Sunday Mass Times for the Diocese
Current Mass Times for the entire Diocese are available here, or as listed under the Parish Information.
Message re Holy Communion (for full document click
here)
This weekend, the beginning of the Advent Season, we return to usual practices
of receiving Holy Communion under both kinds.
Thank God, we avoided the spread of Swine ‘Flu and our winter ‘flu
season has passed.
However, this is an opportunity now to address some issues around the
distribution and reception of the Eucharist.
1. The Church recently restored the practice of some act of reverence
just before we receive the Eucharist. A slight bow is an adequate way
of preparation. If you choose to genuflect, it would be safer and more
practical to come up at the end of the line.
2. The Church has also recently withdrawn receiving under both kinds by
self-intincting – receiving the host and then dipping it in the
wine. Technically this is seen as taking rather than receiving Communion.
This practice also risks cross infection from fingers to wine.
3. Those choosing to receive the host on the tongue please do so reverently,
respectfully and carefully. Some now hardly open their mouths or put out
their tongue at all. Others fully open their mouth and extend their tongue
completely. Either of these extremes makes it very difficult to place
the host on the tongue carefully or clearly. Please use a mid-way position
with the tongue only extended far enough to place a host safely. Out of
consideration for the health of others receiving you might also consider
coming up towards the end of the line.
Further advice and direction for the Ministers of Holy Communion is
available from the Cathedral Office.
Much of this may seem rather too precise or pedantic - yet basically
- it is a matter of reverence for the Lord and a practical consideration
for each other.
Regards and best wishes
Yours truly in Christ,
+ James Foley
BISHOP OF CAIRNS
Cairns
Diocesan Synod - Session Two - May 2009
Session Two of the Synod Process has now
taken place. An analysis of the Outcomes of Session Two are now available
online. Click here to go directly to the
Synod Session Two page.
Please click here to go to the Main Synod Page.
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