Flu Season and Communion Practices

Dear St. Mary's Family,

We are in the midst of flu season, and like you, I'd like to do everything I can to avoid getting sick!  Most of us aren't used to drinking out of the same cup as others, except perhaps with family members or close friends, and sometimes worry that receiving communion might make us sick.

Here are a few things I would ask you to consider:

• Contrary to popular belief, studies have shown that the most hygienic way to receive the wine is from the common cup.  First, our chalices are precious metal which is more hygienic than other cups (pottery, glass, etc). Second, the communion ministers are trained to wipe the inside and outside rim of the chalice with a clean cloth, and turn it so that the next person receives from another place on the rim.
• The preferred alternative to receiving from the common chalice is to receive the bread alone, not the wine.  From a theological perspective, we receive the full body and divinity of our Lord when we receive either element - the bread or the wine - so there is no need to worry that you will lack something spiritually if you do not receive both.
• Some believe that self-intinction - the practice of the communicant dipping the bread into the chalice - is less likely to spread germs than drinking from the common cup.  In fact, the opposite is true - self-intinction is MORE likely to spread disease!  I can't tell you how many times I've been serving the chalice when someone attempts to dip their bread into the wine, and accidentally ends up dipping their fingers in the wine.  Sometimes up to the second knuckle!  This spreads germs unnecessarily.  I strongly encourage you to avoid the practice of self-intinction.
• If you insist on receiving both the bread and wine, and do not wish to drink from the common cup, I would encourage you to permit the communion minister to intinct the bread for you and place it on your tongue.  Simply keep the bread in your hands, and when the person with the chalice approaches, they will know to pick it up, dip it in the wine, and place it on your tongue.

If you would like to read more about this topic, the Anglican Church of Canada has published a study called "Eucharistic practice and the risk of infection" that you may find helpful.

As a side note, shaking hands at the passing of the Peace is probably the number one way to pass around germs.  If you are sick, I would encourage you to resist shaking hands with others at the Peace.  Better yet, stay home and get well!

See you in church!

Peace,
Fr. Charles