Preaching Goes Viral

A Special Message from the Bishop

Communion, when COVID-adapted

“Opportunity is always to be given to every communicant to receive the consecrated Bread and Wine separately. But the Sacrament may be received in both kinds simultaneously, in a manner approved by the bishop” (bottom of BCP, p. 407). He has instructed that we not practice “auto-intinction” (when the communicant dips the bread into the wine themselves). At this time, he does not intend to again approve that means of administering the Sacrament for basic hygienic reasons. He has taught that it is part of our heritage that the Sacrament is offered to communicants in both bread and wine. He asks that we stop autointinction (communicants dipping the bread into the wine themselves) even after the current health crisis passes – no more fingers in the chalice ever. If a congregation does return to intinction in the future (after the current health concern), then it is preferable to be administered by the Eucharist Minister placing the host (after slightly dipping it into wine) onto the communicant’s tongue. Intinction should generally be exceptional.

2022-12-16

h1770

Robert L. Fitzpatrick