Blessings during Communion for those who cannot receive

Anonymous

I am in RCIA, and I know that I am ineligible to receive Communion. Last Sunday though, I noticed a few from our group go up. I asked one of them after mass what they were doing. They told me that they go up for a blessing. They said to cross my arms over my chest and this told the priest that we wanted a blessing rather than Communion.

Is there anything wrong with this?

Anonymous · Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 7:10 am Post subject:

In our church it is customary for those who cannot receive to march up and be blessed. They simply cross their arms over their chest, or put each hand on the opposite shoulder. The Priest then knows not to give them Communion, but to bless them instead. This works for those who are visiting from other faiths, those joining, those not in a state of grace, and the little ones. My family goes up together, and the ones who have not yet made their first communion cross their arms and get a blessing. I think it is great and a great way of getting people involved and not feeling alienated.

You might talk to your Priest, RCIA instructor, or your sponsor to find out if this is acceptable in your church. Some priests frown on it. I am guessing that since the others were doing it, it is ok.

Good luck.


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