Bishop's Message on Communion
Bishop’s teaching on the practice of Communion during this time.
The Bishop has offered further clarification, and, on March 10, 2020, he affirms the rubric that states: “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).
No more “auto-intinction” it’s really a health issue:
The Bishop has instructed that we not practice “auto-intinction” (when the communicant dips the bread into the wine themselves). At this time, the Bishop 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 auto-intinction (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. Ideally, folk will drink from the common chalice if healthy or just consume the bread without taking wine (if concerned or ill). At this time, the Bishop instructs the wine should be offered for a small sip from the common chalice, but not by intinction, and folk can decide themselves whether to drink the wine from the chalice or not.
I am concerned about sipping from the chalice, what do I do?
If one is concerned about drinking from the common chalice, then one should just receive the bread. In this case, when the chalice is presented to the communicant, the Eucharistic Minister should pause in front of the person with crossed armed (designating not wishes to receive the wine), raise the chalice slightly and say the words of administration. The chalice should not be pushed toward the person and the Eucharistic Minister should not just walk on ignoring the communicant. The person should be acknowledged as noted and then the Eucharistic Minister can move on to the next communicant.
What does the Church teach about the Sacrament?
As Episcopalians, we accept the doctrine of “Concomitance:” This is the Eucharistic doctrine that affirms the simultaneous presence of Christ's body and blood in each of the eucharistic elements. We accept the truth that the fullness of communion is available by receiving either the consecrated bread or wine.
How can a person now take communion?
In light of the current situation, a communicant may come forward to receive the Sacrament by
At this time, and in light of current health concerns, these are the two authorized options for receiving the Sacrament. The Bishop recommends and common sense dictates that communicants just receive the consecrated Bread. If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to speak to me.
The Bishop has offered further clarification, and, on March 10, 2020, he affirms the rubric that states: “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).
No more “auto-intinction” it’s really a health issue:
The Bishop has instructed that we not practice “auto-intinction” (when the communicant dips the bread into the wine themselves). At this time, the Bishop 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 auto-intinction (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. Ideally, folk will drink from the common chalice if healthy or just consume the bread without taking wine (if concerned or ill). At this time, the Bishop instructs the wine should be offered for a small sip from the common chalice, but not by intinction, and folk can decide themselves whether to drink the wine from the chalice or not.
I am concerned about sipping from the chalice, what do I do?
If one is concerned about drinking from the common chalice, then one should just receive the bread. In this case, when the chalice is presented to the communicant, the Eucharistic Minister should pause in front of the person with crossed armed (designating not wishes to receive the wine), raise the chalice slightly and say the words of administration. The chalice should not be pushed toward the person and the Eucharistic Minister should not just walk on ignoring the communicant. The person should be acknowledged as noted and then the Eucharistic Minister can move on to the next communicant.
What does the Church teach about the Sacrament?
As Episcopalians, we accept the doctrine of “Concomitance:” This is the Eucharistic doctrine that affirms the simultaneous presence of Christ's body and blood in each of the eucharistic elements. We accept the truth that the fullness of communion is available by receiving either the consecrated bread or wine.
How can a person now take communion?
In light of the current situation, a communicant may come forward to receive the Sacrament by
- taking the consecrated bread, immediately consuming it and then taking a small sip of consecrated wine from the chalice, or
- taking the consecrated bread, immediately consuming it and then crossing one's arms over the chest as the chalice is presented (not drinking from the chalice or dipping the bread into the wine).
At this time, and in light of current health concerns, these are the two authorized options for receiving the Sacrament. The Bishop recommends and common sense dictates that communicants just receive the consecrated Bread. If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to speak to me.
