Reviewing the Common Cup
Just before Easter, all the clergy in the Diocese received a letter from the Bishop with the following message about our use of the Common Cup:
Covid has become a disease with which we all now have to live. During the pandemic, we were asked not to share the common cup but to receive communion in one kind only. Since then, restrictions have been relaxed and, in most of our churches, communion is now offered again in both kinds without any on-going problems. In a small number of our worshipping communities, the common cup is still not offered, so I and all the Bishops and Archdeacons would like to encourage you please, to offer it as from Pentecost or sooner. Further, I urge you to discourage intinction, whether by the communicant, the priest and another. Intinction increases the possibility of any contamination. If worshippers do not wish to receive Communion in both kinds, we are reminded that to receive the consecrated bread alone is to receive Christ in all his sacramental fullness and this has always been our inherited theological understanding. The Church of England in every diocese is returning to receiving Holy Communion in both kinds.
I would like to propose that we adopt the Bishop’s recommendation from Pentecost Sunday 28 May. At All Saints we have a service of Holy Communion at 8.00 am and our All Age Worship at 10.00 am that Sunday. We would like to offer the common cup to all communicants who would like to receive it, along with the bread. If you have an infection (eg a bad cold) then you may receive the consecrated bread only. However, we cannot offer intincted wafers any more, either by the priest or the communicant, as this does carry a risk of infection, as we have found out because of Covid.
We shall continue to offer Communion at the chancel step at All Saints, mainly for the benefit of our less mobile members. However, Communion will be offered at the altar rail in the Lady Chapel at our services on Wednesday mornings at 11.00 am, at the 8.00 am service on the fourth Sunday and also at services at Holy Saviour. You may kneel or stand to receive Communion. At the same time, I would like to encourage people at All Saints to return to their places down the central aisle after receiving Communion. There is no need now to go via the Lady Chapel. We may also return to shaking hands etc at the Peace, if people would like to. Although, please respect the wishes of any who would prefer to refrain from physical contact.
If anyone has any questions about this, please be in touch. Thank you.
Revd Rebecca Harris