A Service of Spiritual Communion
SPIRITUAL COMMUNION DURING TIMES OF TRIAL
In these uncertain days of isolation, it’s imperative that all of us maintain a healthy discipline of prayer, for prayer keeps us united with Jesus Christ who is our hope, joy peace and strength. Even though the public celebration of Holy Eucharist has been suspended for the time being, and many will be unable to receive Confession or the other Sacraments, it is our belief that all prayer gives rise to the presence of Christ.
As Catholics, it has been a longstanding belief that when we can’t make it to Mass, we can still reach out to God by making a Spiritual Communion in prayer. St. Thomas Aquinas once defined a Spiritual Communion as “an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament [in Communion at Mass] and in lovingly embracing Him as if we had actually received Him.”
A communication received from the Diocese last week explained it this way:
“Spiritual communions are a profound way of obtaining graces of union with the Lord when unable to attend Mass, and perfect contrition restores a person to the state of grace, while requiring them to make an individual Confession as soon as circumstances permit. Those unable to receive Communion, go to Confession or receive the Anointing of the Sick are encouraged to make acts of personal repentance and spiritual communions. The faithful can rest assured that God will not abandon them in their time of need, but will respond to their sincere desire and grant them the grace they need.”
In light of the above, I offer below a possible format for family or individual prayer in the home until we can all be together again in church for Mass. Feel free to use it any day of the week but especially on Sundays when all of us are called upon to “Keep Holy the Sabbath Day”.
It is my hope that many will utilize this prayer service. This way, we can together remain spiritually remain spiritually united both to God and to each other in the days and weeks ahead.
Fr. Mike
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