Holy Communion and Concerns about Infection

From time to time, we receive requests about how to address concerns related to the risk of infection from sharing the Lord's Supper. Such concerns deserve careful and compassionate pastoral, theological, and sacramental response. The following links should help churches engage in conversation about these matters and determine what their practices will be when celebrating Holy Communion.

CLEAN HANDS AND PURE HEARTS: HYGIENE AND HOLY COMMUNION

Daniel Benedict and Taylor Burton-Edwards offer some simple steps that can be taken for the health and comfort of all who share in the Lord's Supper.

SWINE FLU, HYGIENE, AND HOLY COMMUNION

Dan Benedict and Taylor Burton-Edwards provide pastoral guidance for dealing with concerns around the Swine Flu.

THE INDIVIDUAL COMMUNION CUP

A turn-of-the century Lutheran pastor explains the theological and sanitation justifications for using the individual cup.

PRAYERS WHILE VESTING FOR THE HOLY COMMUNION: AT WASHING THE HANDS

Cleanse me, O Lord, from all defilement of heart and body, that I may with clean hands and a pure heart fulfil Thy work. Amen.

Found at: http://justus.anglican.org/resources/pc/grafton/plain/plain5.html

PRAYER BEFORE HOLY COMMUNION BY AMBROSE OF MILAN (4TH CENTURY)

(an excerpt from a longer text)

May your body and blood, which I intend to receive, although I am unworthy, be for me the remission of my sins, the washing away of my guilt, the end of my evil thoughts, and the rebirth of my better instincts. May it incite me to do the works pleasing to you and profitable to my health in body and soul, and be a firm defense against the wiles of my enemies.