Standing after receiving Holy Communion
Dear Brother Ignatius or Mr. Slavek:
Apparently someone has recently instructed our parish community that the new GIRM requires that everyone must remain standing until after all have received Holy Communion. According to my reading of the GIRM and the UCCB/BCL posting of their version of the GIRM in English, there is no sentence that says anyone remains standing
QUESTION from Frank Lee on December 13, 2003
except at the times mentioned in the first paragraph of #43.
The second paragraph states that "they may sit or kneel while the period of silence after Communion is observed." It is somewhat unclear when the "after Communion" begins, whether indiviually or communally, but as standing at this time is not mentioned in the specific times one is to stand (first paragraph) it seems that the second paragraph does not say we must stand at this time. What do you know about this and is there somewhere this reported requirement is really in the GIIRM? I can't find it. Thank you. Frank Lee
ANSWER by Mr. Jacob Slavek on December 19, 2003
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Dear Mr. Lee, In my interpretation, the "period of silence" begins after individual reception. In the instruction though the Church has stated that uniformity in postures is desired, and also that congregations are to follow specific instructions of a deacon, lay minister, or priest. Although I suppose it could be interpreted to stand until all have received, I think that it makes more sense to have everyone kneel immediately, especially since those who have not yet received are still kneeling. I would ask this "someone" to point out specifically where it says to stand. Mr. Slavek |