MEMORANDUM
Effective Sunday, March 6th, in order to better accommodate those communicants who prefer to receive Holy Communion on the tongue (the “default” practice in the Roman Mass), while respecting ongoing concerns pertaining to the present viral pandemic, there will be three Communion ministers distributing the Blessed Sacrament in front of the altar at all Masses on Sundays and other well-attended occasions.
Two of these ministers will distribute upon the hand. One, standing in the center, will distribute upon the tongue, dipping his/her fingers into consumable alcohol between communicants.
These three ministers will wear facemasks and stand three feet from each other.
Insofar as possible, in accordance with instructions from the Holy See, an altar server will hold a Communion-plate to avoid the danger of the Sacred Host, or some fragment of it, falling to the floor.
Father Shelton
February 11, 2022
Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes
Reminder:
1. When receiving Holy Communion, the communicant bows his/her head before the Blessed Sacrament as a gesture of reverence.
2. Holy Communion is received standing, unless an individual prefers to receive while kneeling.
3. The Priest raises the host slightly and shows it to each, saying, “the Body of Christ”. The communicant replies, “amen”, and receives the Sacrament either on the tongue or in the hand, the choice lying with the communicant.
4. As soon as the communicant receives the host, he or she consumes it within sight of the minister.
5. To receive Holy Communion, one must be:
a. fully incorporated into the Catholic Church, and
b. in the state of grace (anyone who is conscious of having freely and knowingly broken the Ten Commandments must first receive the sacrament of Reconciliation before going to Communion).
6. Also important for those receiving Holy Communion are:
a. a spirit of recollection and prayer,
b. observance of the fast prescribed by the Church, and
c. appropriate attire.