From time to time, people ask why we do not encourage those who are not receiving Holy Communion to come forward simply for a blessing. The answer is found in the meaning of the Communion procession itself.

The Communion procession has one purpose: to approach the altar and receive Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist. It is the moment when those who are properly disposed and prepared come forward to receive the Body and Blood of Christ. That is why the Church calls it the Communion procession.

Sometimes parents bring their young children with them because they are too young to remain alone in the pew. That is perfectly understandable. Young children may accompany their parents as they receive Holy Communion, and a priest or deacon may naturally offer them a brief blessing. However, the Communion procession itself is not intended to be a blessing line.

It is also important to remember that every person present at Mass receives God’s blessing at the conclusion of the liturgy. The final blessing is given to the entire congregation before we are sent forth to live what we have celebrated.

There is another reason for preserving the meaning of the Communion procession. We should never become satisfied with receiving only a blessing when the Lord desires to give us something even greater—His own Body and Blood. Our hearts should always grow in longing for the Eucharist, the greatest gift Christ gives His Church.

We see this longing in a beautiful way among those preparing to enter the Catholic Church through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). They faithfully attend Mass week after week, praying with the community while eagerly awaiting the day when, after their preparation is complete, they will receive Holy Communion for the very first time. Their joyful anticipation reminds all of us never to take the Eucharist for granted, but to treasure it as the priceless gift that it is.

If you are unable to receive Holy Communion because you need the Sacrament of Reconciliation, are married outside the Catholic Church, or for another reason, please know that the Church desires to help you. If you are married outside the Church, we warmly invite you to contact the parish office. In many cases, we can help you have your marriage convalidated (blessed) in the Church so that you may once again receive the sacraments. We would be honored to walk with you through that process.

Until then, remain prayerfully in your pew or accompany your family if needed, making a Spiritual Communion and asking the Lord to deepen your love for Him and prepare your heart for the day when you can once again receive Him sacramentally.

By preserving the true meaning of the Communion procession, we keep our focus on the greatest gift Christ offers us at every Mass—His Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist. Our prayer is that every member of our parish may one day approach the altar with great joy to receive Our Lord in Holy Communion.