Author Topic: Communion rails (Read 1796 times)

Matthew · « **on:** November 10, 2011, 08:13:14 AM »

Something a friend posted on Facebook:

An interesting fact I found out recently. Many people bash Communion rails in the churches because they feel that the rails separate the faithful from the sanctuary. Actually the reality is quite the opposite, the rails actually bring the altar to the faithful. Check out this definition of a Communion Cloth from a book I've been reading on rubrics of the Roman Rite for Inferior Ministers:

(speaking of the Communion Cloth that covers the top of the Communion Rail)

"It takes the place of the corporal (always used in connection with the Sacred Species) and is an extension of the altar cloth, because the rail itself is considered to be an extension of the table of the altar from which the communicants derive the Bread of Angels. The faithful should not place their hands under the cloth, as this is not only contrary to the ancient law regarding the Communion cloth, but would cause it to become soiled"

It is very interesting to hear this, as I have never heard it preached or taught anywhere, I thought you would all find it interesting, as it totally debunks the common conception of a Communion rail dividing the faithful from the sanctuary.

Matthew · « **Reply #1 on:** November 10, 2011, 08:15:36 AM »

Here's why I'm posting this --

I thought there was a custom in some places specifically directing the faithful to put their hands under the communion rail cloth.

My chapel installed a cloth along the length of the communion rail relatively recently, and when they did, they instructed the Faithful that they should put their hands under the cloth at communion.

So, which is it? Is it a pious custom, or is it inadvisable? Makes me wonder what I should do next Sunday...

s2srea · « **Reply #2 on:** November 10, 2011, 08:57:37 AM »

Quote from: Matthew

So, which is it? Is it a pious custom, or is it inadvisable? Makes me wonder what I should do next Sunday...

In the chapels I've been to, I've also thought, through observation, that you were to put your hands under the cloth as well. I figured it was respect for the Blessed Sacrament, sort of an extension of the function of the paten (forgive me I can't remember if its the proper name) that the server places under the chin of the member recieving our Blessed Lord.

I guess figuring out what this book is exactly, and when it was published, is would be good to:

Quote

a book I've been reading on rubrics of the Roman Rite for Inferior Ministers:

TKGS · « **Reply #3 on:** November 10, 2011, 10:17:46 AM »

In the traditional Mass instructional video, The Most Beautiful Thing this Side of Heaven, the narrator says that only women place their hands under the cloth. It does not explain why.

I've heard said that all people should put their hands under the cloth.

I've heard said that all people should not put their hands under the cloth.

I've heard said that it really doesn't matter.

No one has told me any reason for any of the above actions.

Your initial post here is the first explaination for any of these actions. As it actually gives a reason for doing something, I would tend to favor that explanation and that custom.

It drives me up a wall when priests decide that everyone must sit, stand, or kneel at times that have never before been the custom at a parish and then explain that it's just the way "we" do it or give another explanation that contradicts itself.

Caminus · « **Reply #4 on:** November 10, 2011, 10:36:22 AM »

TKGS, something needs to be done about people kneeling at the Sanctus and Agnus Dei during High Mass. Half the people kneel and half stand. Where did those instructions on that paper come from? Up north, we always knelt at the bells of the Sanctus and at the Agnus Dei. This standing during and kneeling after is new to me and counter-intuitive.

RomanCatholic1953 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 10, 2011, 10:58:02 AM »

The proper way to receive Holy Communion. Altar Rails Covered.

St Jude Thaddeus · « **Reply #6 on:** November 10, 2011, 06:37:15 PM »

:applause: Do you mind sharing with us where you're getting all these great photos, RC53?

Caminus · « **Reply #7 on:** November 10, 2011, 06:58:53 PM »

Quote from: RomanCatholic1953

The proper way to receive Holy Communion. Altar Rails Covered.

Note the women wearing hats instead of veils...that was the beginning of the end.

TraceG · « **Reply #8 on:** November 10, 2011, 07:57:35 PM »

ugh I can't stand when women wear hats of any kind. It's not the Kentucky Derby. Anyways, I have been at Mass at St Paul's in Evansville for 2 years. Those receiving Communion have always positioned their hands under the rail cloth. Even at the St Blaise throat blessing also.

RomanCatholic1953 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 11, 2011, 09:07:15 AM »

Quote from: St Jude Thaddeus

:applause: Do you mind sharing with us where you're getting all these great photos, RC53?

From a Garage Sale long ago.

You will be surprised in what you will find at Garage Sales even today.

Elizabeth · « **Reply #10 on:** November 11, 2011, 05:35:23 PM »

Sometimes it is necessary to sort of hang on to something at the altar rail for fear of tipping over.

Maybe there is some secret Nun technique to prevent slipping..seems to me no hands should be near the Most Blessed Sacrament, and the cloth is serving as a paten.. So sometimes I hold on underneath.

And the bells at the Sanctus seem to compel one to kneel. I agree with Caminus that standing is counter-intuitive.

Interesting topic, Matthew.