Bishop Allows the Distribution of Wine at Communion
November 12, 2021
Dear Siblings in Christ,
Grace to you and peace in Christ Jesus our Savior.
Over the past eighteen months, we have collectively fasted from receiving the consecrated wine during celebrations of the Holy Eucharist. We have embodied St. Paul’s admonition to, “bear one another’s burdens” during this time of pandemic. Like you, I have longed to receive communion in both kinds, and have dearly missed the regular rhythm of sharing the Body and Blood of Christ.
With the continued increase in vaccination rates across Missouri and a sharp decrease inCOVID-19 cases, we can begin to take steps to reinstitute the distribution of the sacrament in both kinds. To that end, the restriction of communion to one kind in the Diocese of Missouri is lifted effective November 15, 2021 with the attached guidelines.
While we are not completely out of pandemic, it is my hope that the attached document and diagram will be a helpful first step towards a more regular pattern of sharing the sacrament.
I am so very grateful for the many ways we have continued to be the Body of Christ in The Diocese of Missouri. Know that you have been and will remain in my prayers.
The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri
The Distribution of Wine During Pandemic
Once the elements have been consecrated using wine in a large flagon or cruet.
- In congregations that use two or more Chalice Bearers, the wine is divided into smaller cruets.
- In congregations with one Chalice Bearer, the single cruet is used.
- As members of the community come forward to receive communion, the Chalice Bearer pours a bit of wine into containers (reusable glasses, compostable cups, or recyclable plastic glasses are preferred) that may be consumed and returned to the table while offering the words of distribution, “Blood of Christ, Cup of Salvation.”
- Each Chalice Bearer remains masked at all times.
- Sanitizer should be available for use prior to and after receiving communion.
- Physical Distance should be maintained while receiving communion.
- At this time, the practice of “self-intinction” is prohibited.
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