Excerpted from The Pine Tree Clergy Newsletter, 17 October 2022:
“At clergy day on 27 September, I asked clergy who oversee congregations to begin conversations with lay leaders about when and how to resume pre-pandemic Eucharistic practices. I recognize that science, psychology, and emotions are not completely aligned regarding COVID safety protocols. Moreover, in some congregations what were innovative practices two years ago have become “the way we do communion.” However, if we are going to live with COVID, which is the basic message from world, federal, and state health officials, we can begin the process for returning to a deeper expression of Eucharistic reverence. For those who are using pre-packaged plastic combo cups of grape juice and a wafer please use whatever supplies you have, and then re-introduce the chalice, or administer consecrated bread only.”
Bishop Thomas J. Brown