No wine at Holy Communion as precaution against Coronavirus

THE DISTRIBUTION of wine at communion and intinction — the dipping of Eucharistic bread in wine — will cease with immediate effect in Catholic and Anglican churches respectively, in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

These are two of several other precautions that have been outlined by Bishops of both churches in circulars issued to their clergy and congregation, in response to the global spread of the Coronavirus, which has been detected in the region.

“As everybody else, we are all concerned. We thank God that nothing has come up in the country as yet but it’s in the region; some people say it’s only a matter of time, but ‘lewwe’ take these measures. We are people of faith, we trust in this God who will provide us with a solution as soon as possible…,” Bishop Gerard County told SEARCHLIGHT yesterday.

In his circular, which was dated March 5, Bishop County said that Holy Communion will be given under one specie (the bread) until further notice and “Holy Communion will be distributed only in the hand and not on the tongue and there will be no distribution of the Precious Blood.”

Bishop County said he did not anticipate that this change will be an issue for persons, in light of the situation.

“For us, it is understood that even with the consecrated bread alone, that is understood that the blood is there…our faith also teaches us that when we receive the consecrated bread, it is understood that the blood is also there,” he explained.

The notice from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kingstown said that there was not to be any joining of the hands at the Lord’s Prayer.

Persons are also advised to refrain from shaking hands during the sign of peace — a sign of reverence is acceptable. No holy water will be provided at the doors of the Church and extraordinary ministers of communion must sanitise hands before and after the distribution of Holy Communion.

And Bishop County urged persons to “continue to pray for the scientists and doctors that are urgently and diligently trying to produce a vaccine to help to eradicate this virus. Also pray for the healing for those infected”.

The Anglican Diocese of the Windward islands has also began to implement precautions in response to the possible threat of coronavirus.

When SEARCHLIGHT contacted Reverend C Leopold Friday, the Anglican Bishop of the Windward Islands, he referred to a circular dated March 4, which he sent to the clergy of the Diocese.

“I ask that you kindly follow the guidance given by the Government and Ministry of Health in your respective Archdeaconries as they promote healthy hygienic practices to prevent respiratory diseases,” the Anglican Bishop said in the circular.

The circular also outlined guidelines that should be observed as it relates to worship in the Anglican Church. These guidelines are also to be implemented immediately.

According to the notice, those who have any signs/ symptoms of the common cold, influenza, coughing or sneezing are advised to stay at home.

And intinction — the dipping of Eucharistic bread in wine — will be suspended.

It also said; “should the COVID- 19 virus be identified in your Archdeaconry by the health authorities, it would be appropriate that the use of the Common Cup be suspended and Communion be received in one kind only”.

Persons are encouraged to wash hands before coming to Church and bring along alcohol-based sanitising gel for use during service. And churches are asked to provide liquid soap or alcohol-based sanitising gel and paper towels for use in bathrooms.

“There is to be no hand shaking or hugging, you may greet each other with a smile or nod of the head,” the circular said. “All members of the Sanctuary party — Priest, Deacons, Lay ministers, Servers are to wash their hands before service and do so again or use hand sanitizer before proceeding to the Altar for the Eucharistic Prayer.”

Bishop Friday also advises that best hygiene practices continue to be observed in all pastoral contact and that clergy be pastorally sensitive in their response to the concerns of parishioners and people, generally.

Other churches in the region, specifically those in the Roman Catholic Diocese in Trinidad, have also implemented similar precautions.