Guidelines for Holy Communion Outside the Eucharist, otherwise known as Communion by Extension
The Church in Wales makes provision for Communion by extension in "An order for Holy Communion outside the Eucharist", copies of which are available from Church in Wales Publications at 39, Cathedral Road, Cardiff, CF11 9XF (Telephone: 029 2023 1638 e.mail: hendrikhaye@churchinwales.org.uk ) This Order should be regarded as the normative form from Communion by extension in parishes.
This provision has the pastoral and worship needs of multi-church benefices and team or group ministries in mind. In these circumstances, a congregation may receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion "by extension", that is, where the sacrament is taken to a church from another church within the benefice, where the Holy Eucharist has previously been celebrated. Best practice will be to minimise the interval between the services, so that the element of "extension" may be more clearly demonstrated, and to emphasise the dynamics of sacramental fellowship within the benefice.
The provision is intended primarily for Sundays and major Holy Days, but may be used on other occasions when pastoral necessity requires.
Communion by Extension ought always to be regarded as provisional, looking to circumstances when a priest can be available to preside at the Eucharist. Any particular congregation should not have to rely mainly or exclusively on this way of sharing in the Eucharistic celebration, and efforts should be made to ensure the regular celebration of the Eucharist in every church in so far as local circumstances allow. No congregation should be led to feel that it is a satellite: in fact, every church in a group should be given the opportunity to be the place of the Eucharistic celebration from which Holy Communion will be extended to the other churches in the benefice.
Any scheme for the regular administration of Holy Communion by Extension ought to have the approval of the Bishop. Adequate teaching is necessary before Holy Communion by Extension is introduced, with special care being taken to explain the relationship between the Holy Eucharist and Holy Communion by Extension.
In view of the public liturgical nature of the Order for Holy Communion outside the Eucharist, special importance attaches to the manner in which the rite is used. The pattern, structure and intention of this liturgy needs to be noted with care, and everything done to make clear that it is not a Celebration of the Eucharist. For example, lay ministers should conduct the service from the Prayer Desk or Lectern, and proceed to the altar only for the purpose of the administration of the Holy Communion.
The Service should be led only be a Deacon or licensed Lay Eucharist Minister, and appropriate vesture should be worn.
Reverent care must be taken in handling the consecrated elements. The vessels used should be appropriate for the task - seemly, secure and dignified, and, where possible, specifically designed for the task. The Diocesan Advisory Committee and the Diocesan Liturgical Advisory Group should be able to advise if there are particular questions.
The consecrated Bread and Wine which is not required for Communion shall be reverently consumed, and the vessels cleaned in the customary way.