Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Linda G on October 30, 2009 at 4:04pm

Our church is withholding on that practice 'till the "all clear"...as with the handshaking. Presently, when comes the time to give one another "a sign of peace", it's done verbally, or with a wave of the hand or similar.

Permalink Reply by Dori S on October 30, 2009 at 6:35pm

You are not obligated to take Communion under both species. If you feel more comfortable forgoing the cup right now then do so. Some Parishes are abstaining from the Cup as well as the sign of peace but I believe it is up to the different Vicars.

Permalink Reply by Terry Keelan on October 30, 2009 at 9:52pm

I know I'm not obligated. I'm wondering if I should say something to the pastor.

Permalink Reply by Terrie on October 31, 2009 at 3:25am

I guess(I know)I have a bit of a phobia of germs. I have never drank wine from the chalice. Actually, if anyone drinks from my glass, cup, etc., I will not drink from it. Even if it is my Hubby(whom I kiss a lot :D )or my Kids. Perhaps weird.

I Really enjoy wishing People Peace by shaking hands and vocally but during a Flu season....NO! I will smile and say it. Our Parish does agree it is not advisable to shake hands or drink from the chalice during a Flu season. So you also have every right Terry, to speak up. You may be protecting someone. Hopefully he is a thoughtful, light-hearted Man.

When we were first married, I was surprised that my Hubby's Church only served grape juice in little shot-type glasses always. Hey, wine comes from grapes. :)

Permalink Reply by Linda G on October 31, 2009 at 7:45am

Some churches also have hand sanitizer available in the lobby/narthex...so that your hands are clean when you take the Host and put it in your mouth....you may want to go the route of having the priest putting the Host on your tongue!

Permalink Reply by Cathy Jacobson on October 31, 2009 at 11:15pm

IN our church we have gotten some of the tiny cups that our other churches use for the wine. Each is a single "serving" and cleaned after each Mass. It's much easier than sipping from a common cup, and much more healthy for all of us. We have foregone the handshake or hug of peace for the present, and have said a few kind words or given our neighbor a blessing at that time. Hadn't thought of having the priest put the host on our tongues again, but don't think that will go over well. I believe that there are somethings we have to trust God with like communion in the host form that will not harm us, but if you are
afraid or suspect, ask for a blessing instead. Just a thought.

Permalink Reply by Terrie on November 1, 2009 at 3:27am

When our Son was receiving his First Communion they were taught how to receive the Host in their hands. I continued to receive it on my tongue. Our Kids didn't care since they preferred to use their hands.

I do like the idea of the little glasses for the wine. Maybe I should mention it at our Church.

My Daughter told me last night that People in some of the French Churches in our area, dip the Host in the wine chalice, as is their tradition. I didn't know that. That is a Good idea also, since it is more sanitary.

Permalink Reply by Terry Keelan on November 1, 2009 at 9:38am

Benedictine's (I think) use a small crouton of bread, dipped in wine, served on a spoon. Some rites, do, anyway.

Terry

Permalink Reply by Linda G on November 1, 2009 at 10:53am

Funny how practices change according to parish/pastor...I once belonged to a charismatic group in a parish different than the one I presently belong to...and it was a big issue when you received under both species, if you took the wine while you still has the host in your mouth...difficult not to, when the Eucharistic Minister giving the "Blood" was only a couple feet away from the one giving the "Body"!!!...and why would it matter in the first place???

Permalink Reply by Michelle Hughes on December 29, 2009 at 7:38am

Well at our church they wipe the place someone drinks. I can understand where you are coming from. I had the swine flu, and I still dont know where I got it from.

Permalink Reply by Chris Reid on August 18, 2011 at 10:32am

I think they have actually studied this before. That the alcohol content kills most of the germs, so not really an issue. Obviously it is not 80 proof but communion wine has a higher alcohol content than regular table wine you can buy. Different regulations in the US.