Question from Anonymous on 10/3/2007: 
In 2002, the USA Bishops released a decree stating that the norm for reception of Holy Communion was standing. However, the Magisterium has always given Catholics the right to kneel.
"The Congregation in fact is concerned at the number of similar complaints that it has received in recent months from various places, and considers any refusal of Holy Communion to a member of the faithful on the basis of his or her kneeling posture to be a grave violation of one of the most basic rights of the Christian faithful, namely that of being assisted by their Pastors by means of the Sacraments" (Codex Iuris Canonici, canon 213).
In fact, as His Eminence, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger has recently emphasized, "The practice of kneeling for Holy Communion has in its favor a centuries-old tradition, and it is a particularly expressive sign of adoration, completely appropriate in light of the true, real and substantial presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ under the consecrated species."
Sorry Michelle, I agree with Pope Benedict XVI about kneeling while receiving Communion. But thank you for answering my first question, and God bless you.
Answer by Catholic Answers on 10/3/2007:
Anonymous--
While those who kneel for Communion may not be refused Communion, current liturgical law in the United States -- with the approval of the Holy See -- mandates that the normative posture is to stand and that those who kneel should be privately counseled if they do not stand. The quotes you provided do not contradict this rubrical norm.
Recommended reading:
May I kneel for Communion?
Shouldn't we be allowed to kneel for Communion?
Michelle Arnold
Catholic Answers
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