SPX As an altar server at Mary, Queen of Saints Parish, I've had the privilege of witnessing the deep reverence and dedication our parishioners show towards the Eucharist. This reverence is beautifully expressed through their desire to receive the Eucharist at the altar rail, a tradition that has been maintained in various forms across our parish's churches. This practice is not a challenge to church doctrine; rather, it helps us all express the profound respect we hold for this sacrament.

However, starting January 1st, our clergy team plans to prohibit the reception of the Eucharist at altar rails, which will affect the parishioners at the daily masses. This decision not only goes against the wishes of our devoted parishioners but also lacks an official declaration from our bishop, leaving many feeling unsupported and unheard. Importantly, this change directly affects our older community members who find comfort and stability in kneeling at the altar rail, and who might struggle without a supportive structure in place. This could risk injury to our parishioners who want to kneel (as is their right) but need the support the Altar Rail provides. To go forward with this, knowing many will not have the support they need to kneel is an injustice.

At each of our churches, parishioners have either maintained existing altar rails or ingeniously used the first pew to create a space of sanctity and reverence. To abruptly strip this tradition disregards the heartfelt expressions of our faith community.

It’s crucial to maintain our connection to traditions that foster spiritual growth and community unity. I urge the clergy team to pause any disruptions until formal declarations from the bishop are provided. This approach shows respect for both the traditions held dear by parishioners and the hierarchical processes of our church.

Please sign this petition to ensure our parish can continue to celebrate the Eucharist with the reverence it deserves along the altar rail, preserving the spiritual and physical support it provides to many, especially our senior members. Together, we can stand for the traditions that strengthen our faith and our community. 

 (A similar situation occurred in the Diocese of Charlotte, where the bishop recommended they discontinue the reception of communion along the altar rail, but after a petition from the parishioners, the pastor decided to allow them to use the altar rail for reception of the Eucharist, until a formal declaration from their Bishop was made.)