Ethan Walker
Crossing one's arms during Catholic communion is a way for non-communicants (non-Catholics, Catholics who are not in a state of grace, or those who haven't confessed) to indicate that they are not receiving the sacrament but would like a blessing. This practice, popularized by Dale Fushek in the early 1980s, allows everyone to participate in the Mass without actually receiving communion. While some parishes have codified this custom, it is not universally accepted, and some believe that non-Catholics or those who haven't confessed should remain in the pew during communion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason | Not in a state of grace, haven't made it to confession, or are not Catholic |
| Who | Non-communicants (non-Catholics, Catholics in a state of mortal sin, or children who haven't made their First Communion) |
| Who | People who want to get as close as possible to Jesus |
| Who | People who want to avoid social faux pas |
| Who | People who want to avoid embarrassment |
| Who | People who want to avoid a lecture on Catholicism |
| Who | People who want to avoid being offered communion inadvertently |
| Who | People who want to participate in the Mass |
| Who | People who want to receive a blessing |
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What You'll Learn
Crossing arms at communion for a blessing
Crossing one's arms during Catholic communion is a way for non-communicants (non-Catholics, Catholics who are not in a state of grace, or those who have not yet made their First Communion) to indicate that they would like a blessing but are not receiving communion. This practice allows everyone to participate and ensures that no one is left behind during communion.
If you are attending a Catholic mass and are not receiving communion, you can choose to remain in the pew during communion and receive a blessing with the rest of the congregation at the end of the mass. Alternatively, you can go up to the communion rail with your arms crossed to receive a blessing. This practice is not universal, so it is important to check if the parish you are visiting offers this option.
When crossing your arms for a blessing, you typically cross them over your chest. This non-verbal signal indicates to the minister that you are not there to receive communion but would like a blessing instead. In some cases, the minister may place their hand on your head or shoulder and say, "God Bless You," without making the Sign of the Cross.
It is important to note that this practice of crossing arms for a blessing during Catholic communion is not mentioned in the rubrics, and some people may find it unnecessary or even embarrassing. However, it has become a common custom in many parishes, and guidelines have been created to include this practice as a way to include everyone in the congregation during communion.
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When to remain seated
If you are not taking communion, you can choose to remain seated. This is the more common option, especially in Catholic churches in Africa, South America, Germany, and the UK. In some places, like a Catholic summer camp, everyone goes up during communion, but you can signal that you are not taking communion by keeping your hands at your sides.
Remaining seated is also an option for children who are either too young to have made their first communion or who are not Catholic. In some places, like a Catholic school in Birmingham, England, this was the default for children who fell into either of these categories.
If you are a Catholic in need of confession or not a Catholic, you can choose to remain seated and pray during communion. You can also choose to receive a blessing from the priest with the rest of the congregation at the end of Mass.
If you are unsure whether to go up for a blessing, it is better to remain seated, especially in unfamiliar places. Some priests are not comfortable with the practice of giving blessings during communion. You will still receive the same blessing as everyone else at the end of the service.
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Who should and shouldn't cross their arms
Crossing one's arms during Catholic communion is a way to signal that one is not receiving communion and would only like a blessing. This is particularly useful for children who are too young to have had their first communion but are old enough that they may be offered communion. It is also useful for those who are not in a state of grace and cannot receive communion for whatever reason, but still want to receive a blessing.
However, some people argue that this practice is not traditional and that non-Catholics should not do it. They suggest that the preferable option is to remain in the pew during communion and receive a priest's blessing with the rest of the congregation at the end of Mass. This is because crossing one's arms can lead to confusion and social faux pas, especially in churches that do not recognise this practice.
As such, those who are not receiving communion but would like a blessing should be mindful of the specific practices of the parish they are visiting. If the parish does not recognise the arm-crossing practice, it may be better to remain in the pew or enquire about other alternatives, such as making an act of spiritual communion.
In conclusion, while crossing one's arms during Catholic communion can be a useful signal for those who do not wish to receive communion, it is important to be mindful of the specific practices and preferences of the parish one is attending.
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The origin of the custom
The custom of crossing one's arms during Catholic communion is not universal, and its origins are somewhat disputed. However, there are several theories about its origins.
One theory suggests that the custom was popularized by Dale Fushek, who founded Life Teen in the early 1980s. This practice then spread throughout the US and beyond. Today, it is so common that some parishes have included it in their instructions. For example, a parish in the Midwest published guidelines for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, which included instructions to bless children who approach with their arms crossed over their chests.
Another theory suggests that the custom may have originated in the Byzantine Catholic Church and was then adopted by other Catholic churches. One source mentions that it is common in Greek Catholic Churches to cross arms over the breast when receiving Holy Mysteries. This custom may have been brought over by individuals from their previous religious traditions, such as former Episcopalians, and may have been influenced by pre-Vatican II practices.
Additionally, the custom may have started as a way to include non-Catholics during Mass. Well-intentioned priests invited non-Catholics to come forward as if receiving Holy Communion but instructed them to cross their arms so that the priest would know to offer a blessing instead. This practice allowed everyone to participate and ensured that no one was left out.
Finally, some individuals may cross their arms during communion as a personal devotion or symbol of their faith. For example, one person shared that they cross their arms not to receive a blessing but to feel closer to Jesus, reminiscent of the woman who touched Jesus' garment and was healed.
While the exact origins of the custom may vary, it is important to note that the practice is not officially recognized by the Catholic Church and is not included in the Mass rubrics. The Church has not taken an authoritative stance on the matter, and the practice may vary depending on the parish and individual beliefs.
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What the custom symbolises
Crossing one's arms during Catholic communion symbolises a desire to participate in the Mass without receiving the Eucharist. This may be due to the individual not being in the requisite state of grace, perhaps because they have not yet received their first communion, or because they have sinned and not yet confessed.
The custom is also said to have originated as a way to avoid accidental contact with the priest's hands or the paten during communion. It is practised in some Greek Catholic Churches, but not in Latin Churches, where it may cause confusion as it resembles the gesture for requesting a blessing.
Crossing one's arms during communion can also be seen as a way to indicate inclusivity, allowing non-communicants, such as non-Catholics or Catholics in a state of mortal sin, to participate in the Mass without receiving communion. This practice is said to have been popularised by Dale Fushek, who founded Life Teen in the early 1980s, and has since spread throughout the United States and beyond.
Some people may also cross their arms during communion as a way to get closer to Jesus, even if they are not receiving the Eucharist. This is reminiscent of the story of the woman who touched Jesus' garment and was healed.
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Frequently asked questions
Crossing one's arms signals that they are not receiving communion, but are instead seeking a blessing. This practice allows everyone to participate and feel included.
Both children and non-communicants (non-Catholics and Catholics in a state of mortal sin) can cross their arms to receive a blessing.
The custom was popularized by Dale Fushek, who founded Life Teen in the early 1980s.
One can remain seated during communion or receive a priest's blessing with the rest of the congregation at the end of Mass.
"Closed" communion refers to the practice of not allowing individuals to take communion if they are believed to have not "discerned the Body," meaning they do not recognize the Body of Christ and His Blood, or they hold beliefs that are considered harmful or contradictory to the church's teachings.
