Communion will now be received in the hand, not on the tongue, under a new directive from the Bishop of Wollongong Brian Mascord to protect parishioners against the rising threat of coronavirus.
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In a pastoral statement issued on Tuesday, Father Mascord outlined a range of changes to Mass across the Catholic Diocese of Wollongong, which will remain in place "until the need for them ceases".
"The spread of coronavirus, COVID-19, continues to present challenges to health authorities around the world, including here in Australia," he said.
"As a result of the increased spread of coronavirus and what we know about its transmission, many dioceses around the world and closer to home have temporarily altered certain practices in the Mass to ensure the health and safety of parishioners."
Father Mascord said he was issuing the directives in line with the precedents set elsewhere - and "the well-being of all parishioners of our diocese in mind".
"In those parishes and communities in the diocese where holy Communion is distributed under both kinds, this practice will cease. Communion of the Precious Blood will be for the celebrant only," he stated.
"Given that one of the easiest ways to transmit a virus is by the transmission of saliva, Communion will be received only in the hand.
"Clergy and parishioners are not to shake hands during the sign of peace, but should acknowledge each other at the exchange with the words, 'Peace be with you'.
"All ministers of holy Communion (both ordinary and extraordinary) are to use hand sanitisers before the distribution of holy Communion commences."
Father Mascord said the directives were informed by the latest advice from the federal health department, which promoted the practise of good hand hygiene to protect against COVID-19 infection.
"These directives will remain in place until the need for them ceases," he said.
"We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide further advice as necessary.
"In the meantime, everyone is encouraged to monitor local and national health advice, and to practise good hygiene, including washing hands often with soap and water.
"Please join me in praying for all those who have passed away or been affected by coronavirus; for the women and men working tirelessly to care for those affected; and for the development of a vaccine to keep us all safe."
