The Sacrament of Wine
As you know, for two years we have consecrated the sacrament of wine, but have not partaken due to COVID. In some churches the clergy have partaken on behalf of the people, but our theology at St. Cross is that we would not partake of a sacrament that the people could not.
On Easter we will return to receiving the sacrament of wine. Truth be told, we will do a trial before that to see how our methodology works before Easter. I wanted to explain now what will be the options. Trust me, we have talked with each other, talked with colleagues, talked with each other more as we have made these decisions. The diocese gave us a “menu” of options and we will be using two.
The first way you may receive the sacrament of wine is for the person holding the chalice only to take the bread from your palm, dip it in the wine, and place it back in your palm. This option will be with the chalice standing closest to the priest. The second way is to sip from the common cup. Some will be comfortable with this choice, others will not. We will be wiping carefully after each sip and rotating the chalice as people recieve. This option will be from the second chalice, furthest from the priest. If you do not want to receive the sacrament of wine, you are welcome to stand with your arms crossed before either person and they will say the words “The blood of Christ, the cup of salvation” which is a non-consuming way to receive the sacrament.
We thank you for understanding if these two options aren’t your preference. The goal of the clergy was to make the sacrament as available as possible using a method that was doable on a weekly basis.
We look forward to seeing you through Holy Week and especially on Easter Sunday, in person in the pews—-YAAAAAAAY!
Peace,
Rachel+