Now that the flu season is almost over, we will again provide Communion under both species at Mass. This will begin on Easter Sunday (including the Easter Vigil Mass). Over the past months when Communion was distributed under the species of bread alone we were not “deprived” of the fullness of the Sacrament. We should be aware that the Catholic teaching on the form of Holy Communion is that “Christ, whole and entire, and the true Sacrament, is received even under only one species, and consequently that as far as the effects are concerned, those who receive under only one species are not deprived of any of the grace that is necessary for salvation.” (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, #282).Further, due to the danger of infection from the flu virus, the parish priests judged it prudent to take extra precautions by providing hand cleanser and avoiding hand contact at the Sign of Peace. With the flu danger waning it is possible, according to the culture and customs of the people gathered and in keeping with our Roman Catholic heritage to exchange a gesture of peace in a “sober manner.” A physical exchange such as a handshake or hug is an appropriate manner for our local culture, however a simple verbal exchange may also be appropriate, especially for those who are sick.
Holy Communion under the species of bread and wine will be administered at the following Sunday Masses:
- Sat. 6:30 PM in Vietnamese,
- Sun. 9:30 and 11 AM in English, and 2 PM in Spanish.
Fr. Hildebrand
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