Intincting (A way of receiving Holy Communion)

Intincting is the custom of receiving communion in which the communicant takes his communion host bread and dips (intincts) the host into the chalice in order to receive the wine without drinking directly from the cup.

This practice has become more accepted over time due to perceived issue over cleanliness. For one reason or another people seem to think that directly drinking from a silver cup (which has anti-microbial properties) with wine (which has anti-bacterial properties) is less sanitary than dipping fingers with cuticles into the chalice. Fingers and hands are just as likely to carry contaminants as the mouth that cause illness.  Hence we are encouraged to frequently wash our hands.

Here I'm going to give you a procedural rubric (rule) on how to intinct.  I know that it would be an impossible task to try to put everything back into Pandora's box; so I'm not going to try to convince you that intinction does nothing more than make the recipient feel less mentally squeamish about sharing the cup of Christ with her brother in the Lord.

As Anglicans we acknowledge the very real presence of Christ in the Bread and Wine.

"He was the Word that spake it; He took the bread and brake it; And what that Word did make it, I do believe and take it" John Donne

 and again in the catechism of 1604

Ques. What is the outward part or sign of the Lord's Supper?

Ans. Bread and wine, which the Lord hath commanded to be received.

Ques. What is the inward part, or thing signified?

Ans. The body and blood of Christ, which are verily and indeed taken and received by the faithful in the Lord's Supper.

And of course Jesus is recorded in the scriptures to say, "This is my body..." and again, "This is my blood..."  So in any scenario the sacrament is to be held with reverence and appreciation for Christ's presence.

So regardless of where your piety leads you on this issue of intinction here are few thoughts and rubrics about intincting.

1. When the communicant intends to intinct the bread she should receive the host in the same manner as one who is to drink directly from the cup.  The palm is open and extended upward for the minister to place the bread in the palm.
2. When the chalice approaches, the communicant takes her host and dips the edge of the bread into the wine. (Never should a communicant's finger be submersed in the wine.)
3. Gently touch the interior wall of the chalice to remove any excess drip of wine.  Rotate the host so that any excess wine on the host may permeate through the bread.  (It is inappropriate to shake excess wine from the host.)
4. At the words "The Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ keep you in everlasting life," the communicate would affirm with a faithful response, commonly "Amen." (So be it.)

Empowering our Youth

As we continue to transition new adult leaders to help in the acolyte ministry I simply want to give you an update on where we are in this transition.

 

We've put together our team of acolyte masters (also called vergers) David Stokes, Bob Pearson, and Mark Jones.  We are hoping to add at least one more verger into the schedule soon.

 

I will be sitting down with the vergers on Saturday, October 27th  to lay out our protocol for instruction for the youth and a date for mandatory training.  We are structuring an environment in which our young people will be encouraged to participate fully in worship as acoyltes, readers, and as they mature, Eucharistic Ministers.

 

By the time they are confirmed and of an appropriate age our youth should be fully integrated into ministry in the church and discovering their gifts.  I want to give you and them everything that is necessary for them to be successful in ministry.

 

Our adults leaders are creating a safe environment for the youth in which they are encouraged to grow, take risks, and be challenged.  But it will be an environment that nurtures and teaches them when they fail.

 

**Coming Soon--Acolyte Training**

It is imperative that your child be available and present for the training.  The acolyte masters will give you ample time to set aside the date which we will be setting this Saturday.  When we publish the date, make this a priority for your acolyte.  Too often we have scheduled trainings and only a few acolytes show up. The result is acolytes that feel out of place and uncertain of their duties.  Let's not do that to them.  Let's give them what they need to have confidence and success in their ministry.  We know that they will "mess up" but we're striving to make them better at what they are doing.  Parental support is key to this.

Around the Office Update #2

Here's the shorter version.
Worship
We had a great time with the acolytes Sunday at the Good Shepherd Michaelmas.  I hope this will be the launch of a meaningful new chapter in the life of our acolytes and their leaders!  Sorry we missed some of you, but your t-shirts are in the narthex.  We'll get you on board next time.

Love
Our second Nerf War was a big hit with our young people.  We had around 15 boys (11 of whom were guests) and we followed it up with an international potluck.  Thanks to everyone who participated. The girls might want to come up with something fun to do as well!


Service
Emily's Pantry served over 80 people again.  Thanks to Carole and Tracey the love and ministry keeps growing.  We've added a few more hands (both senior and junior) for bagging and carry out.  Keep those volunteers coming, we're glad to have you!

Odds and ends
We've had an electrician come out to make some needed lighting adjustments behind the sanctuary curtain.
The GED/ESL program we host in the Mission Center along with Emily's Pantry and Math Tutor is hoping to expand by one more class. We hope they do too!