DECREE OF THE DIOCESAN BISHOP

There are two categories of the Christian faithful, who very much desire to receive Holy Communion during the celebration of Mass, but whose physical condition prohibits or makes it difficult for them to do so. One group includes those confined to home because of illness or disability. The other is those whose physical condition or other special circumstances makes it difficult or impossible for them to join in the Communion procession, although they are present in church.

The Church is concerned that these members of the faithful have access to the great sacrament of our Lord’s Body and Blood, which offers such important spiritual benefits and which Christ taught is necessary for eternal life. At the same time, and precisely because of the importance of the sacrament, the Church is obligated to protect its sanctity and dignity.

Thus, to achieve these two ends and to provide more precise norms for the implementation of Canon 230§3 and Immensae caritatis Art. 8, and in accord with the duty of the diocesan bishop defined in Canon 838§4, after having consulted the Presbyteral Council, I hereby establish particular law for the Diocese of Joliet as follows:

1. Those communicants in church who are unable to join in the Communion procession are to receive Holy Communion only from an ordinary or extraordinary minister.

2. Hosts intended for members of the faithful who are unable to be present for the celebration of Mass are to be placed in a pyx on the altar. Immediately before the final blessing, the pyx is to be presented by the celebrant or deacon to the minister who will take Holy Communion from the Church to the homebound. It is preferable that the pyx be placed inside a burse. The presentation may be in silence or with simple words such as, “With the love and prayers of this community, I entrust to you the sacred Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ for the spiritual nourishment of our brother(s)/sister(s) who cannot be with us today.” The minister may then join in the procession or return to his/her seat and informally leave the church. The distribution of Holy Communion to the home(s) or other location must take place immediately. Hosts may not be retained by the minister for distribution at a later time.

When Holy Communion is to be taken to homes, hospitals or nursing homes at a time apart from Mass, the minister is to take the necessary number of hosts from the tabernacle of the church in accord with the direction of the pastor, immediately before the intended distribution of Holy Communion. A pyx, placed inside a burse, must be used. Hosts may not be retained by the minister for distribution at a later time. but are to be returned to the tabernacle.

The minister of Holy Communion is to use the official rite from “The Pastoral Care of the Sick” when ministering Holy Communion outside of Mass.

This particular law of the Diocese of Joliet is effective on June 22, the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, in the Year of our Lord, 2014.

Given at the Chancery of the Diocese of Joliet in Illinois on this 18th day of February in the Year of our Lord, 2014.

______Most Reverend R. Daniel Conlon Bishop of Joliet-in-Illinois

______Sister Judith A. Davies, OSF Chancellor