Q: Thank you for being a great resource! The staff at our parish follows your blog raptly. Often the questions you post are ones we are currently discussing.
We are preparing for the happy day when we can gather (probably in small numbers) to celebrate the Eucharist together. We were wondering if the Eucharistic ministers were allowed to wear gloves given the current guidelines about health and safetly? What about the communicants? Are people allowed to receive communion on their hands while wearing gloves to protect them from germs?
Thanks and God bless you,
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A: Thanks for your comments on my blog.
The rules about communion ministers are different depending on the diocese. You can find good resources from the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions here: https://fdlc.org/covid#Re-Opening%20Resources.
I know of no universal restriction on distributing or receiving communion in gloves, it’s probably not a good idea. If the minister wears them, it will only protect the minister, and some few people have a latex allergy. I don’t think we can much control what people wear, but why put on gloves to receive a host you plan to put in your mouth?
People should exercise the greatest of care. Communion represents love of God and love of neighbor.