The Diocese of St John’s-Basseterre has amended its communion practices to prevent the possible spread of the coronavirus, now called COVID-19.
In a statement issued on Monday, the over-arching body which governs Roman Catholic churches in Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, Montserrat and the British Virgin Islands, gave a list of guidelines for Priests and parishioners to follow while performing or participating in liturgical practices during the coronavirus crisis.
The statement said “With confirmation of the coronavirus infection in our region, namely the Dominican Republic, St Barth’s and St Maarten it has become necessary to update our guidelines for distribution and reception of Holy Communion as well changing a few practices during our liturgical interactions.”
As per the instructions outlined, Communion should only be given hand to hand and under no circumstances should it be given hand to mouth.
Parishioners are further advised to consider consuming communion wine by intinction. What this means, is that they dip the communion bread into the wine during Eucharist so both can be consumed together.
All ministers helping with the distribution of the Holy Communion should wash their hands prior to the distribution and handshakes aren’t allowed during the Rite of Peace or at the beginning and end of Eucharistic celebrations.
The statement also said all water fonts or receptacles used during the service should be emptied after use.
The Diocese said these guidelines are meant to complement the efforts of regional governments as it relates to preventing the spread of the virus.
