Q: Fr. Turner in a Post-Covid world I have seen a number of people receive the Precious Blood while kneeling. Is there a general policy about this? From a practical side it makes me nervous to see our Extraordinary Ministers pass the chalice to a kneeling parishioner but I don’t want to prohibit something if is permitted.
Thank you.
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A: The norms for posture at communion time may change from one conference of bishops to another, according to GIRM 160. “The norm established for the Dioceses of the United States of America is that Holy Communion is to be received standing, unless an individual member of the faithful wishes to receive Communion while kneeling.” The norm cites Redemptionis Sacramentum, which says we are not to deny communion to anyone based on posture.
I really think both those documents had in mind receiving the Body of Christ, not the Blood, but neither said so.
Consequently, I don’t see anything prohibiting kneeling to receive the chalice, but your concerns are quite practical and important. If those who kneel are people you know, you could have a conversation.