Preaching Goes Viral

RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION IN THE AGE OF THE "CORONA VIRUS" AND DURING THE FLU SEASON

Communion, when COVID-adapted

"Likewise, a person may choose to receive by intinction. This is particularly true when one is sick and chooses not to take the host alone. Please note that it is preferable to receive in this manner when a wafer host is used rather than loaf bread to prevent crumbs from accumulating in the bottom of the chalice. There are two practices of intinction: (A) In some congregations, intinction is when one dips a small corner of the host in the wine and then places the slightly moistened host into one's own mouth. Please note that if this is practiced, the person needs to be careful not to put fingers into the wine or touch the inside of the chalice, and to only dip a very small portion of the host in the wine. One should avoid placing the whole host into the wine or allowing the wine to soak the host. (B) It should be noted that some congregations practice a form of intinction in which the communicant holds the host in the palm of the hand and the Eucharistic Minister takes the host, dips it slightly in the wine and then places it on the person's tongue. Either (A) or (B) is acceptable in this Diocese and should be determined by the congregation's priest with appropriate direction and teaching. When young children (under the age of five) receive by intinction, they should have the assistance of an adult and form (B) is often preferable. For the Bishop and many in the Episcopal Church, intinction is considered to be an exceptional practice and not normative.

2022-12-16

h1955

Robert L. Fitzpatrick