Ohio Valley Times

Updated Liturgical Guidelines

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I asked that several safety measures be implemented in parishes and during Mass out of concern for the health of our parishioners. Please take a moment to read this letter which shares updates to those safety measures I previously implemented.

PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST

After much prayerful discernment and consultation with members of the medical community, I am reinstating the distribution of the Sacred Cup to the faithful who wish to receive it effective April 6, 2023. This date is most appropriate as it is Holy Thursday, when we recall that our Lord Jesus first gave the Church this precious gift of His Body and His Blood at the Last Supper.

While we believe that when one receives either the Body or Blood of Christ, one is receiving the whole Christ, “His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity,” nevertheless, “sharing in both eucharistic species reflects more fully the sacred realities that the Liturgy signifies” (Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion Under Both Kinds in the Dioceses of the United States of America, #8, #10). I urge you to begin preparing and catechizing the assembly, and most importantly, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. The faithful should be reminded that the reception of the Sacred Cup has always been optional; those who are uncomfortable or fearful of drinking from the chalice should not feel badly. Moreover, from a practical point, it may take a while for members of the assembly to re-engage receiving under both forms, so that needs to be taken into consideration regarding the amount of wine that is consecrated as well as the number of communion stations. In fact, I advise that if any of us has an illness to refrain from the Sacred Cup out of concern for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should be reminded of the theological significance of their ministry as well as review practical procedures of wiping the chalice thoroughly after each communicant. Also, keep in mind that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, I mandated that all priests, deacons, and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion use hand sanitizer before they begin to distribute communion. I still urge that the protocol remain in place for priests, deacons, and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to sanitize their hand after distributing the Body of Christ on the tongue. Considering the lifting of mask restrictions for most public venues, I have decided that priests, deacons, and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are no longer required to wear face masks when distributing Communion to the faithful. This is effective immediately.

SIGN OF PEACE

Another part of our sacred liturgy that has been deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic is the Sign of Peace. If you recall, prior to the pandemic we were encouraged to greet those around us with a handshake or a gentle embrace. I have decided to allow both “tactile” and “non-tactile” gestures. This is also a timely opportunity to catechize the faithful on the liturgical meaning of this moment within the liturgy. Remind the assembly that this is not a time for “Hello, how are you doing?” or “Good morning!” Rather we are bestowing one another with the Peace of Christ. In the Gospel of John (14:27), Jesus makes it clear that the peace that he bestows on us, that we in turn share with one another, is not as the world gives. The Church tells us that “It is appropriate that each person, in a sober manner, offer the sign of peace only to those nearest to them” (GIRM, #82).

In closing, in my travels throughout the state I am privileged to have good conversations with the faithful in our parishes. I know that most will rejoice that this day has finally arrived. Since March 2020, we have learned and developed many precautionary wellness habits to care for our own health and wellness, and that of our neighbors. Out of respect for our brothers and sisters in Christ, let us not diminish this mindfulness.

Invoking the intercession of our Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, I ask that God continue to bless all of you, your families and parishes, and our great Mountain State.

Original source can be found here