Maryland County Lifts Ban on Holy Communion

Maryland County Lifts Ban on Holy Communion

Howard County, Maryland, has reversed a policy that banned consumption of any food or drink during religious services, effectively preventing the licit celebration of Mass.  A county spokesman told CNA May 28 the prohibition will be removed, and faith leaders will be consulted on future guidelines for church reopenings amid the coronavirus pandemic. On Tuesday,…

Maryland county bans Eucharist in church reopening order

Maryland county bans Eucharist in church reopening order

CNA—An executive order issued Tuesday in Maryland’s Howard County outlines public health rules under which churches may reopen. The order prohibits the distribution and consumption of any food or drink as part of any religious service, effectively outlawing the distribution of Communion and the celebration of the Mass.  Howard County Executive Order #2020-09 outlines the…

Baltimore archdiocese—Oldest Diocese in the U.S.—has ‘serious concerns’ about county Communion ban

Baltimore archdiocese—Oldest Diocese in the U.S.—has ‘serious concerns’ about county Communion ban

CMN—The Archdiocese of Baltimore said it has “serious concerns” about public health guidance from Howard County, Maryland, which prohibits the reception of Communion as a condition for churches to reopen during the coronavirus pandemic. “For the Catholic community, the reception of Communion is central to our faith lives and to our public worship,” said a…