There has been a revival in the Church regarding Eucharistic devotion. As many Catholics rediscover the traditions of the Church, more and more of the faithful prefer to receive kneeling. We see this growing trend in our own parish. Some parishioners would like to kneel, but would have a hard time getting back up without a Communion rail. In addition to allowing Communion to proceed reverently, there is also the potential of great spiritual benefits. Instead of people being ‘in motion’ as they walk through Communion lines, parishioners get a few moments to pause before and after Communion as they kneel or stand by the rail. This enables them to cherish the moment and open themselves to grace in a way that is difficult to do when walking through a normal Communion line.

No. Communion rails were never intended to be barriers to prevent access to God. This is a false idea that, while circulated by some, has no basis in any Catholic teaching, belief or practice. Communion rails are sacred places where people are nourished by the Bread from Heaven. That is why they were designed with great beauty and care. The architectural style of Communion rails was often similar to the altar, because they were seen as extending from the altar: the Eucharist is consecrated on the altar, and then received at the rail. Heaven and earth meet at the Communion rail; it is a place of Communion, not a barrier.