Whenever people gather together, there is a potential for germs to spread from one to another. Some people have wondered whether the Communion chalice could be a way that colds could travel, while others are concerned about the Communion wafers.
Q. You have written about a concern that baristas may spread germs when they handle coffee cup lids. I have a similar concern.
The pastor of our church passes out Communion wafers without using food handlers’ gloves. This is after he has greeted dozens of parishioners by shaking their hands.
I worry that his older members or those with compromised immune systems could be susceptible to germs. My husband has had a kidney transplant and is on anti-rejection drugs that leave his immune system very low. Am I being foolish to worry?
A. There has not been much research on this question. One study found that “Some bacteria do survive in the wine, on the chalice rim, or on a wine-soaked wafer…” and thus there is a potential for spreading infections (Journal of Environmental Health, Jul-Aug, 1997). The researchers found, however, that people taking Communion did not get sick more frequently than those who did not participate.
Your husband’s compromised immune system does make him more vulnerable than most people. You might want to discuss this concern with your pastor, or if that is too delicate, give the pastor a hand sanitizer as a hint. One interesting product is CleanWell, using the antimicrobial properties of thyme oil.
Lowering Infection Risk from Communion Wafers
Another way of reducing the chance of spreading infection is to ask people to stay at home if they are not feeling well. Many congregations make arrangements for those who are sick at home to be brought Communion by volunteers. Since they are not sharing a common chalice or shaking hands with the pastor or priest, they are protecting others as well as themselves.
