An Update regarding Holy Communion

by the Revd Dr William Lamb

For some time at St Mary’s we have distributed communion in one kind in order to protect the most vulnerable among us from the coronavirus. In recent months, coronavirus restrictions have gradually been eased. Earlier this month, the House of Bishops issued guidance to say that ‘unless there are clear and objective reasons not to, Holy Communion should now be offered in both kinds to communicants’. Given this guidance, I have taken the decision in consultation with my clergy colleagues to reintroduce the common cup at the daily eucharist and to reintroduce the common cup at our main Sunday services from the Feast of Pentecost.

There are two issues which have brought me to this conclusion: first, our understanding of the virus has developed in recent months so that we now understand it to be primarily an airborne disease. The risk of transmission through touch or the sharing of common objects is not as high as we once thought. Secondly, it has long been the practice in the Church of England to receive communion in both kinds. It is an integral part of our Anglican identity. It is enshrined in the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion. We do this for the simple reason that Christ commanded us to do this. Nevertheless, there are circumstances in which it is perfectly legitimate to receive only in one kind. An obvious instance is the recent pandemic, but there may be other legitimate reasons for not wishing to share the common cup, e.g. suffering from alcohol addiction. So I want to assure members of the congregation that if they wish, they are free to continue to receive in one kind. My only request is that we refrain from the practice of intinction (i.e. dipping the host into the chalice) as this makes it difficult for people who are gluten-intolerant to receive from the common cup.  

We will continue to receive communion standing at two stations at the 10.30am service. Please remember to place one hand under the base of the chalice in order to guide the chalice to your mouth, tipping it gently towards your lips. The person administering the chalice will not let go of the chalice in the process. 

Lord Jesus Christ,
we thank you that in this wonderful sacrament
you have given us the memorial of your passion:
grant us so to reverence the sacred mysteries
   of your body and blood
that we may know within ourselves
and show forth in our lives
the fruits of your redemption;
for you are alive and reign with the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

BEATING OF THE BOUNDS ON ASCENSION DAY

Please join us for the annual beating of the bounds on Ascension Day as we mark the boundaries of the parish and enjoy the hospitality of our neighbours. This is a wonderful occasion and we do hope that you will be able to join us. We will begin promptly in church at 9.00am on Thursday 26 May.