"While the Priest is receiving the Sacrament, the Communion Chant is begun, its purpose being to express the spiritual union of the communicants by means of the unity of their voices, to show gladness of heart, and to bring out more clearly the ‘communitarian’ character of the procession to receive the Eucharist. The singing is prolonged for as long as the Sacrament is being administered to the faithful." (GIRM #86; emphasis added)
Here it is clear that all should sing the Communion Song(s) until all have received Communion. This has normally been ignored by many Catholics who in general refuse to sing at Mass and thereby do not participate as fully in the Mass as required.
The implication of this instruction about singing until the distribution of Communion is finished is that one does not observe silent prayer while the Communion Song is sung (one cannot be silent and singing at the same time! However, one can pray and sing at the same time). There was, however, the custom from earlier times (prior to Vatican II) where after receiving Holy Communion one returned to one's seat and knelt in silent prayer. One can be singing and still meditate upon the great act of Communion occurring at the time. In summary, The General Instruction of the Roman Missal envisions persons singing during Communion and then, after all have received Communion, there may [or perhaps there should] be a time for silent prayer:
"When the distribution of Communion is over, if appropriate, the Priest and faithful pray quietly for some time. If desired, a Psalm or other canticle of praise or a hymn may also be sung by the whole congregation." (GIRM #88)
Occasionally a Song of Praise is sung after Communion and it generally follows a period of silence (otherwise, how would one distinguish it from a Communion Song except the distribution of Communion has ended?). The Instruction does not say what the posture should be during this Song of Praise. I would suggest it be done standing.
Finally, the Instruction says:
"To bring to completion the prayer of the People of God, and also to conclude the whole Communion Rite, the Priest pronounces the Prayer after Communion, in which he prays for the fruits of the mystery just celebrated." (GIRM #89)
This prayer is properly titled "Prayer After Communion." It is not "the Final Prayer" in the sense that it is not part of "the Concluding Rites." Also, as we shall see, the Concluding Rites permit announcements as an option. A mistake is made by the Presiding Priest if after Communion has been distributed he has the announcements read or as one sometimes sees a Second Collection is taken up and then the Prayer after Communion is done. No. After the distribution of Communion and any time of silence and/or Song of Praise, then Prayer after Communion is said, and announcements or a Second Collection, etc. is next conducted.
"The Communion Rite ends with the Prayer after Communion which asks that the benefits of the Eucharist will remain active in our daily lives." (USCCB) Here are some examples from the Roman Missal of Prayer after Communion:
"Pour out on us, O Lord, the Spirit of your love,
and in your kindness make those you have nourished
by this paschal Sacrament
one in mind and heart.
Through Christ our Lord."
"Humbly we ask you, almighty God,
be graciously pleased to grant
that those you renew with your Sacraments
may also serve with lives pleasing to you.
Through Christ our Lord."
"Pour on us, O Lord, the Spirit of your love,
and in your kindness
make those you have nourished
by this one heavenly Bread
one in mind and heart.
Through Christ our Lord."
Next Week: Concluding Rite of the Mass
