From a reader…
QUAERITUR:
I regularly receive Holy Communion kneeling (on the floor) at my OF-only parish. My pastor has asked me a few times not to do that, though not forcefully – he’s never unkind about it or actually telling me to stop (rather just suggesting I don’t), but I know it bothers him. He’s concerned about me appearing “in opposition” to the bishops and the norms of receiving communion. There is so much confusion around this. Can you point me to something tangible that lays out norms for receiving communion? On the hand is an abuse that’s been normalized, on the tongue is ok, kneeling on the tongue is…? Just want clarity and document-support!
“kneeling on the tongue is…?”
… really uncomfortable.
Yes, kneeling on the tongue for receiving is a rare but effective penitential practice going wayyyy back. I don’t know how far back, but wayyyy back. There are secret manuscripts hidden away in secret places with directions on how to get that extreme tongue stretch.
Mastery of kneeling on the tongue for Communion sometimes goes tongue in cheek… ummm… cheek by jowl… with proper liturgical Beretta use.
There are any number of documents that cover how to receive. In most places, the option to receive on the hand is, alas, a licit option in the Ordinary Form. However, the document most pertinent to your situation is the CDW document, very much in force and issued in forma specifica, called Redemptionis Sacramentum. RS secures the rights of Catholics to receive Holy Communion directly on the tongue, while kneeling (par. 90-92). You must not be prohibited from receiving on the tongue while standing or kneeling.
In the Extraordinary Form, Communion is not to be given on the hand.
It is always a good idea to examine your conscience when it comes to doing something that is outside the norm where you are. Are you looking for attention? Are you simply trying to be reverent? Are you trying to set an example? What’s your motive? The moment of Communion isn’t about how great we look at doing it. You don’t have to write back – I’m just putting it out there as a point of examination.
I don’t know your priest, of course. Perhaps you have engaged him in an amicable conversation.
Lastly, you could go to a parish where you won’t be hassled for receiving like a normal, believing Catholic.
BTW… I think that people should kneel to receive and that they should receive directly on the tongue. Moreover, we should get rid of Communion in the hand as soon as possible.
Lastly, commas can be important.
