ASK FATHER: Father took away our kneelers! What can we do?
From a reader:
Our very new parish pastor removed our Communion kneelers this past Sunday. They had been in standard use for at least the last 10 years if not longer.
Many parishioners are quite upset, but he certainly isn’t denying anyone Communion kneeling and on the tongue. He’s just making it hard or impossible for the aged and infirm (and the pregnant, like me). We all know GIRM 160, [See HERE] but do we have any recourse for getting our kneelers back? (It is well known that the Bishop will not be on our side on this).
First, I am sorry that you have a cruel priest.
Sad news. I don’t think you parishioners have much hope in this case.
If the kneelers were of significant artistic or historic value, there might be some possibility to argue for their preservation. On the other hand, Father Cleverboots could then claim that he removed them to preserve them!
I suggest some direct dialogue with the priest, prompted by a large number of people. Perhaps their pleas will soften his heart, along prayers to his Guardian Angel. If, however, Father digs in his heels, there’s little earthly recourse, especially if the local bishop is unsympathetic and uncooperative.
Moreover, if you are physically able, you can kneel anyway, with or without the piece of furniture. Redemptionis Sacramentum 91 remains in force.
Then there is The Nuclear Option.
I refer the honorable questioner to the Bux Protocol.
I once heard Msgr. Nicola Bux answer a questioner during a conference about an uncooperative bishop, thusly:
“St. Joseph is Patron of the Church. You must pray a lot to St. Joseph in this situation, that he either open the bishop’s eyes or he close them for good. [applause laughter] This isn’t a joke, eh? St. Joseph is truly very powerful. You must pray a lot to St. Joseph. Moreover St. Joseph was placed in the Roman Canon by Pope John. You can also put him into all the other Eucharistic Prayers after the Blessed Virgin Mary saying ‘and St. Joseph her Spouse’. I am convinced that St. Joseph will do a great deal.”
You might pray to St. Joseph – Terror of Demons, Patron of the Dying, Solace of the Afflicted, Protector of the Church – and ask him to help get the prie-dieu back.
He was a carpenter, right?
Go to Joseph.
