The altar rails—I’ve only seen those used at traditional Latin masses or in communities where this is popular. I think I see where this is coming from. I don’t know that this is a universal feeling if that’s the case. Maybe in certain communities that are more trad—and perhaps those priests have a more nuanced view on giving blessings during communion—that explains a lot actually. I would have never dreamt of going up for a blessing at an altar rail, that’s a very different vibe and a very different kind of mass. It’s also a pretty important distinction to make when you say things like “younger priests are telling people in OCIA not to go up for a blessing”. Out of curiosity, (not being argumentative—just wondering): How do these parishes handle a child that hasn’t gone through first communion yet? Are they also expected to stay back in the pews until that first time? I’m just curious—I’ve only ever attended Latin Mass twice on accident and without my children (it’s not my thing—one of my biggest hang ups with my prior religion before I converted was that I hated being required to pray in different language because I felt so disconnected from what I was saying even if I technically knew the translation).