The Eucharist

The Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is the primary act of worship for an Anglican. There are those who would say they can be a Christian without going to Church. For an Anglican, attending worship and receiving the Eucharist on a weekly or even daily basis is central to living out their baptismal vows and their Christian life.

Can I Receive Communion?

In the Anglican Church of Canada, all baptized Christians of any age are welcome to receive the Eucharist in both kinds (bread and wine). Please extend your hands when you come to kneel or stand at the altar rail. If you do not wish to receive communion, you are invited to come forward to receive a blessing from the priest. If this is your wish, fold your hands over your chest when you come to kneel or stand at the altar rail.

Is the Common Cup sanitary?

In a word, yes. The alcohol content of the wine in combination with the metal of the chalice along with the practice of wiping and turning the chalice after each communicant maintains a hygienic way to receive the Eucharist. There is no evidence of transmission of disease from the common cup, particularly among clergy who consume all of the elements during the ablutions. “…historically, the evidence for risk of infection from the common cup is not great. But for those for whom risk of infection is a persistent fear, a far more sensible, hygienic practice (than dipping) would be to receive in one kind only, namely, the consecrated host or bread.” From “Intinction: Practices and Purpose” by the Rev. Dr. Brian Spence,