Westminster: Communion under both kinds to be permitted again

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Cardinal Vincent Nichols, together with the other bishops of Westminster Diocese have agreed that parish priests may if they wish, resume the reception of Holy Communion under both species, at the Mass of the Lord's Supper in Holy Week 2023, "given the theological significance of the celebration."

In a letter to priests, Auxiliary Bishop John Sherrington wrote: "A number of priests and people have asked recently about the reintroduction of the reception of Holy Communion from the Chalice. This was discussed at the Standing Committee and also with the Deans at a recent meeting held by zoom."

"The period leading up to Holy Thursday presents an opportunity for appropriate catechesis of the faithful regarding the significance of the reception of Holy Communion under either or both species. Important teaching, such as the totality of the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of the Lord is received in either or both species, the personal disposition of those receiving Holy Communion, and the reverence offered to the Blessed Sacrament should be included.

"For ease of reception of communion for large concelebrations of priests (such as the Chrism Mass), communion under both kinds by intinction is still recommended."

Fr Philip Dyer-Perry. Parish Priest at Our Lady of the Rosary, Staines said: "To be honest, I'm over the moon… I understood and supported the temporary withdrawal of the chalice on health grounds, but it still felt like a loss. After all, when Jesus said 'take and drink' I think he meant it! I don't expect great numbers to avail of the Precious Blood, as after all it was hard enough to encourage people pre-Covid, but the thing is that at least it will be there and people will have the option to 'drink deeper' both literally and metaphorically in the mystery of the Eucharist. There is so much richness in understanding the Eucharist not only as food but also as drink."

Fr Joe Ryan, Parish Priest of St John Vianney, West Green, was a little more cautious. He told ICN: " It's interesting that when we discussed this at our last Haringey Deanery meeting, the general feeling was that we were not ready just yet. Covid19 is still about; people are still wearing masks in church and many have not returned to church yet. When will we be ready! Who knows! Interestingly, each parish has to decide for itself. There are few occasions where we are free to decide on matters in individual cases - it is going to cause confusion in parishes if there is not some agreed arrangement. This is true in areas like ours, where people attend 3-4 different churches on occasions. The Sign of Peace also needs to be considered."

Canon Robin Gibbons, Eastern Rite Catholic Chaplain for Melkites in the UK, and Ecumenical Canon of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, who writes the ICN Sunday Reflection each week, welcomed the news. He said: "The reception of Communion under both kinds is the fullest expression of the great gift of Christ to us, we then deeply and lovingly fulfil his command to eat and drink his body and blood in memory of him. Our Eastern Churches have never given Communion under one form even through the Covid period, so we rejoice to be fully participating in this great Sacrament."