Sarah Mitchell
The Catholic Church's practice of blessing during communion has been a topic of discussion and debate. Some view it as an inclusive gesture, welcoming non-communicants, including non-Catholics and Catholics unable to receive communion, to participate in the Mass. This custom, popularized by Dale Fushek, has been adopted by many parishes, with ministers imparting blessings on those with arms crossed over their chests. However, others argue that blessings during communion are not in the rubrics, and the Church's discipline states that those who cannot receive Holy Communion should not approach for a blessing. The Vatican's Congregation for Divine Worship also expressed concerns, reiterating that liturgical blessings are given at the conclusion of Mass. While the debate continues, many priests continue to offer blessings during communion to ensure inclusivity and encourage spiritual communion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To make non-communicants feel welcomed and included |
| Who can receive? | Non-communicants, including non-Catholics, Catholics in a state of mortal sin, and children who have not made their First Communion |
| Who can give? | Clergy, including priests and ministers of Holy Communion |
| Who cannot give? | Laypersons, including extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion |
| Body language | Non-communicants may approach with arms crossed over their chest |
| Verbal response | "May you receive Christ spiritually" or "May Almighty God bless you and give you peace" |
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What You'll Learn
The custom of receiving blessings during Catholic Communion
During the Communion rite, individuals who are unable to receive the sacrament of Christ's body and blood, such as non-Catholics, those in a state of mortal sin, or children who have not received their First Holy Communion, may request a blessing from the minister of Holy Communion. This practice aims to make those who are not receiving Holy Communion feel more included and welcomed.
The custom of receiving blessings during Communion has sparked some debate within the Catholic Church. While some priests and ministers support this practice, others argue that it is not "in the rubrics." There are concerns that receiving a blessing instead of Communion may blur the lines between laity and the clergy and create a perception that Communion is equivalent to a blessing, thus diminishing the special value of Communion for Catholics.
Additionally, there are guidelines and restrictions regarding who can give blessings and the manner in which they are given. For example, lay ministers are typically not authorized to give liturgical blessings, and they should refrain from using gestures or formulas reserved for clerics, such as making the sign of the cross while using the Trinitarian formula.
Despite the ongoing discussion surrounding this custom, many dioceses and parishes have incorporated it into their practices, allowing those who are unable to receive Communion to still feel a sense of spiritual communion and connection to the Catholic community.
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Who can receive blessings during Communion?
The practice of receiving blessings during Communion began to make those who weren't receiving Holy Communion feel more welcomed. This includes non-Catholics, Catholics who haven't received their First Holy Communion, and Catholics who are in a state of mortal sin.
The custom, popularised by Dale Fushek, has spread throughout the U.S. and beyond, with some parishes codifying it in their instructions. However, it is not without controversy. Some priests do not offer blessings during Communion, saying it is not "in the rubrics". The bishops' conference of England and Wales has published a statement on this issue, noting that while some may not receive sacramental Communion, all are united by the Holy Spirit, and a blessing at the moment of Communion emphasises that a deep spiritual communion is possible even without sharing the Sacrament.
Despite this, the Vatican has spoken out against the practice. In 2008, the undersecretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship at the Vatican sent a letter reiterating the Church's teaching that blessings during Communion are not permitted. The letter also stated that the liturgical blessing of the Holy Mass is properly given to all at the conclusion of the Mass, shortly after the distribution of Holy Communion.
Some have expressed concern that receiving a blessing instead of Communion could satisfy some people enough that they never take the steps to regularise their situation with the Church. There is also a worry that it could create a perception that Communion is equivalent to a blessing, thus weakening the special value that Communion should have for Catholics.
However, others have noted the pastoral effectiveness of being able to offer Catholics in irregular situations an alternative to not approaching the Communion rail. Some priests have also mentioned that it can lower the danger of sacrilegious communions, especially in schools with a high proportion of non-Catholics, as it is easier for children to ask for a blessing than to remain alone in their pews.
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Who can give blessings during Communion?
The act of blessing during Communion is reserved for ordained ministers, including bishops, priests, and deacons. Lay ministers may also perform certain blessings as part of their ministry, but they should refrain from using gestures or formulas typically employed by clerics, such as making the sign of the cross over someone while reciting the Trinitarian formula.
In some cases, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs) may provide blessings to those who are unable to receive the Eucharist. However, there is some ambiguity regarding whether EMHCs, who are lay ministers, should give blessings during Communion. While some parishes and dioceses allow this practice, others discourage it, citing concerns about maintaining the sanctity of Communion and adhering to liturgical norms.
The Catholic Church's guideline on blessings by Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion states that they are "permissible" and that "every baptised person is called to be a 'blessing' and to bless." This guideline is supported by the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which affirms the role of lay people in bestowing blessings.
It is important to note that blessings during Communion are intended for those who are unable to receive the Eucharist, including Catholics who are not in a state of grace and non-Catholics. However, the Church's discipline clearly states that those who are not admitted to Holy Communion, such as non-Catholics and those under excommunication or persisting in manifest grave sin, should neither approach Holy Communion nor receive a blessing.
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The importance of blessings for non-communicants
The practice of blessing non-communicants during Communion is not new, and it is relatively common in English-speaking countries like Australia and the United States, where Catholics are a significant minority. It is also prevalent in Catholic schools and colleges with a high proportion of non-Catholic students. In these contexts, some priests have noted that blessings can lower the danger of sacrilegious communions as children and adolescents find it easier to ask for a blessing than to remain alone in their pews.
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales has published a statement on this issue, acknowledging that while not everyone may receive sacramental Communion, all are united by the Holy Spirit. They encourage the idea of spiritual communion, emphasizing that "a deep spiritual communion is possible even when we do not share together the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ."
However, some Catholics have expressed concern that the practice of giving blessings to non-communicants could create a perception that equates blessings with Communion, thus diminishing the unique significance that Communion holds for Catholics. There is also a concern that lay ministers, who are not authorized to give liturgical blessings, may end up blessing non-communicants while ordinary ministers simultaneously administer Communion to the faithful, creating an unintended paradox.
Despite these concerns, the practice of blessing non-communicants during Communion continues in many Catholic parishes, with ministers imparting blessings through gestures like the sign of the cross on the forehead or verbal expressions like "May Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."
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The drawbacks of receiving blessings during Communion
There are several drawbacks to receiving blessings during Communion, which have been outlined by various Catholic sources. Firstly, it is argued that receiving a blessing instead of Communion may satisfy some people enough that they never take the steps to regularise their relationship with the Church. This could include non-Catholics, those under excommunication, or those in a state of mortal sin, who may feel included and welcomed by the blessing but are not encouraged to seek Communion or reconciliation with the Church.
Secondly, the practice may blur the lines between laity and the clergy. The act of blessing during Mass belongs to ordained ministers, such as bishops, priests, or deacons, and not to laypersons. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs) are not supposed to give blessings during Mass, and in some cases, they are instructed to redirect those seeking blessings to the priest's line.
Thirdly, the custom of receiving blessings during Communion adds unnecessary length to the Mass. This is because the liturgical blessing is given to everyone at the conclusion of the Mass, just after the distribution of Holy Communion. Therefore, receiving a blessing during Communion is not necessary, and some argue that it goes against Church teaching.
Finally, there is a risk of confusion for those seeking only a blessing during Communion. Due to misunderstood body language, some individuals may accidentally receive Holy Communion instead of a blessing, which goes against their intentions and the Church's discipline.
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Frequently asked questions
To receive a blessing during Catholic communion, you can approach the minister with your arms crossed over your chest. The minister may then trace the sign of the cross on your forehead.
The Catholic Church's discipline states that non-Catholics and those under the penalty of excommunication or interdict should not approach for Holy Communion or receive a blessing. However, some parishes have their own rules, and it is becoming more common for non-communicants to receive blessings during communion.
The practice of giving blessings during communion arose to make those who are not receiving Holy Communion feel more welcomed. It acknowledges their presence as a member of the Body of Christ.
