Archdiocesan Protocols for Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Reception of Holy Communion in the Hand
The protocols for reception of Holy Communion that the Archdiocese has adopted are informed by the best medical expertise. In issuing these protocols, the Archbishop has acted according to Canon 837 of the Code of Canon Law which recognises that liturgical actions are “celebrations of the Church itself as the ‘sacrament of unity,’ that is, the holy people united and ordered under the bishops.”
The sensitive issue of asking all members of the faithful to receive Holy Communion in the hand – and not on the tongue – is in accord with sound reason, unity in our communities and the good of the faithful – in this case their physical health.
Given the living tradition of the Church, which highlights the most ancient practice of receiving Holy Communion in the hand, the Archbishop has the authority to instruct the faithful to receive Holy Communion in the hand during this time of Pandemic, with no exceptions.
From the earliest of times, the Church has always honoured our Eucharistic Lord with deep, and somewhat graphic faith, combined with practical piety. For instance, St. Cyril (313-386), in commenting on a 1st Century church document, teaches:
In approaching Holy Communion, come not with your wrists extended, or your fingers spread, but make your left hand a throne for the right, as for that which is to receive a King. Receive the Body of Christ, saying over it, Amen. So then after having carefully hallowed your eyes by the touch of the Holy Body, partake of it. Be careful lest you lose any portion of it, for whatever you lose, is evidently a loss to you as it were from one of your own members.
Then after you have partaken of the Body of Christ, draw near also to the Cup of His Blood, not stretching forth your hands, but bending and saying with an air of worship and reverence, Amen. And while the moisture is still upon your lips, touch it with your hands, and hallow your eyes and brow and the other organs of sense. Then wait for the prayer, and give thanks unto God, who has accounted you worthy of so great mysteries (Catechetical Lecture 23).
The faithful should be assured that in receiving Communion in the hand they are acting in accord with past generations of believers.
Father Anthony Percy VG
July 2020
Archdiocesan Protocols
COVID 19
Liturgical and Pastoral
ACT Parishes
Effective Friday 19 June 2020
1-8 Refer to NSW Parishes Only
Eucharist
9. Masses are to be celebrated with no more than 100 people, respecting the
4sqm per person rule (including priest and those involved in liturgical ministries).
a. Communion in the hand only.
b. Sacred Host, not the Precious Blood, to be offered.
c. No touching at the sign of peace.
d. No collection plates are to be used, but money/envelopes placed at collection points.
e. 4sqm per person rule
i. Seating
ii. Standing
iii. During the Communion Procession
iv. During the movement to place money/envelopes at the collection points.
f. Hygiene practices
i. Sanitisation of hands before entering the church
ii. Wiping down of pews and common areas at conclusion of Mass.
iii. Priest and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to purify hands with sanitiser before and after offering Holy Communion
iv. Limit the use of books. Ensure they are cleansed between use.
g. Register of people upon entering the church
i. Name
ii. Phone and/or email
iii. To be kept in safe place (respecting privacy laws for 28 days for chief medical officer)
Funerals
10. No more than 100 people, respecting the 4sqm per person rule (including clergy and liturgical ministers). Funeral directors to keep register of people who attend.
Weddings
11. No more than 100 people, respecting the 4sqm per person rule
(including clergy and liturgical ministers).
Church to keep register of people who attend in accord with 9(g).
Baptism
12. No more than 100 people, respecting the 4sqm per person rule
(including priest and those involved in liturgical ministries).
Penance
13. First Rite of penance, with priest and penitent respecting the 4sqm per person rule
14. Second Rite of penance to be celebrated with no more than 100 people, respecting the
4sqm per person rule (including priest and liturgical ministers).
Prayer and Social Gatherings
15. No more than 100 people whether inside Church or other Church facility,
respecting the 4sqm per person rule.
NSW & ACT Parishes
Effective immediately
Communion to Sick and Elderly Persons
16. Normal pastoral practice resumes. Communion to sick persons in hospitals,
aged care homes and private homes.
Anointing of the Sick
17. Normal pastoral practice resumes. Anointing of the sick in hospitals, aged care homes and
private homes.
18. If the person has COVID 19, please consult the Vicar General.
19. Hospital rosters resume in the ACT.
First Penance, First Holy Communion & Confirmation
20. Normal pastoral practice resumes, respecting liturgical and pastoral protocols.
Father Anthony Percy
Vicar General
16 June 2020