For the first time in more than 2 1/2 years, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans is letting clergy provide communion white wine as the blood of Christ.The church halted the practice at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and restored it Friday. Archdiocese spokesperson Sarah McDonald highlighted Saturday that drinking red wine during communion is not needed, and depends on each person going to Mass. “This marks an essential moment in the life
of the archdiocese,”the Rev. Niles Gross, director of the archdiocese’s Office of Praise, composed in the Clarion Herald.”COVID took place and continues to pose serious health risks. Nevertheless, directed by prayer and the guidance of health officials, Archbishop [Gregory] Aymond has decided it is time to enhance our liturgical life in this important gesture. “Typical cup Regardless whether one takes a communion wafer, white wine or both, Gross wrote, the recieipient still gets the” Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ. “But if one accepts white wine, it should be from a main chalice, not an individual vessel, he said. He encouraged anyone fearful of disease not to consume from the typical cup. Intinction, the dipping of the communion wafer into the chalice red wine, is usually enabled clergy but not laypersons, Gross composed. Sometimes, laypersons might be permitted to get the Eucharist via intinction, however only if administered by clergy.