Blessing in lieu of Communion?

[Tim Killmeyer]

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[deaconklaus]

The question is not clear. I would guess that it addresses those cases where the faithful who for whatever reason are unable to receive communion nonetheless come forward, If that is the case, and the minister is a deacon or priest, then the person receives a blessing. If they come before an extraordinary minister then they do not receive a blessing but rather a smile and a gentle touch.

[Anthony Cassandra]

My Pastor encourages it especially during Funerals where many lapsed Catholics and Protestants attend.
I felt a little uncomfortable doing it at first but then I noticed at a Mass with the Bishop that he did it so I guess if it is good enough for the chief liturgist of the Diocese, it is good enough for me.

[Doug Penn]

Yes, we impart a blessing on those that come forward and request it with their arms crossed here at St Francis. I even have a baptist who attends with his catholic wife come forward.

The pastor in my previous parish would not allow a blessing as he maintained that the final blessing was enough of a blessing but encouraged me to say. "Walk always with Christ!".

I was under the impression that receiving Holy Communion was in fact THE ultimate blessing and therefore those that received were blessed twice. Once at receiving and again at the end of Mass.

On babies in arms I will trace the cross In The Name of. . . However older children and adults I will hold my hand over them saying, "May Almighty God bless you!" then make the sign of the cross in from of them without touching them. My reasoning is that I have no idea what people young or hold have on their skin, make-up, oil, whatever and I do not want to cross contaminate the consecrated hosts.

Pax Christi,
Doug

[deacondnk]

To me, this is kind of amazing, especially the facts that #1 a bishop does it and #2 no one has clicked the "NO my pastor forbids it" button.

Accordingly, a blessing in lieu of communion is not allowed as the bishop, priest, or deacon has no authority to change the rubrics - to add or subtract anything during the mass. Also, that the final blessing is the only blessing to be given. And yet when you visit my parish and come up for a blessing, a blessing is freely given.
I am (not terribly) torn between my vow of obedience and the welcoming attitude that a blessing shows.


Peace to all

[jewhipple]

I answered "yes, but I don't." Actually it varies from priest to priest, and the pastor has never said to do it.. Since my understanding is that it's not to be done, I don't do it for little children. I think it's correct not to bless. I also think that since there are priests who don't give a blessing, it's good to "lower expectations," so they'll realize that it's only a sometimes thing, and not feel slighted when it doesn't happen. If they're looking right at me, making eye contact, I'll give a little greeting, like "Hello there."

When someone comes up in line with arms crossed, I'll say, "God bless you."

[cookydeacon]

I am still getting used to it in my new parish (3rd year).
In formation, we told we should not with children, wait 'til later; some people may feel they missed out, favoritism, etc.
In this parish, I was told when someone comes up with arms crossed over the chest, they should receive a blessing.
What is confusing, is more parishioners come up that way to receive Holy Communion!