In another thread it is being discussed that a local Marriage Encounter recommends that a couple receive Communion together (each receiving seperately, but walking up next to each other and consuming at the same time). I would like to know an expert opinion on the matter. Thanks!
I could not find any restriction against couples receiving Communion in such a manner, but it is also not something provided for by the liturgical rubrics. Generally speaking, if a particular practice is not provided for by the liturgical rubrics, it should not be spontaneously introduced at the discretion of individuals, no matter how harmless the idea appears. As Catholic apologist Mark Shea likes to say, all of human history can be divided into two questions: “What could it hurt?” to be followed shortly thereafter by “How was I supposed to know?”
One particular innovation upon this novel custom that I have observed is that when the precious blood is offered to one partner that he or she consumes it and then turns and offers the chalice to the spouse. This is forbidden because the only proper distributors of Communion under both species are the ordinary ministers (bishop, priest, deacon) and extraordinary ministers (appointed laity) of holy Communion. A person who is not authorized to distribute Communion should not presume to distribute it to anyone, including a spouse or children.
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