Dear Parishioners,

I would like to make some clarifications about last week’s announcements about the distribution of Holy Communion. As you know, we are all very concerned about the Corona Virus and the Diocese of Trenton wants to make sure that people are safe in case it breaks out in our area. So, the Diocese directed us to encourage people not to receive communion on the tongue, refrain from shaking hands at the sign of peace and ceasing the distribution of Holy Communion from the chalice. Also, ministers of communion should sanitize their hands before distributing Holy Communion. However, due to different Dioceses giving different directives, some people have gone beyond what was directed.

Specifically, a minister of Holy Communion may not deny someone communion on the tongue. To deny someone communion on the tongue would contradict the General Instruction of the Roman Missal which states clearly, “The consecrated host may be received either on the tongue or in the hand, at the discretion of each communicant,” not at the discretion of the minister of Communion. When the Diocese tells us to encourage people not to receive Holy Communion on the tongue, it is on the recipient of Holy Communion to decide to do so. If any Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is uncomfortable with distributing Communion on the tongue, then I understand if they do not wish to exercise this ministry during this time.

I understand why many of the faithful prefer to receive Holy Communion in this manner. In my pastoral experience, I find receiving Holy Communion on the tongue to be a more reverent way of receiving communion which minimizes the risk that the host might be dropped or profaned. (see the CDW document Memoriale Domini) When we are at Mass, we are here to adore the Blessed Sacrament; we are not here merely to receive Communion like it is common bread or an object for use. So, any holy reminder of the presence and sacredness of God is a good thing that should never be undermined. I pray that we may all grow in devotion of the Blessed Sacrament and recognize that it is God Himself to be adored. That should be our primary concern and what we are about no matter what else is going on in the world.

The Corona Virus scare will come and go. What is most important at all times is how the Eucharist is treated. If we treat our Lord with respect and adoration, everything else has a tendency to fall into place.

God bless!

Father Carter