Bishop Mark has directed that parishes may once again offer the Precious Blood at Masses beginning with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, April 6, 2023. This marks the first time that Holy Communion will be distributed under both forms – Body and Blood – in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
As always, it is the choice of each individual to receive under both forms or under one form only.
According to instructions given from the Bishop to the clergy, the permission to resume the practice of offering the Precious Blood should be introduced gradually in such a way that parishioners may come to their own readiness to receive.
The Bishop is suggesting to priests that they include in their homily on Holy Thursday some instruction on the significance of Holy Communion under both forms, which will allow the faithful an opportunity to reflect and make an informed decision about how they will receive Holy Communion.
