How do I receive a blessing from the priest?

Marianna_Mills · #1 Feb 19, '12, 7:28 am

Okay I am nervous to the extreme about mass this morning. It is my second time attending. I dont want to make a fool out of myself again. I have been studying the Order of Mass (December 2011) but one thing I dont know is-since I cant take communion how do I get a blessing from the priest?

ringil · #2 Feb 19, '12, 8:00 am

You are blessed in the context of the mass. I believe at the end. Perhaps in the beginning as well.

Zundrah · #3 Feb 19, '12, 8:27 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marianna_Mills

Okay I am nervous to the extreme about mass this morning. It is my second time attending. I dont want to make a fool out of myself again. I have been studying the Order of Mass (December 2011) but one thing I dont know is-since I cant take communion how do I get a blessing from the priest?

When the people form a queue to take part in communion, join the queue but put your arm over to your left shoulder and the priest will know you aren't confirmed. He will then give you the blessing. If he doesn't pay enough attention and still hands you the Eucharist make sure you do not take it. Let him know some how.

BertBlyleven · #4 Feb 19, '12, 8:29 am

Wait till the end of Mass when everyone gets a blessing at the dismissal. If you're referring to a blessing at communion, it is common practice to approach the priest with your arms crossed and head tilted down (the above post mentions this). Many priests say it's best not to do this, since you get the blessing at the end of Mass anyway. So, just remain in your pew at communion, and you'll be fine!

You can always approach a priest after Mass for a specific blessing (discernment, etc) and he will surely give you one. If this is a traditional Latin Mass, there likely will be a line for blessings after Mass!

Nigel7 · #5 Feb 19, '12, 8:29 am

^ Yes, you are blessed along with everyone else in attendance. Do not go up in the communion line to receive a blessing, since you are blessed at mass already, and the communion line is for those actually in communion with the Church and also not in a state of mortal sin, and who are actually in the line for the purpose of receiving communion.

Rest assured that you are blessed along with everyone else in attendance.

rhiannonh · #6 Feb 19, '12, 8:32 am

In our church people take a book or leaflet up with them and priests I've known have been astute enough to recognise that if you don't have a leaflet in your hand they seem to realise the ones who know what they are doing and ones who never been before.(apart from those of us who he knows).
He often asks them a question which I just assume is are you confirmed, and the look of confusion on their faces is enough to say they aren't.

Sorry last time didn't go well for you and hope you had a better time this morning.

Mrs Sally · #7 Feb 19, '12, 8:44 am

You receive a blessing at the end of Mass when the priest blesses everyone in attendance. You don't shouldn't go up to communion if you are not disposed to receive - ie not Catholic, not free of mortal sin. You can ask the priest for an individual blessing after Mass. Since you seem to be very upset, it may be best for you to call the parish and make an appointment to speak to the priest outside of Mass. Then you can discuss steps to join the church, ask questions about the Mass, and get a blessing.

**1ke** · #8 Feb 19, '12, 8:51 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marianna_Mills

Okay I am nervous to the extreme about mass this morning. It is my second time attending. I dont want to make a fool out of myself again. I have been studying the Order of Mass (December 2011) but one thing I dont know is-since I cant take communion how do I get a blessing from the priest?

You receive a blessing at the end of mass with everyone else. Remain in your pew during communion.

If you want a personal blessing, approach the priest after mass and ask for one.

MSSheBear · #9 Feb 19, '12, 10:35 am

I prefer not to go up for a blessing. Stepping out of the pew and letting others by usually works the best for me. I don't understand about you making a fool out of yourself. If you don't know the responses don't say anything. Just stand up, kneel, and sit down when everyone else is. Don't worry, come Lent, a lot of "amateurs" will be in church with you.

YoungTradCath · #10 Feb 19, '12, 11:13 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrs Sally

You receive a blessing at the end of Mass when the priest blesses everyone in attendance. You don't shouldn't go up to communion if you are not disposed to receive - ie not Catholic, not free of mortal sin. You can ask the priest for an individual blessing after Mass. Since you seem to be very upset, it may be best for you to call the parish and make an appointment to speak to the priest outside of Mass. Then you can discuss steps to join the church, ask questions about the Mass, and get a blessing.

This.

Hmgbrd · #11 Feb 19, '12, 1:11 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zundrah

When the people form a queue to take part in communion, join the queue but put your arm over to your left shoulder and the priest will know you aren't confirmed. He will then give you the blessing. If he doesn't pay enough attention and still hands you the Eucharist make sure you do not take it. Let him know some how.

This is false information.

Zundrah · #12 Feb 19, '12, 1:22 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hmgbrd

This is false information.

In England and Ireland it is not. For the Catholic Church here it is very normal.

Hmgbrd · #13 Feb 19, '12, 1:38 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zundrah

In England and Ireland it is not. For the Catholic Church here it is very normal.

She lives in California.

Thomas Francis · #14 Feb 19, '12, 1:39 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zundrah

In England and Ireland it is not. For the Catholic Church here it is very normal.

Here's a letter written by the Congregation for Divine Worship about this. It's a sticky in the "Liturgy and Sacraments" sub-forum.

Hmgbrd · #15 Feb 19, '12, 1:42 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrs Sally

You receive a blessing at the end of Mass when the priest blesses everyone in attendance. You don't shouldn't go up to communion if you are not disposed to receive - ie not Catholic, not free of mortal sin. You can ask the priest for an individual blessing after Mass. Since you seem to be very upset, it may be best for you to call the parish and make an appointment to speak to the priest outside of Mass. Then you can discuss steps to join the church, ask questions about the Mass, and get a blessing.

Thank you Mrs. Sally this is the best answer yet!