannot find any statement by Pope Benedict to this effect. What changes are anticipated?

    Posted By: Simone O'Keefe

  123. An elderly woman at a nursing facility delays taking her breakfast in order to receive Communion. She is rather slow and must walk to the area where services are conducted. By the time she returns it is mid-morning and almost time for lunch. She is convinced it is wrong for her not to observe the one hour requirement of fasting. What advice can be given her?

    Posted By: Simone O'Keefe

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