Grace Thompson
Kneeling to receive Communion is a topic of discussion among Catholics. While some believe that kneeling is a powerful way to express faith and adoration for Jesus, others argue that standing is the norm and kneeling is unnecessary or even disruptive. The Church has a long history of requiring kneeling during Communion, but this changed in 1970, and now the decision is often left to individual Catholics. Some Catholics feel that kneeling helps emphasize the sacredness of the act, while others believe standing is still respectful and that kneeling is not necessary to show reverence. The debate continues, with some priests discouraging kneeling to maintain order during Communion, while others follow the tradition of kneeling themselves and allowing their congregation to choose.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Kneeling during Communion | An important symbol of worship |
| A powerful way to promote belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist | |
| A physical expression of adoration and love for Jesus | |
| A way to help children understand the importance of the moment | |
| A centuries-old tradition | |
| A way to accommodate the desire of some people to exercise their right to kneel | |
| A way to receive Communion that is more comfortable for the elderly or those with bad knees | |
| Standing during Communion | The norm in the United States |
| A way to maintain an orderly, commotion-free distribution of the sacrament | |
| A way to receive Communion that is faster and less conspicuous | |
| A way to receive Communion that is preferred by some priests to discourage receiving in the hand |
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What You'll Learn
Kneeling as an act of worship
Kneeling is a well-established act of worship and an important expression of adoration of the Eucharist. For centuries, the Church required all those receiving Holy Communion to kneel when receiving, except for the priest-celebrant at Mass. This requirement was set aside with the changes in the Mass in 1970, although Vatican II had been silent on the matter. The Church is clear that it is permissible to receive Holy Communion either standing or kneeling. However, some people believe that kneeling during Communion is the most effective way to promote belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
Kneeling to receive Communion is a physical expression of the adoration and love our hearts have for Jesus. It is also a way to break out of our ordinary experiences and realise that what we are doing in that moment is completely different from the rest of our daily lives. To be on our knees, waiting for someone to come to us, is not a normal experience, and it psychologically tells us that this action is very different and special.
In the United States, the body of Bishops has determined that the norm is for Holy Communion to be received standing, unless an individual member wishes to receive Communion while kneeling. This norm is intended to apply to the average situation, not extraordinary ones. There is no legal justification for denying the Eucharist to someone simply because they kneel, even if standing is the norm for receiving the sacrament in the United States.
Some people argue that kneeling during Communion is not just a tradition but also a way to promote reverence for the sacrament. For example, Cardinal Robert Sarah, Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship, noted how Pope St. John Paul II forced his broken body to kneel before the Blessed Sacrament, even at the end of his life of service. Following this example, Pope Benedict XVI required the faithful who received Communion from him to do so while kneeling, and Pope Francis has continued this practice.
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The Church's stance on kneeling
The practice of kneeling during Communion has a long history in the Catholic Church. For centuries, the Church required all those receiving Communion, except the priest, to kneel. This requirement was set aside with changes to the Mass in 1970, but it was neither suppressed nor discouraged. Kneeling is seen as a powerful expression of faith and adoration for Jesus, and some believe it is a way to promote belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Pope Benedict XVI, for example, required the faithful who received Communion from him to do so while kneeling, and Pope Francis has continued this practice.
However, some priests may discourage kneeling during Communion to maintain an orderly and efficient distribution of the sacrament. While there is no legal justification for denying the Eucharist to someone simply because they kneel, some parishes have notices stating that standing is the only acceptable way to receive Communion in their church. This discrepancy highlights the tension between individual preferences, traditional practices, and practical considerations in the administration of Communion within the Catholic Church.
The Church recognises that there may be individuals who are unable to kneel due to physical limitations, and it is not mandatory for these individuals to do so. Ultimately, the decision to kneel or stand during Communion is left to the individual's conscience, with the understanding that kneeling is an expression of adoration and faith.
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Communion received standing
The practice of receiving Communion while standing has its supporters and critics. Some Catholics believe that receiving Communion while standing is disrespectful. They argue that kneeling is a more reverent way to receive the Eucharist and that it helps promote belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. This belief, known as Transubstantiation, holds that the bread and wine are transformed into the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus during the Consecration.
However, others argue that there is no legal justification for denying the Eucharist to someone simply because they are standing. They believe that the primary concern during Communion is to maintain an orderly and commotion-free distribution of the sacrament, rather than dictating the specific posture of the recipient. Additionally, some argue that kneeling is not necessary for promoting belief in the Real Presence of Jesus, as preaching and teaching about the Eucharist can also be effective.
The Church currently allows individuals to choose whether to receive Communion standing or kneeling, leaving the decision to their conscience. While the Bishops of the United States have established standing as the norm, they also acknowledge the right of individuals to receive Communion while kneeling if they wish to do so. This flexibility aims to accommodate the varying preferences and spiritual needs of the congregation.
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Communion received on the tongue
The practice of receiving Communion on the tongue is considered more reverent by some Catholics. This belief stems from the idea that receiving Communion in this manner prevents situations where someone accidentally or intentionally walks away with the Eucharistic Lord. It is seen as a way to show respect and adoration for the Eucharist.
Historically, for centuries, the Church required all those receiving Holy Communion to kneel when receiving, except for the priest-celebrant at Mass. This requirement was set aside with changes in the Mass in 1970, although Vatican II did not specifically address this issue. The decision to receive Communion on the tongue or in the hand is currently left to the individual's conscience by the Church.
Some Catholics believe that receiving Communion on the tongue is the proper or best way to receive the sacrament. They argue that it is a more reverent and respectful way to receive the body of Christ. Additionally, receiving Communion on the tongue ensures that the Eucharist is consumed immediately, reducing the risk of any accidental or intentional mishandling of the consecrated host.
However, others may argue that receiving Communion in the hand is more practical and convenient, especially in large congregations where receiving Communion on the tongue may cause delays. The Church allows both methods of reception, and individuals can choose the approach that aligns with their beliefs and comfort level.
Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis have set an example by requiring the faithful who received Communion from them to do so while kneeling at a kneeler. This practice underscores the importance of adoration and reverence in receiving the sacrament.
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Communion rails
In the past, altar rails were a common feature of Catholic churches, but after the Second Vatican Council, many parishes removed them. However, in recent years, there has been a growing movement to restore altar rails in Catholic parishes in the United States. This is partly due to a desire to foster a greater sense of reverence during the Eucharist and to provide a more intimate and sacred experience for the faithful.
Some people argue that kneeling at Communion rails helps to promote belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. It is a physical expression of faith and adoration, reminding worshippers that they are receiving the Body of Christ. Additionally, kneeling can help create a sense of anticipation and reverence as worshippers wait silently to receive Communion.
While kneeling is encouraged, the Catholic Church recognises that not everyone is physically able to do so. Those who are elderly or have issues with their knees may stand or sit to receive Communion, as the Church understands their heart's desire to worship.
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Frequently asked questions
The Church is clear that it is permissible to receive Holy Communion either standing or kneeling. However, some believe that kneeling is an important symbol of worship and helps promote belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
No, it is not considered disrespectful to stand during communion. The norm in the United States is to receive communion standing, but individuals are allowed to kneel if they wish to.
For centuries, the Church required all those receiving Holy Communion to kneel when receiving. This requirement was set aside with changes to the Mass in 1970, but the practice is neither suppressed nor discouraged.
Kneeling during communion is seen as a physical expression of adoration and love for Jesus. It is also believed to promote belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist by making the act of receiving communion feel more sacred and special.
While a priest might discourage people from kneeling to maintain an orderly distribution of the sacrament, there is no legal justification for denying the Eucharist to someone simply because they are kneeling. However, liturgical laws governing ceremonial aspects of Catholic sacramental life are found in official documents outside of the Code of Canon Law.
