An announcement has come in our parish here in the UK and I believe it is also the case in USA that Holy Eucharist will be distributed on the hand (only) because of the corona virus. I have ordered white lace gloves to wear in case a Priest refuses me Holy Eucharist on the tongue. To me it is all about how I receive the Bread of Angels, the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of my precious Saviour. Not about germs. The gloves will keep me focussed on the most sacred gift ever, made available to each and every one of us. Handshakes will stop...thank God. And the Chalice will not be shared for the time being. I was thinking about those who feel deprived when the Precious Blood is not made available. And it occurred to me people who want the Precious Blood must be convinced the Holy Eucharist is dehydrated Jesus, needing the Precious Blood to make Jesus whole again. This is not the case. Jesus is truly present in both species, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. I never understood why the Chalice was introduced in the first place after the Second Vatican Council. Besides the chances of spreading disease are great when we share from the same Chalice. It is a miracle that disease has not devastated the Catholic population around the world with HIV and so many diseases since the Chalice was introduced back in the 1970's. Thank You Heavenly Father for Your Awesome Protection all these years. Amen
I was at mass last night. I was refused communion on the tongue and told that I must receive in the hand. I was kind of caught unawares, so I took it in the hand. However, I moved my hand slowly and carefully to my mouth and I actually licked my hand after eating the holy bread.. Probably not pretty, but I was not going to allow traces of my Lord to fall to the floor. Yes, there were no handshakes - which I approve of; no wine turned to blood; and no holy water. For that matter, there weren't many people there either. Par for the course these days I suppose
You did the right thing Jack. I too have done that--licking my hand. I expect people are staying away out of fear.
I’m receiving by the hand also, albeit grudgingly. I always receive by the tongue. I really really don’t think receiving by the hand is in any way more hygienic.
I asked our senior Priest about it all, and he said he will give Holy Eucharist on the tongue, but make sure to open your mouth and put your tongue out so he does not have to come in contact. I will still get the lace gloves in case another Priest refuses to give me Holy Eucharist on the tongue. This happened to me the last time they did this. I was caught out unexpectedly after being away due to chronic illness, and nobody warned me. There is a video from Church Militant that says no Bishop or Priest can refuse to give Holy Eucharist on the tongue; but who wants a scene or drama at the time they go to receive Holy Communion. I am getting prepared with the white lace gloves just in case. God help us all. I did see an article where a doctor was interviewed and he said that it is more hygienic for the Priest to administer Holy Eucharist on the tongue. But hey, whatever the liberals decide over rides the reality of us all sipping from the Chalice for years and by a sheer miracle it has never been found we got infected by disease. I think this is a miracle. Praised be God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Oh! and I have a little bottle, filled with Holy Water with a spray thing kept in the handbag to spray and bless whenever I need to.
No it's not. Our young assistant pastor a few weeks ago made that point. He prefers us to receive on the tongue!
The priest at the Cathedral in Nashville explained that the reason they are encouraging receiving on the hand during this outbreak is that the priest can inadvertently get spittle or breath on their hand which then gets distributed to the next person in line.
I never had received Holy Communion in the hand up until SARS when they forced it. Guess the same will happen now. Though our Churches have not been affected yet here in Canada. Amazing as we are one of the only countries who are still allowing flights from heavily affected countries. Thanks to our lovely liberal government..
It was announced to us at mass the new measures here in the Tuam dioceses one being communion on the tongue is not allowed. Also but not surprisingly no holy water in the fonts and no hand shaking which pleases me. Then also announced was that there may be other measures..... I hope not. But it guess its only a matter of time before mass is banned.
I am relived that there was no mention of suspending confession here. I went to mass this morning at the FSSP parish and the Holy Water fonts were empty. Everything else carried on as normal however which I was very grateful for. I think that the Archbishop would have to suspend the public mass otherwise. I just can't imagine any of the congregation there taking communion in the hand but if things become very desperate who knows. I pray that this all is washed away by God's mercy and grace and the Mass can continue in normal fashion for all brothers and sisters in Christ around the world. SEATTLE – Archbishop Paul D. Etienne has issued directives for the Archdiocese of Seattle in response to the coronavirus. “Our response to this spreading virus must reflect how we, as disciples of Jesus, express our love of God and neighbor,” the archbishop wrote in a March 2 letter to parish leaders. “In caring for all members of our community — especially the elderly and the vulnerable — we are carrying out the mission of the church.” The archbishop urged Catholics to stay home from Mass if they are sick; to practice good hygiene, including frequent hand washing; and to avoid hand-to-hand contact during the Our Father and the sign of peace. He also said that holy water should be removed from fonts; that Communion hosts should be received only in the hand, not on the tongue; and that the Precious Blood should not be distributed until further notice. The archbishop urged Catholics to pray for all those affected by the virus.
I'm still able to receive on the tongue but this has given me pause for thought. Receiving on the tongue seems more hygienic because the priest never touches the tongue and, unlike the congregation, he hasn't touched the door, pews or collection bag before administering Holy Communion. It never occurred to me that our breath could transfer to the priest's hand. I'm worried, now, that those of us receiving on the tongue could be endangering the health of the priest. Maybe I'll switch to Communion in the hand.
This morning at the request of our priest--very straight arrow traditional priest--i received on the hand. Sigh. I trust him completely so I did what he asked from the diocese request.
I went to Confession yesterday. I accidentally coughed towards the screen...I felt so bad for the priest. I also went to Mass on Wednesday in a church I rarely attend. The priest is not my favorite for various reasons. Whrn I recieved on the tongue he pressed down the host really hard. I thought the host would break on my tongue, and his fingers did touch my tongue. I don't know if he resented me not receiving in the hand. No announcement was make about this. I do know no Bishop has the authority to abrogate the Papal rule promelgated by Benedict giving the right to receive on the tongue to the person receiving. If asked, I will receive on the hand. Obedience even when not required by Conon law is pleasing to God.
In my case it isn't about obedience because there was no announcement about only receiving in the hand and others also receive on the tongue. The priest is reverent and gracious. He's the type who would never show any annoyance and, because of that, I would dread the thought of his being infected by the faithful.
