Pastoral note onReceiving Holy Communion at St George the Martyr
We are preparing for our Confirmation Service on 14 September, when the Bishop of Woolwich will be with us. This is a joyful and significant occasion in the life of our parish, and it is important that we uphold the best practice of the Church of England. I am sure you will join me in ensuring that our practice at St George’s reflects the highest standards and that we are not found to be contravening the regulations and guidance we are given.
At St George the Martyr, Holy Communion is administered in the authorised manner of the Church of England:
In both kinds, with the consecrated wine (the Blood of Christ) received directly from the common cup, or
In one kind only, receiving the consecrated bread (the Body of Christ) alone, if a communicant chooses not to receive the consecrated wine.
The practice of intinction, which is dipping the consecrated bread into the chalice, is not permitted.
Why intinction is not allowed
It is not authorised Anglican practice
The Church of England directs that the consecrated wine be received from a shared chalice. Individual communicants dipping the consecrated bread into the chalice is not part of our authorised liturgy.It risks contamination of the sacrament with germs or bacteria
When the consecrated bread is dipped into the chalice, fingers may come into contact with the consecrated wine. This can transfer germs and bacteria from the hands, via the bread, into the chalice.It risks contamination of the sacrament with crumbs
Even small particles of the consecrated bread left in the chalice can be dangerous for those with coeliac disease or severe gluten intolerance. This risk alone is sufficient reason to prohibit intinction, and it is a strong point of care for the health and safety of all communicants.It undermines the sign of the common cup
The chalice is more than a vessel; it is a visible sign of our unity in Christ. To drink from one cup is to enact the truth that “each communicant is a member of God’s beautiful and diverse people … together part of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church” (Bishop Christopher Chessun). Intinction changes that shared act into an individual one, weakening the symbol we are given to share.It is pastorally unnecessary
Those who cannot or choose not to receive the consecrated wine are encouraged to receive the consecrated bread alone, knowing that to receive in one kind is to receive Christ fully. As our Bishop reminds us, “No-one ought to feel that they are somehow less faithful for continuing to receive in one kind, for the invitation to Communion is the Lord’s.”
How to proceed at the Communion rail
If you wish to receive in both kinds:
Kneel at the rail and receive the consecrated bread from the priest. Use your hands to guide the chalice to your lips when it is presented to you. Take a small sip of the consecrated wine and return the chalice to the bearer’s hands.If you wish to receive in one kind only:
After receiving the consecrated bread, keep your head bowed or your hands folded to indicate you are not receiving the consecrated wine.Please do not dip the consecrated bread into the chalice:
This applies to everyone, including clergy, servers, and visiting communicants.
By following these steps, we honour the sacrament, protect one another, and ensure our practice remains faithful to the tradition of the Church of England.
