Dear Parishioners,

I have been thinking about something lately. This past winter, I discontinued the distribution of communion from the chalice because of flu season. Since then, I have not returned to practice of distributing under both species because as the only priest in the parish, I really did not want to risk getting sick. At the many Masses that I am without a deacon, it is up to me to purify all the sacred vessels used for Mass. So, that means that if someone with a germ decided to receive from the chalice anyway, I was putting myself at risk and I didn’t want to risk being out of commission.

Now, as you know, we are getting another priest in July. So, this puts us at an interesting crossroads to decide whether or not we should return to receiving communion under the form of both bread and wine again. Most people probably would not question the return to both species. But, I have really been thinking about how and why we do things and I would like to present the best reasons I have found to distribute under both species and not. I find that doing things just because we have always done them that way is the worse reason to do anything. It is good to examine ourselves and really think about what is the holiest decision for the parish. On one hand, the parish has continued normally over the last half-year without communion under both species. But, on the other, people have asked me since that time if I ever intend to bring it back. Obviously, a deeper discussion is called for in this matter.

In many ways it seems perfectly obvious to receive under both species. After all, it is what Our Lord does at the Last Super and it was common practice in the Church for over a thousand years. Even though it is not necessary to receive under both species (see CCC 1390), it is still fitting to receive both because it more closely reflects the Last Super. Much like how liturgical music, use of Latin and incense increases the solemnity of the Mass, distributing communion from the chalice also enhances the worship.

Now, I would like to present the contrary opinion. First, receiving under both species is not necessary. According to The Catechism, when one receives the sacred host or the consecrated wine, one is receiving completely the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus. So, by receiving under one appearance, you are not losing any grace because Christ is just as present. I am concerned about this because when people try to explain to me their thoughts about why we should allow both species, more often than not they somehow contradict this doctrine. So, it really makes me wonder how people interpret the reception of Holy Communion.

Second, those who have to purify (clean) the sacred vessels have to receive the germs and saliva of everyone else who received when they purify. Under the current norms, only the sacred ministers (deacons and priests) may purify the sacred vessels. We do this by putting water in all the vessels and drinking that water. That means that we are swallowing any backwash that comes with it. I am the type of the person that does not like even sharing drinks with people. So, when I have to purify, I literally have to pretend that that’s not what I am doing in order to do my duty. So, I would greatly prefer limiting the chalice. (I do admit that I could just have the deacon purify the vessels. But, there is not a deacon at every Mass.) Third, organizing EMHCs is a huge challenge. More than once, I have been left stranded on the altar with EMHCs to help me distribute communion and had to consume all the consecrated wine alone. I admit that this is surmountable with some planning, though. (But, I need another article to fully explain this particular issue.)

I bring up both sides because I want to know with all earnestness if I am missing something. I have no theological reasons against receiving communion under both kinds and I do not criticize those who prefer it. However, I am greatly concerned about practical matters and like most diocesan priests, I am practical to a fault. If you have a strong opinion about this, I invite you to email me at toddcarterpriest@gmail.com. Any decision I make will inevitably anger someone. But, I hope to avoid that and have a fruitful discussion before I come to any final decision. Currently, I’m thinking the best solution is to allow communion under both species through intinction at special occasions. But, that’ll take a whole other article to fully explain. Also, I am allowing distribution from the chalice at daily Masses where the deacon can be present to purify. Pray for me as I pray for you and remember that Our Lord presents His Body and Blood to us on this great feast day.

If you wish to read what the Church teaches on this topic, then I highly suggest the Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraphs 1322-1419 and the USCCB document, “Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion under Both Kinds in the Dioceses of the United States of America.” Both can be found with an internet search.

God bless!

Father Carter

P.S. Please note that I am being exact in my language for a reason. Someone may be wondering why I don’t say, “Receive the bread” or “Receive the wine” in this context. But, saying such things would be theologically incorrect. We are not receiving the bread or the wine in Holy Communion. We are receiving Our Lord (body, blood, soul and divinity) under the form of bread and wine. As the Church teaches, He is completely and totally present in either. So, we use terms like “species,” “appearance” and “kind” to make this distinction.