Why Do They Do That? Distributing Holy Communion

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, distributing Holy Communion under the appearance of bread and wine was a common practice in many American churches. When public health concerns were on the rise, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops instructed priests to stop distribution from the chalice to prevent the spread of germs. Earlier this spring, Church leadership again permitted distribution from the chalice, but some parishes, including St. Anthony, did not return to the practice. In this "Why Do They Do That?" Fr. Linn explains the technical aspects of Holy Communion and their historical context and shares some of the reasons parishes choose to distribute Holy Communion under only the appearance of bread.