[Antoninus]

A priest who consistently preaches in this manner today will likely drive folks further away, and in larger numbers. If most priests were to adopt this method, we could drive attendance at Mass from around 40% to under 20% in no time.

Sorry, but this is demonstrably wrong. Our parish is an example. When I first got there, confession lines were very short. Then a new priest arrived -- young, passionate, and conservative -- right down to the long cassock and use of Eucharistic Prayer I. He preached on a consistent basis that people should go to Confession frequently so as not to receive Communion unworthily. He preached about sin, abortion, immorality, and the lives of saints. He quoted the Church Fathers. Did Church attendance go down? Did people leave in disgust? No. The Confession lines lengthened. He was the most beloved priest in the parish. To our great sorrow, he was transferred to another parish just last month. We'll see what happens from here...

Just like a parent that gives into his child's every whim, a priest who is overly indulgent and does not attempt to correct his congregation will end up with a bunch of whining spoiled babies on his hands. And what's more, they won't respect him for his laxity. Meanwhile, a priest that preaches the truth of Christ and His Church may challenge people and seem hard, but in the end, they will LOVE him for it...

[don-o]

When I first got there, confession lines were very short. Then a new priest arrived -- young, passionate, and conservative -- right down to the long cassock and use of Eucharistic Prayer I. He preached on a consistent basis that people should go to Confession frequently so as not to receive Communion unworthily.

This is good to hear. It should be the norm.

In my small Orthodox parish, before Communion, the Deacon announces that, "Only those who have had recent Confession or the blessing of their spiritual father should approach the Chalice."

We also have posted on the bulletin boards, at the entrances, the rules for receiving. People have been denied Communion in my parish.

At his ordination, the priest is told that he shall give account at the Last Day, as to how he has distributed the Body and Blood. My priest takes it seriously.

We are small, so it is fairly easy. But, even in a big parish, what do y'all think about the announcement before Communion? Is it something that might raise some awareness of the gravity of what the Eucharist really and truly is?

I am not familiar with the current Roman fasting rules; only that Catholics used to eat fish on Friday. There used to be a fast before Mass. I think that is mostly done away with. Correct me if I am wrong.

Just a suggestion from an outsider, maybe a start for regaining respect for the Eucharist in the Roman Church is a rethinking of your fasting practices.