QUAERITUR: Communion by intinction but with un-consecrated hosts.

From a reader:

1. We have Sunday mass at our village chapel which does not have a Tabernacle, so the priest has to Consecrate all the host for communion. However, there are times we run out and he takes unconsecrated wafers and dips them in the chalice saying “Blood of Christ”.

2. At times, during communion we are ask to pick-up a host from the Ciborium and dip it in the Precious Blood for our communion.

Are these practices allowed? In the communion valid?

1. That is expressly forbidden. Cf. Redemptionis Sacramentum 104.

2. For pity’s sake! What will they come up with next? I would call that a serious abuse. You should immediately inform the local bishop of what is happening. If it does not stop, inform the Congregation for Divine Worship. This is not at all like administering Communion by intinction with a consecrated Host. This is not like administering the Precious Blood using an eye-dropper for the very sick, or a fistula, or spoon or chalice, none of which are absorbent. I would say this comes, at least, very close to profanation of the Blessed Sacrament. It is certainly deeply confused its symbolism and meaning.

Frankly, if the priest doesn’t have the wits to figure out how to consecrate enough Hosts or Precious Blood for Communion, regularly, then he ought to help his people understand that, when they run out, they should make a spiritual Communion.