Take and Eat… Take and Drink…

Today’s Solemnity of the Holy Trinity is a kind of extension of the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and a bridge to the Solemnity of the Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) next Sunday. In preparation for that high feast, I want to share some good news, explanations, and encouragement about our participation in the Eucharist in our collaborative parishes.

Starting on the celebration of the Holy Body and Blood of Christ next weekend, our Archdiocese of Boston is allowing all parishes to restore the practice of offering Communion under both forms, including the Precious Blood from a chalice. As most Catholics experienced not being able to receive Communion at all for several months during the beginning of the pandemic, we have had to fast from offering Communion under the form of wine for over three years now. For those who like receiving under both forms, this will be a day to celebrate!

While some might question the idea of sharing a common cup, I offer two responses. First, this is providing an important option (not an expectation) for those who wish to receive from the chalice. Second, the leaders of our Archdiocese and our collaborative have been very cautious throughout the pandemic, and we would not restore this practice unless we have reason to believe that it is safe for most people to do at this time. As the public emergencies have been ended and we have collectively built up our immunities and remedies, anyone who does not have a compromised immune system should be allowed to return to this practice. We are working with our Extraordinary Ministers of Communion (EMC) to answer their questions and help them become comfortable once again with this part of their ministry.

That said, one of the many reasons we have been asking parishioners to volunteer to participate in the ministries of the Mass is because we need to restore the ranks of EMCs. Even if you prefer to be a lector, altar server, or usher, you might free up someone in that ministry to switch to Minister of Communion. Until we get more EMCs, we will only be able to offer Communion under both forms for next weekend’s solemnity – not every week. I plan to offer training for new and returning EMCs later this month, so please complete a volunteer application form ASAP – they are available on our website and at the doors of the church.