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Seeker (65.29.125.233)
Sunday, April 06, 2003 - 09:25 am
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I am an adult non-Catholic seeking to learn the practices and teachings of the Church (becoming a member of the Church). Unfortunately, I came to this decision too late for this year's RCIA and will have to wait for the next session. In the meantime, I have questions regarding acceptable practice by a non-Catholic. I attend Church with my family. (My spouse is a life-long, practicing Catholic and our two children have been raised in the Catholic church.) I want to know which practices are appropriate / acceptable for the someone who is not baptized / confirmed. Is it acceptable for me to make the sign of the cross during mass or at other times (privately)? This would include prior to the reading of the passage when the parish crosses their forehead, lips, and heart. Can I dip my fingers in the Holy Water and bless myself? Currently, I participate by following mass in the missal, singing, standing, kneeling, and offering a sign of peace. What other practices would be acceptable and which must wait until I am fully initiated into the Church? I realize this covers a broad spectrum, but am interested in participating as much as possible.

Thank you in advance for your thoughts and responses.


Christina (Chrissy) (64.164.116.96)
Sunday, April 06, 2003 - 11:10 am
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Seeker,

The only thing that you cannot do during Mass is receive the Eucharist. You can however, go up during Communion and receive a blessing. Just use your hands, crossing your chest so the Priest knows you only want a blessing.

As far as your participation in the Church, you can participate in everything except the Sacraments (except as Canon 844, sec. 4 says: "If the danger of death is present or other grave necessity, in the judgment of the diocesan bishop or the conference of bishops, Catholic ministers may licitly administer these sacraments to other Christians who do not have full communion with the Catholic Church, who cannot approach a minister of their own community and on their own ask for it, provided they manifest Catholic faith in these sacraments and are properly disposed."). You can make the sign of the cross and bless yourself with Holy Water. You can kneel during the Consecration, sing with the Congregation etc. I would encourage you to participate in as much as you can!

I hope this helps you.


Seeker (65.29.125.233)
Sunday, April 06, 2003 - 12:24 pm
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Thanks, Chrissy. I often wondered if doing such things, especially sign of the cross, was violating a rule or protocol. My spouse has suggested much of the same. I just wondered what the view of others were about such matters. I had also wondered if crossing one's arms was a "universal" symbol that only a blessing is requested in lieu of the sacraments. It sounds like it is. Do the Eucharistic ministers offer a blessing or should that come from only the Priest? Sometimes there's no real choice as to whether the Priest or Eucharistic minister offers the sacraments.

Again, thanks for all input and feedback.


Christina (Chrissy) (64.164.116.96)
Sunday, April 06, 2003 - 12:36 pm
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Yes, the crossing of one's arms for a blessing is a 'univeral' symbol and the Eucharistic Minister can give you a blessing.


Mary Hoffman (65.56.19.71)
Monday, April 07, 2003 - 08:25 pm
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Chrissy,

Is the crossing of one's arms in any official book of rubrics or is it just a common practice someone started? Why do people do this rather than receive Holy Communion from the priest? He gives a blessing at the end of Holy Mass. This doesn't seem to make any sense to me. Where and when did this practice start?

Thanks


Seeker (65.29.125.233)
Tuesday, April 08, 2003 - 06:27 am
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Mary,

Speaking from an "outsider's" standpoint, I would do this to feel like I was more of a part of the ceremony. If you are Catholic, perhaps just once you could not go up for Communion when it is time. There is a lonely feeling, almost that of an outcast, when you're the only one sitting in the pew while the rest of the parish receives communion. Besides, being given a personal blessing is very comforting.


Christina (Chrissy) (64.164.116.133)
Tuesday, April 08, 2003 - 09:53 am
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I am by no means an expert in this area, but I will say that I believe the crossing of one's arms to receive a blessing at Communion is probably a tradition. I don't believe that it is in any rubrics (someone correct me if I am wrong). One of the main reasons a Catholic would receive a blessing instead of partaking in the Eucharist is because they have discerned whether or not they should receive. If one is in a state of Mortal Sin, they should not receive the Eucharist.

I also agree with Seeker in her last post about being part of the Community.


Mary Hoffman (164.106.96.86)
Tuesday, April 08, 2003 - 02:25 pm
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Thanks for the explanation. I remember a priest on a Catholic forum objecting to this because it is not the time or the place for individual blessings and I haven't read the new GIRM so I wasn't sure if it was in there.

Interestingly enough, the communicants who receive Our Lord in my parish are encouraged to cross their arms across their breast as they kneel at the altar rail. We are an "indult" parish who only receive on the tongue. After Holy Mass, Father greets us all OUTSIDE the Church and blesses all the children.