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NAPR: question for catholics who receive communion at mass

KateLouiseKateLouise member
in Attachment Parenting
I'm quite possibly over thinking this, but I'm finding myself in an increasingly awkward situation in regards to etiquette when receiving communion. I have no memory of what I was taught as a child when attending mass.

What is appropriate in terms of eye contact with the priest. It feels rude not to make eye contact and smile, but equally that feels odd and too familiar. So I've tried just making eye contact with no smile, which also feels strange. Should I in fact be keeping my eyes on the communion bread?

A few weeks ago in a very weird moment, when the priest said, "the body of Christ." I simply said, "thank you" at which point his hand wavered and there was a moment of alarm between us. It took a few moments before I could think to say, "Amen"

Like I say, I'm probably over thinking it because obviously eye contact or not is not what's important at this moment in the mass.

Thoughts?
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Elizabeth 5yrs old Jane 3yrs old
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Re: NAPR: question for catholics who receive communion at mass

  • Emerald27Emerald27 member
    Well, the "Amen" we say when we receive communion is actually an acknowledgement of our belief that it is in fact the body of Christ. By responding with "Amen", you're confirming that you believe and are disposed to receive communion.

    So since that is the case, he's sort of asking you a question. Eye contact is appropriate when you say "Amen", if you like, and you can just think of it as answering his question: no need to smile or anything. :)

    I usually receive on my tongue because I'm holding DS on my hip and my free hand is holding his hand (if his hand was loose, he'd reach for the host!). I usually say "Amen" and kind of close my eyes when I open my mouth, so that really eliminates any awkwardness.

    The priest gives communion to hundreds of people every Sunday. I'm sure there are lots of smiles and serious faces and that he wouldn't even remember what you do. Act natural. :)
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  • musicalmama5musicalmama5 member
    Everything PP said. :)

    Also, my priest is super awesome and we have a pretty tight relationship, so it feels natural for me to smile at him, especially when he's blessing DS. Just focus on the fact that you are receiving the Eucharist. Whatever else happens is OK.
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  • barnwifebarnwife member
    Ditto both pp. If I gave it my best guess, I'd say I smile most of the time. Whether that's because I know many of the Eucharistic ministers so it feels natural or because of what's happening, a combination of the two, or because I've made it to church with both LOs and neither is currently throwing a fit, who knows.

    Having been a Eucharistic minister at other parishes, I can safely say that they aren't paying attention/won't remember.
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  • =Lee=B=Lee=B member

    Thank you is not appropriate.  He likely wavered because they are required to hold the host until you say Amen, no "Amen" no communion.

    I wouldn't worry about eye contact.  I tend to look at the priest, probably no smile.  Say Amen, take host.  I put host in my mouth before moving away, this is how it is supposed to be done but lots of churches don't enforce that as much since they tend to keep the line going.  After receiving communion and putting it in my mouth I sign the cross as I walk back to the pew with my hands held together in front of me.  It's sort of a slow thoughtful walk rather than a happy skip back to my seat.

    My husband is on the church counsel and hands out communion at some masses...the above is what I've read in his instruction booklet.

     

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  • KateLouiseKateLouise member
    =Lee=B said:

    Thank you is not appropriate.  He likely wavered because they are required to hold the host until you say Amen, no "Amen" no communion.

    I wouldn't worry about eye contact.  I tend to look at the priest, probably no smile.  Say Amen, take host.  I put host in my mouth before moving away, this is how it is supposed to be done but lots of churches don't enforce that as much since they tend to keep the line going.  After receiving communion and putting it in my mouth I sign the cross as I walk back to the pew with my hands held together in front of me.  It's sort of a slow thoughtful walk rather than a happy skip back to my seat.

    My husband is on the church counsel and hands out communion at some masses...the above is what I've read in his instruction booklet.

    Oh yes I knew thank you was not appropriate, and absolutely understood what he was waiting for, it was just that my brain went completely blank, and said thank you as a polite reflex to being offered something. I just included that because it made me laugh at myself.

    Thanks for all your feedback ladies.

    I hadn't really thought too much on it, until a couple of weeks ago where it felt like the priest eye balled me, which suddenly made me anxious about whether or not I was making some kind of faux pas by making eye contact. Probably all in my head.

    Thanks again. I'll relax and go back to not really thinking about it.
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    Elizabeth 5yrs old Jane 3yrs old
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