I share this news about the distribution of Holy Communion under both species, at this BLESSED time when we have just concluded the Diocesan Eucharistic Revival Congress, which a good number of our parishioners, school families and friends attended at the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland.

As many restrictions put in place at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic have been lifted, some Catholic Dioceses around the country are returning, or already have returned, to offering consecrated wine in the chalice for Holy Communion while others are waiting to do so.

Here in the Diocese of Oakland, Bishop Michael C Barber, BJ, in a letter dated May 11, 2023, empowered the local parish communities to start the conversation and discernment to bring back receiving Holy Communion from the chalice.
After a series of consultations with our Advisory Councils, parish and school staff, ministry leaders, including our liturgy support volunteers, a decision was made “with due diligence” to slowly offer the chalice back to the congregation – a decision which will continually be monitored, cognizant and sensitive to the desires and willingness of the people in the pews to receive, once again, from the chalice.

I take this opportunity to remind everyone that while receiving from the chalice is, for many, a spiritually meaningful experience, it is not necessary to receive the fullness of Christ in Holy Communion. As always, receiving from the chalice when offered is an optional choice for the individual communicant. The act of receiving Holy Communion is an act of faith. A person makes this act of faith in the total presence of the Lord whether in receiving Holy Communion under one form or under both species.

Since the Second Vatican Council, the Catholic Church has emphasized that while the distribution of both host and wine “more fully expresses Christ’s gift of Himself at the Last Supper,” the fullness of sacramental grace is present in each form.

Please wait for the actual announcement of the date of the implementation of this announcement which will be determined soon, especially after preparing our liturgy ministers and Church environment again. As always, your engagement and your support are valued and deeply appreciated.

(For the 25th & 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2023)