BISHOP OLSON OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS LIMITS THE USE OF THE COMMON CHALICE AT MASS—THANK YOU VERY MUCH

 The only thing I wish that the good bishop would have highlighted is that the common chalice shared with multiple communicants, many of whom allow backwash from their mouth to pour forth into the chalice, as well as deadly germs and viruses, like the herpes virus, can be left on the rim of the chalice and thus can be an epidemic and, of course, a pandemic creating event, should no longer be allowed.

Rather, the use of intinction, described in the GIRM of the 2012 Reform of the Reformed 1970 Roman Missal, indicates that intinction is perfectly acceptable. And it lessens all the concerns about epidemics and pandemics of the common chalice, as well as abuse of the Precious Blood as described in Bishop Olson letter.

Pastoral Letter on the Distribution of Communion Under Both Species

To the Priests, Deacons, Seminarians, Religious, and Lay Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth
October 1, 2026

Dear Friends in Christ,

In recent years, the Church in the United States has given renewed attention to the mystery of the
Most Holy Eucharist. As your Bishop, I write to you to reflect briefly on this great sacrament and
to provide clear direction regarding the distribution of Holy Communion under both species
within the Diocese of Fort Worth. The Eucharist is the heart of the Church’s life, and it is my
responsibility to ensure that it is celebrated with reverence, doctrinal clarity, and fidelity to the
Church’s discipline.

The Mystery of the Eucharist

The Most Holy Eucharist is the Church’s greatest treasure. In it, Christ Himself is truly present—
Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity—under the appearances of bread and wine. In every celebration
of the Mass, the one sacrifice of Christ in his passion, death, and resurrection is made present
sacramentally so that his saving grace may be given to us here and now.
The Eucharist is also the sacred banquet in which the faithful are nourished with the Body and
Blood of the Lord. In receiving Holy Communion, we are united more closely to Christ and with
each other in the bonds of charity. It must be clearly understood that, by the doctrine of
concomitance, Christ is received whole and entire under either species alone. For this reason,
nothing is lacking when Holy Communion is received under the species of bread alone or the
species of wine alone.

The Eucharist and the Unity of the Church

The Eucharist is the sacrament of unity. It both signifies and brings about communion with
Christ and with one another as members of His Body, the Church. Each celebration of the Mass
is not a private act but an act of the whole Church, Head and members, offered in communion
with the diocesan bishop and the Roman Pontiff.

Since the Eucharist expresses the unity of the Church, its celebration must also reflect that unity
in both faith and discipline. The Church’s liturgical norms serve this purpose. They are not
arbitrary but exist to safeguard the dignity of the sacrament and to ensure that what we celebrate
truly reflects what we believe.

The Responsibility of the Bishop

As the Bishop of the Diocese of Fort Worth, I have been entrusted with the responsibility to
regulate the celebration of the sacred liturgy. This responsibility includes determining when Holy
Communion may be distributed under both species (See GIRM #283).
The Church permits the faithful to receive under both species in certain circumstances as a fuller
sign of the Eucharistic banquet. At the same time, she teaches clearly that this is not the ordinary
manner of reception. The faithful must always remember that reception under one species alone
is complete participation in the Eucharist.
In exercising this responsibility, I must ensure that the Eucharist is treated with the reverence it
deserves and that its distribution does not give rise to confusion or diminish its dignity.

The Times When Communion Under Both Species Is Permitted

After consultation and careful consideration of the Church’s norms, I have determined that
within the Diocese of Fort Worth the distribution of Holy Communion under both species will be
limited to specific occasions.
Accordingly, Communion under both species may be offered only on the following occasions:

• Priestly or Diaconal Ordinations
• The Chrism Mass
• The Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday
• The Easter Vigil.

At Mass where adults are confirmed and receive first Eucharist (for the newly confirmed)

• The Mass of Holy Matrimony (only for the Catholic bride and Catholic groom)
• Masses of Religious Profession
• The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)
• Masses at convents and retreat centers within the Diocese
• At newly ordained priests’ first Mass

• Other celebrations of similar solemnity only with my explicit approval

Even on these occasions, the distribution of the Precious Blood is to take place only when it can
be done reverently, when there are sufficient ministers, and when there is no danger of
profanation or disorder. If these conditions cannot be met, Communion is to be distributed under
the species of bread alone. Outside of these occasions, Holy Communion is to be distributed
under one species. Deacons assisting at Mass should receive the Precious Blood from the Chalice
(See GIRM 160-164).

The Church’s discipline regarding the manner of distribution is to be observed in all cases. The
Precious Blood is to be administered by an ordinary minister, if sufficient number are not
available, then by extraordinary ministers. Practices such as self-service, passing the chalice, or
self-intinction are not permitted. In keeping with the rubrics and norms for the Liturgy, only
priests, deacons, and instituted acolytes are to purify the vessels. Deacons and instituted acolytes
are to purify vessels away from the altar and at the credence table only. Vessels are not to be
purified in the sacristy even if purification takes place after Mass (See GIRM 160-164, Norms
for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion #28).

Catechesis and Formation

Proper catechesis is essential. Clear teaching and instruction on the doctrine of the Real
Presence, on the meaning sacramental character conferred at priestly ordination, the meaning of
the Eucharist as sacrifice and banquet, and the truth that Christ is fully received under either
species is to take place at all parishes.
Please remember that reception from the chalice is not required and that no one should feel
obliged to receive under both species. Additionally, catechesis is to lead to reverence due to the
Blessed Sacrament, both during the liturgy and outside of it.
Those who assist in the distribution of Holy Communion, especially extraordinary ministers,
must be properly formed so that their service is carried out with care, dignity, and fidelity to the
Church’s norms.

Conclusion
The Eucharist is the source and summit of our Christian life. In it, Christ gives Himself to us
completely. Our response must be one of faith, reverence, and gratitude.
As we continue to deepen our devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, let us remain faithful to the
Church’s teaching and discipline so that the dignity of this Sacred Mystery is preserved and the
Communion of the Church is strengthened.

Entrusting you to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I am,
Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Michael F. Olson, STD, MA
Bishop of Fort Worth