Saturday, October 30, 2010

Question about First Communion and the wearing of gloves

Anonymous asked this question:

Are first communicants (or anyone for that matter)in the Richmond Diocese allowed allowed to wear gloves when they go up to receive communion IF THEY ARE RECEIVING ON THE TONGUE?. Isn't telling first communicants that they can not wear gloves the same as telling them that they have to take communion in the hand (since it seems that is the only reason for such a policy). Does the diocese treat BOTH ways of receiving EQUALLY? Or are the instructors/leaders allowed to pass off their own personal preferences as diocesan practice/local culture? What are the specific directions that the diocese gives to parishes regarding this aspect of training that his given to first communicants?

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

My experience is that there is no intruction from the diocese that is that specific. I have found that the most important factor in determining how first communicants receive is how the mother receives. She teaches her children to recieve as she does. Since both methods of receiving are allowed neither priest nor teacher can demand one way of receiving.

standing maryanna said...

It seems to me that if you are a member of a parish that is 90% progressive and you wish your child to receive First Communion on the tongue, you would first go to the pastor and let him know that this is how you wish your child to receive. With his approval, you can then discuss your wishes with the Sacramental preparation people. Seems reasonable that you should not have a problem with this.

Of course, this is the ideal... who knows what the reality is...

Anonymous said...

Makes no difference whether you are in a progressive or traditional Church. Communion in the hand or on the tongue, kneeling or standing is permissible because we are ONE Church and the Church allows you to receive either way. Recently Pope Benedict has himself decided to grant Holy Communion only on the tongue and kneeling. My intent is not to get into a long discussion on how and why but to say no Pastor or Bishop has a right to deny or infringe on the right of a communicant receiving communion on the tongue, in the hand,kneeling or standing and if they do they are not being open to the Spirit which leads an individuals to their preference when receiving the Sacred species. Unfortunately, I cannot see why anyone would deny or object to someone who prefers to take Communion on the tongue. After all the days of pay, pray and obey are over Right? Unfortunately in my parish we have a pastor with a mentality left over from somewhere in the seventies who told a Communicant he must never kneel for Communion again. Can't understand for the life of me why it bothers him so . Personally who cares? If it is permissible then the pastor should keep his discontent to himself and allow the communicant to kneel.

Anonymous said...

In my parish, we tell the children to enthrone Jesus in their hands. That's why we forbid communicants to wear gloves.

Unknown said...

In my own opinion, it doesn't really matter how children receive their first communion as long as the thought of remembering Christ and the things He has done for humanity is within their hearts. :)
- LaceAndGraceVeils.com