I am sharing with you an excerpt from the correspondence from the Office of the Bishop regarding New Liturgical Policies, to be implemented by Ash Wednesday, February 14, 2024 in the Diocese of Oakland.

Full version is available at our website: https://srcdublin.org/new-liturgical-policies/

ON THE MANNER OF RECEPTION OF HOLY COMMUNION

The communicant may choose to receive standing or kneeling, on the hand, or on the tongue. It is the communicant’s choice, not the priest’s or minister’s choice. We should respect the manner chosen by the communicant. See attachment on the full policy from USCCB.

KNEELING DURING MASS

The General Instruction for the Roman Missal for the United States, 43, states that “In the dioceses of the United States of America, they should kneel beginning after the singing or recitation of the Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy) until after the Amen of the Eucharistic Prayer, except when prevented on occasion by ill health, or for reasons of lack of space, of the large number of people present, or for another reasonable cause …. The faithful kneel after the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) unless the Diocesan Bishop determines otherwise.”

I understand it had been the policy in our diocese set by a previous bishop to remain standing following the Lamb of God. However, I see no valid reason for us to diverge from the common practice of the Church in the United States.

Therefore, I ask that in our diocese we join the rest of the faithful in our country in kneeling after the Lamb of God in order to prepare ourselves reverently for reception of Holy Communion.

Following reception of Holy Communion, each person may stand, sit or kneel as they choose, until the priest asks everyone to stand for the Prayer After Communion.

(3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2024)