The US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has stated that it is “possible to distribute [Holy Communion] on the tongue without unreasonable risk.” According to a memo sent on April 30 to all US bishops by USCCB Committee on Divine Worship chairman Abp. Leonard Blair of Hartford, Connecticut:
We have carefully considered the question of Communion on the tongue vs. Communion in the hand. Given the Church’s existing guidance on this point (see Redemptionis Sacramentum, no. 92), and recognizing the differing judgments and sensibilities that are involved, we believe that, with the precautions listed here, it is possible to distribute on the tongue without unreasonable risk.
Redemptionis Sacramentum is a universally binding instruction issued by the Congregation of Divine Worship in 2004.
It should be noted that in the celebration of Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, Holy Communion must be distributed only on the tongue, according to the universal liturgical law applicable to such celebrations.
For more information:
- US bishops approve communion on the tongue
- US bishops’ guidelines for reopening Mass
- Reception of Holy Communion in the Extraordinary Form amid concerns over the COVID-19 coronavirus
- 21 doctors tell bishops Communion on tongue ‘safer’ than in hand
[Updated: June 30, 2020]
