St. Stanislaus Catholic Church

Rossville, Kansas

Regarding Kneelers and Reception of Holy Communion

Starting this weekend, you’ll notice a couple of kneelers (prie dieu) at the place where I normally distribute Holy Communion. I want to share with you the reasons I’ve put those kneelers in place as well and to guide you through your options in the reception of Holy Communion. The Church permits reception of Holy Communion in four ways:

• Standing – on the hand
• Standing – on the tongue
• Kneeling – on the hand
• Kneeling – on the tongue

While one can argue that there are different advantages to each of these four ways or receiving Holy Communion, it would be wrong to say that any one of these options is intrinsically holier than the other. It would be even worse for one of us to look down on our fellow parishioner because of the way they receive Holy Communion and to think that our way of receiving is holier than theirs. The disposition of our heart when we approach The Bread of Life, the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, is of paramount importance. Whichever of these four options best helps you to create a disposition in your heart that is reverent, humble, attentive, and loving is the one you should choose. 

I do want to mention that reception on the tongue is a right of the faithful that may not be denied whereas reception on the hand is an indult (permission or privilege) granted in some parts of the world (including the USA). 

Okay, so why kneelers? Well, first of all, some people like to kneel when receiving but find it difficult or impossible to get back up without something to hold on to! Kneelers facilitates the ease and safety with which people may kneel and get back up. If you’ve never tried kneeling while receiving, this will make it more natural for you to do so if you wish. 

Secondly, I wanted to address the longer lines for Holy Communion. I’ve already talked about why I don’t regularly utilize extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, but this doesn’t mean I want to make things clunky or inefficient. By having two kneelers out, the idea is that two people (one from each line) approach at the same time. While one is receiving, the other is getting in position so that they will be ready to receive. 

Finally, I’m hoping that this new setup will provide a sort of “marker”, so you know exactly where to stand/kneel. If standing, please stand as close as you can to the kneeler. This will help me tremendously since in the past, I’ve found myself having to move backwards and forwards and side to side, which makes things awkward, unseemly, and clunky. 

Oh Sacrament most holy, oh Sacrament divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine!

Fr. Justin 

Friday, March 17th:  6:30pm Confessions
                                    7:30pm Stations of the Cross

Tuesday, March 21st:  6pm Family Holy Hour
                                         Adoration and Benediction

Friday, March 31st:  6:30pm Confessions
                                    7:30pm Stations of the Cross

Friday, April 7th:  7pm Good Friday Service

Sunday, April 9th:  9am Easter Sunday Mass

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First Fruits - Archbishop's Call to Share

St. Stanislaus Church will remain open on Wednesdays after 8am daily Mass until 7pm.  Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday the church is open from 3pm to 7pm.

On the 3rd Tuesday of each month, St. Stanislaus will offer a Parish Family Holy Hour which will begin at 7pm with Adoration & conclude with Benediction.  

An additional early morning adoration time: weekdays from 5am to 6am.

Religious Education starts September 25/ Jr High & High School Starts September 14th. Register your student now by clicking below.

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