An old Irish proverb reads: "Before you take down a fence, first ask why it was put up." Needless to say, many of these rails have been removed in recent years without ever asking why they were put up in the first place. The custom of the Communion rail needs to be maintained now more than ever, thanks to lagging Eucharistic fervor. News flash: many young Catholics no longer believe in the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist. This is news for many people.
As a side note, if I had a dime for every time I have watched wedding photographers, or heard about thieves, or watched rude intruders wander open into sanctuaries with no rail, I would be a wealthy man, indeed. Any pastor who installs a camera in his church knows the security value of such a rail, separating and protecting the holy of holies.
News flash: many middle-aged to elderly Catholic priests no longer believe in the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist. This is not news for many people.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I haven't been inside Holy Family in over a year. They did have a communion rail already, but it was a short, rather lackluster modern one with no gates. It's sort of visible in this picture: http://www.hfcmn.org/sites/default/files/styles/760_300/public/10%20-%20Easter%20-%203-25-08%20002%20-%20952x520.jpg?itok=YogC9kzS
ReplyDeleteAny idea if they plan to start using it for their regular Masses? Last I was aware, they didn't use the old one.