March 18, 2010
TO: Parish Pastors, Administrators & Managers
School Principals
Agency Directors
FR: Archbishop George Niederauer
RE: TEMPORARY LITURGICAL MODIFICATIONS
I am grateful for your cooperation with the temporary liturgical modifications that were adapted through the Archdiocese in the past few months as preventative measures against the spread of the flu. Although many became sick with the flu in the late months of 2009 -- a few quite seriously -- for the most part we were fortunate that the pandemic H1N1 influenza did not manifest itself in a worse way. Let us thank God that so many recovered quickly or avoided contracting the flu altogether, and let us continue to pray for those who were affected more gravely.
After reviewing situation updates from the public health departments of San Francisco, Marin and San Mateo Counties, and after consulting with the archdiocesan Council of Priests and Office of Worship, I am directing that effective 4:00 p.m., Saturday, March 27, 2010 the following practices may once again be observed with due regard to universal and national liturgical norms:
- The distribution of Holy Communion from the Cup to the faithful is permitted. All ministers of Holy Communion who share the chalice with the faithful are reminded to take great care in using the purificator properly after each communicant drinks from the vessel. Both the outside and the inside rim of the chalice should be wiped using a clean part of the purificator and the cup is to be given a 1/4 turn. Communicants are not to be permitted to dip the Host into the Cup.
- Holy Communion may be given either on the tongue or in the hand. The communicant may decide how he or she would prefer to receive the Host. As we make the transition back to normative liturgical practice, we have yet another opportunity to teach the faithful proper ways for receiving Holy Communion.
- The Sign of Peace may be offered by shaking hands or some other appropriate gesture. Again, the return to normative practice presents itself as an occasion for formation. The Sign of Peace is a sharing of Christ's peace in preparation for the sharing in Holy Communion. It is a prayerful, joyful moment to be shared reverently with those who are nearby. Please remind the faithful to be understanding and respectful of others who choose to limit physical contact during this moment and during the Lord's Prayer.
- Those who distribute Holy Communion are reminded to practice good hygiene before and after administering the Blessed Sacrament. Ministers may wish to continue using an alcohol-based, anti-bacterial gel in a discrete way so as not to make this action seem part of the normative order of the Mass. They should always excuse themselves from serving if they are ill. Ministers of the Eucharist who visit the sick and the homebound should always observe these same precautions.
- Non-communicants in the Communion procession, including children, may be touched if a blessing is asked for them. However, in the interest of maintaining hygiene during the distribution of Holy Communion, it is recommended that these persons not be touched on the head, and that the fingers used for picking up Hosts not touch the communicant. Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion are never to make the Sign of the Cross over a person as an ordained minister may do.
- Holy water fonts and stoops with still water are to be maintained as necessary with fresh, clean water.
As we draw near to Holy Week and the celebration of the Paschal Triduum, let us make our best efforts toward ensuring that we celebrate the Church's liturgy with full signs, actions and gestures and with the full, conscious and active participation to which we are all called. We may need to offer renewed encouragement or catechesis to our people to drink from the Communion Cup. It is a clearer and fuller sign of the Eucharistic banquet to be able to share in the Cup. However, it is a practice that must also be taken up freely, without coercion, by any given individual. While we encourage full participation in Holy Communion under both species of bread and wine, we must also be clear that a person receives Christ fully under either one of the species.
Any pastor who wishes to receive assistance in offering liturgical catechesis should feel free to contact the archdiocesan Office of Worship or Office of Religious Education and Youth Ministry.
