Charlotte: New Bishop Abolishes Communion Benches
The Diocese of Charlotte is (or was?) one of the most thriving dioceses in the United States.
"Sensus Fidelium" posted an image of a line of standing worshippers about to receive communion, with a young man kneeling on the ground.
The Catholic practice of kneeling to receive Holy Communion was abolished in this diocese after the Second Vatican Council, but was reintroduced almost a decade ago.
In April 2024, Bishop Michael Martin replaced the excellent Bishop Peter Jugis, who retired for health reasons at the age of 67. Mons. Jugis had a huge and very positive impact on the Diocese of Charlotte.
His successor visited St Mark's in January 2025 and did not use the communion benches.
The parish bulletin of 26 January stated that Monsignor Martin had indicated by his actions that it was his desire to do away with the Communion benches: "He is currently preparing new liturgical norms to provide guidance."
However, kneeling to receive Communion is not a matter of the private taste of an individual bishop, but an expression of respect before the Body of Christ. To abolish kneeling when receiving Holy Communion is unlikely to increase this reverence.
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