The term Distribution of Holy Communion covers three related but distinct areas:
Assisting with distribution at a celebration of the Eucharist; Taking Communion to the sick, housebound or those in residential care; and Public Worship with Communion by Extension.
There is now a single policy document covering each of the above, which can be downloaded here.
Please read the policy in full, but the Bishops would particularly like to draw your attention to three things:
- Who gives permission differs in each setting. Authorising lay people to assist with distribution in church, and to take Communion to the sick and housebound, is delegated to incumbents and priests-in-charge working with their PCCs (in a vacancy this passes to the Area dean) — You do not need to ask the Bishop. Communion by Extension is different: it requires permission from the Bishop on each occasion, and the service may be led only by someone the Bishop has specifically authorised for that purpose. A Reader’s licence, ordination as deacon, or permission to assist with distribution is not sufficient on its own.
- Each ministry has its own liturgy, and they are not interchangeable. The rites of Holy Communion, the provision for the Communion of the Sick, and the order for Public Worship with Communion by Extension are each authorised for their own setting. Please take care that the right provision is used in the right context — using the wrong one blurs important distinctions, particularly around what is and is not a celebration of the Eucharist. Links to each are in the policy.
- Keeping good records. Sections 5.1 and 5.2 set out the form of PCC resolution and the record the parish should hold: who is authorised, the date of the resolution, and when each authorisation expires. Please ensure your parish record is up to date.
If you have any questions about the policy or how it applies in your context, please contact the Bishop’s Chaplain.
