All the Catholics out there say, "Ho!": A Communion etiquette question

Yes, I've always understood you can either go in the procession, cross your arms in front of you and receive a blessing, or stay in the pew (which plenty of people do and Catholics are encouraged to do if they're sick). Either way, no problem.

And I, for one, am not one for the physical rituals of adoration (like the holy water, or genuflecting when I enter the pew), but I always cross myself after Communion. Must be my old-school Northeastern Irish Catholic upbringing.

 

What does genuflect mean?

 

De rodillas.

 

Kneel down on one knee while entering or leaving the pew, facing the cross.

KY, that old lady is crazy. It's not disrespectful. If anything, it's more respectful to stay there while the Catholics do their thing. I've done it that way hundreds of times.

 

You did it right. I do it after communion, but I draw the line at redwine backwash...

 

I just sat there and smiled. Even when I go to another Methodist church, I hardly ever partake in the communion. It just doesn't feel right if I'm not at my church.

 

I'm kind of the same way. The grape juice just doesn't taste right at other churches.

 

Even Catholics aren't supposed to take communion if more than a year has passed since their last Confession.

 

Sounds like you should have a talk with my ex ...

 

Drives my mother nuts during Christmas Mass, when I'm home, but I refuse to accept communion. I haven't been to Confession since I was 15.

 

ah say an act of contrition and you are good to go

 

St. Stanislaus, Tony?

As to genuflecting while banged up or disable, well, I get that. It doesn't excuse the 90 percent of healthy people who blew it off.