On Sunday Aug. 18 St. Peter’s will be adding the practice of intinction, or dipping the communion bread into the wine chalice, as an option during Communion. The process, as I’ll explain below, will be different from what we have done in the past. But it will provide all with a choice on how they would like to receive wine at Eucharist.
The word intinction comes from the Latin for “to dip in.” According to An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church, A User Friendly Reference for Episcopalians: “Intinction was practiced in the east and west by the seventh century. The practice was also motivated by concern that the sacrament might be carried away for superstitious use. Intinction was opposed by the Council of Braga in Spain in the seventh century, and by Pope Paschal II in the twelfth century because it differed from Christ's action at the Last Supper. Intinction has been historically associated with giving communion to the sick.”
According to the Book of Common Prayer (pages 407-408): “Opportunity is always to be given to every communicant to receive the consecrated Bread and Wine separately. But the Sacrament may be received in both kinds simultaneously , in a manner approved by the bishop.”
In our diocese, the option of intinction was suspended by the bishop during the height of the COVID pandemic out of concern for germ transmission. At the time, the understanding was was that the threat of contaminating wine was greater if fingers accidentally touched the wine during dipping, than from sipping from a common cup that was wiped and turned after each use.
As our understanding of how COVID is transmitted has developed, and as the threat from the virus began to decrease with increased vaccinations and safety protocol, the bishop left it up to rectors to decide how they wanted to reinstitute practices around the Eucharist. We were told that sipping from the common cup was the preferred and recommended method of receiving wine, but we could make our decisions based on the needs of our community. For the last two years, I have not reinstated the practice of intinction out of ongoing concern about its safety, protection of people with gluten sensitivities, and respect for the theology of the common cup.
At the same time, many parishioners have shared with me that they missed the practice of receiving wine by intinction and have asked for it to be restored. People have had a variety of reasons for this. For many, sipping from the same cup did not feel like a safe option. For some, not having the option of intinction has meant that they have forgone receiving Communion wine altogether. And that has been painful for some.
In considering returning to intinction, here is what I have learned:
Studies show that neither the occasional accidental dip of fingers into wine during intinction, nor the practice of sipping from a properly wiped common cup, poses a significant risk of germ transmission. However, neither is absolutely risk free, especially for those with compromised immune systems. And people have strong and varied feelings about the safety and esthetics of the practices, and what they feel comfortable doing.
Using one cup for both sipping and dipping, especially when we use soft bread rather than wafers, adds a significant amount of gluten to the wine, affecting those who are gluten sensitive. And it can create an unpleasant experience for those sipping from the cup, as large crumbs accumulate in the chalice.
The solution that the Worship Committee and I have agreed upon is to offer intinction-only on one side of our Eucharistic Circle (the left as you face the altar), and sipping-only on the right side of the circle. As you enter the double communion line, simply step into the line on the side that reflects your preference. If you are not planning to receive wine at all, you can go to either side of the circle and cross your arms as the wine comes by. Return to your seat by the side aisles. If you find yourself on the opposite side of the church from your seat you can cross back at the center or the back.
Additionally, for extra caution we will have a gluten-free wine cup available for those who are avoiding gluten. This will be brought to those who request it along with the gluten-free wafers. People requesting the gluten-free chalice can receive it on either side of the circle, and can either sip or intinct.
To help us get used to this new practice, we will have instructions and a diagram in the leaflet each week, and I will explain the practice with our communion instructions after the sign of peace.
Eucharist at St. Peter’s is a time when we gather around the table that Jesus opened for all, and receive him, fully present, in the bread and the wine – and in each other as we identify as the Body of Christ. While our faith tradition doesn’t try to explain exactly how the bread and wine becomes Jesus, the real presence of Jesus is part of our belief as Episcopalians. Jesus is present in this holy food whether one receives only the bread or the wine, or both.
While it seems like a straightforward and simple practice, this act of Communion always carries a bit of risk. People negotiate allergies, addictions, week immune systems, fears and discomforts when they come to the table. It is my hope that as we return to the option of intinction, we will create an experience where all feel respected and cherished in and as the Body of Christ.
If you have questions, I’m happy to talk more about it, and hear your thoughts about the practice moving forward.
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