COVID-19 and the Common Cup

February 29, 2020

Dear Parishioners of Holy Trinity Church Inwood,

With the first U.S. death from the Coronavirus now reported, I want to reiterate what our practice is for sharing the common cup and to give you notice of one change.

1. In the Anglican tradition we sip from the cup. Intinction (dipping the wafer) is not part of our tradition and is discouraged.
2. The cup is silver-plate and wiped after each communicant receives. For those of you who receive the cup, this is the most sanitary way of doing so.
3. It is perfectly fine to receive the bread wafer alone. You still have participated fully in the sacrament that way. If you are concerned about passing or being exposed to germs, I recommend you receive the wafer only.
4. If you must receive by intinction, self-intinction will no longer be allowed. I have instructed the chalice bearers to refuse self-intinction. Instead, please leave the wafer in the palm of your hand and the minister will dip the wafer for you and place it on your fully-extended tongue (see attached image).

Please know that both the Vicar and the acolyte both use hand-sanitizer after the Peace and before the bread and the wine are handled.