A very common liturgical abuse of our times happens
during the reception of Holy Communion when persons
who cannot receive Communion nevertheless line up with
their arms crossed over their chest, as a “message” to the
priest that they want a blessing instead of Communion.
This is liturgically incorrect on a number of levels. First and
foremost, the time for Communion is the time for
Communion. The Communion line is not, and should not
be, the blessing line. Secondly, the liturgical actions of the
priest during Mass are highly regulated, and quite specific
of what to do and when to do it. The actions of a good
liturgist may seem spontaneous, but they are not and
should not be.
Unfortunately, owing to the confused time in which we
live, some people are instructed to present themselves,
arms crossed, before the priest at Communion time for a
blessing. To make things even more confused, some
people present themselves with crossed arms as a sign
that they wish to receive on the tongue! Children who have
not yet made their first Communion may come up with their
parents who are receiving, but should not present
themselves individually for a blessing. Others, who cannot
receive, for whatever reason, should remain seated. The
proper time for the blessing follows the prayer after
Communion, which blessing all receive together.
Pray for the Sick and Homebound of our Parish
Joshua Basile, Ed Bubbosh, Dianne Burrell, Bryan Cox,
Dona Curry, Flora DeLeon, Betsabe deSoto,
Marjorie Dolak, Eileen Drennan, Jim Drennan,
Marilyn Flynn, Gerald Green, Brian Hack, John Larounis,
Susan McQuade, Peter Michalski, William Schrepel,
Peggy Selton, K.L. Sypal, Chick Wilson, Anthony Yantiss
Pray for Those Who have Fallen Asleep in Christ
Tom Case, Peter Choo, Joseph DiFerdinando,
Jean Driggers, Christa Drummond, Br. David Eddy,
George Gibson, Eddie Guerrero, Francois Haeringer,
Carol Jones, Joan Keller