Paladin D Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 It may be an obvious answer for this, but for some reason I can't recall it. What is the main difference between a blessing from an ordained clergy (i.e. priest), compared to a layman? I know every Christian can bless someone else, but what is the explanation for the differential nature of a blessing from a priest compared to a lay faithful? Not asking in a critical tone, but out of curiosity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisieux Flower Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 [quote name='Paladin D' post='1600383' date='Jul 15 2008, 11:19 AM']It may be an obvious answer for this, but for some reason I can't recall it. What is the main difference between a blessing from an ordained clergy (i.e. priest), compared to a layman? I know every Christian can bless someone else, but what is the explanation for the differential nature of a blessing from a priest compared to a lay faithful? Not asking in a critical tone, but out of curiosity.[/quote] I'd like to know that too. I don't have a problem with EM's blessing people. I say "God Bless" often, and I don't have a problem with others saying it. I don't understand why it's an issue to say it during communion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ookami Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 [quote name='CatherineM' post='1593425' date='Jul 7 2008, 02:03 AM']I was in line for communion today behind two moms with a total of 5 kids between them. The EM blessed everyone of those kids. I wanted to scream, but thought that might not go over very well. I am to the point where I don't like receiving from EM's, especially the host, and this one is someone that is in all charity, not someone who should be an EM anyway. On top of that, she gave communion to a retired priest who lives in our rectory. I don't think that he should have to co-celebrate, but he could at least help distribute communion. He doesn't walk with a cane, or shake or anything that on the surface would make him not be able to distribute communion. It's these little things that just drive me crazy, and make me want to go to another parish.[/quote] wait...ur priest doesnt giv communion? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Winchester Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 It certainly bothers me. But then again, I'm still wondering why Extraordinary ministers form a skirmisher line up to the altar. There's simply droves of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noel's angel Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 I've been thinking about blessings during Communion since this thread was started, and I'm beginning to wonder if they should be given at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
salterrae Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 JM + JT Again, I think the blessings shouldn't be given at all. That's what the final blessing is/can be for. I don't want to sound mean, 'cause I'm sure it isn't the reason for everyone (and I've been in this situation before myself many a time), but it seems sometimes that people go up for a blessing so as to fit in and not stand out by having to let people pass by them in the pews. I was at a couple of Masses somewhere a few weeks ago where both times someone announced before Mass that those who could not receive Communion were welcome to come up for a blessing. It annoyed me a little. They seemed not to want to offend anyone by making sure everyone felt like they were participating and not excluded. What happened to just staying in your pew to spiritually commune? Half the people at my parish who go up for a blessing return to their pew and chat and look bored. But I'm done being critical. Just had to vent a little. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noel's angel Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 I agree with you. It's this kind of 'everyone's welcome, let's not offend' attitude that annoys me. I can see why they might think it's a good idea-maybe they thought it would prevent as many people coming up to receive when they really shouldn't. But it's unnecessary. I think that disrupting the distribution of Communion in order to give a blessing, is a bad idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
salterrae Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 JM + JT I've only done it once and never did it again. Father looked so annoyed about having to place Our Lord back into the ciborium to give me a blessing. It catches them off guard and really does disrupt. I'll strike if my school starts announcing that we can do that (I'm an altar server). I almost had to when I thought they were going to have liturgical dance. Luckily they stopped their little show before we began processing in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noel's angel Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 I've never gone up for a blessing. I would hate to do anything to distract the priest from the liturgical action. At the same time, I do see why some people may do it, but I don't think it's right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
salterrae Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 JM + JT I too understand the concept. But - I hate repeating myself, I really do, but for the sake of making a point - there's the final blessing! I look for the day when what Vatican II actually intended is finally carried out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noel's angel Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 I'm with you 100% Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Winchester Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 You think it takes talent to do Frankenstein? It's all makeup and grunting. ... Dracula requires presence. It's all in the eyes, and the voice, and the hands-- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
salterrae Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 JM + JT Either that's a metaphor for your opinion on EM blessings during communion or you posted in the wrong thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Winchester Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 [quote name='salterrae' post='1600728' date='Jul 15 2008, 08:49 PM']JM + JT Either that's a metaphor for your opinion on EM blessings during communion or you posted in the wrong thread. [/quote] Wrong on both counts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CatherineM Posted July 16, 2008 Author Share Posted July 16, 2008 I understand that lay people can bless others. My parish also does that announcement about coming up for a blessing. During the time I couldn't receive, I never went up for one. It just seems silly. I think what bothers me the most for EM's to bless people, is appearances. Having a priest give a blessing is one thing, but a woman who's a telemarketer, or a retired furniture salesman, just grates on me. I swear, I'm becoming more of a curmudgeon every day as I age. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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