The First Holy Communion and Confirmation season is upon us in the Diocese of Gaylord. The recent presence of Bishop Walsh at one parish seems to highlight what for some is a major issue: reverence for the Sacrament of the Eucharist. When Bishop Walsh recently visited one of the Diocesan parishes for celebration of First Holy Communion and Confirmation, according to parishioners, the Bishop made clear his request that Fist Communicants stand to receive Holy Communion. However, at this parish, most of the parishioners kneel for Holy Communion. Furthermore, at least some of the parents voiced their concerns to Gaylord Diocesan Watch that the the Bishop wanted their children standing for reception of the Eucharist. This is not in line with what these parents have chosen to teach their children with regard to the Sacrament.
So, at this parish, the children (via their parents) receiving First Holy Communion were coerced to receive the Sacrament standing. In a situation that can only be considered highly ironic and irregular, after they received their First Holy Communion standing, Bishop Walsh then proceeded to give Holy Communion to the parishioners, virtually all of them (with the exception of a seminarian) receiving Holy Communion on the tongue while kneeling!
Gaylord Diocesan Watch has covered this issue before. Unfortunately, the request of the Bishop to have First Communion recipients receive while standing, when their families have taught them the reverence of kneeling for Holy Communion, has caused discomfort and confusion among more than a few Catholics in the Diocese of Gaylord.
Gaylord Diocesan Watch has also been notified that at least in one other parish, some of the First Communicants did receive First Holy Communion kneeling and the Bishop did not deny them the Sacrament. If so, then why the pressure to restrain reverence?
Although receiving Holy Communion standing and in the hand is permitted in the United States, receiving Holy Communion kneeling and on the tongue is recommended by more than one senior cleric in the Church. It has been a reverent way to receive the Blessed Sacrament for many centuries. Let us pray that this latest example of Mass confusion does not ultimately destroy the faith of our children.