Instructions for Serving as Chalice Minister During Worship

Like many other churches, St. Paul’s communion has separate chalices for drinking and intincting (dipping). In order to maintain the sacramental and human connections that make communion meaningful for many, we have a separate Chalice Minister for each chalice - four total.

Serving in this capacity is very meaningful to some. If you feel called to be a chalice minister during worship, then please read the following instructions. You may feel a bit nervous the first time you serve, that is totally normal. Trust that you will become more comfortable as you live into that ministry.

Whether you are the Chalice Minister for drinking or intincting, the words you say – also called the words of administration – are the same. When you offer the wine, you say “The blood of Christ.” You may also say, “The blood of Christ, the cup of salvation.” Either is appropriate.

If you are the Chalice Minister for intincting, you will also say the same words of administration to those who wish to receive the alcohol free alternative in the plastic cups. If someone picks up a plastic cup, you say “The blood of Christ,” or “The blood of Christ, the cup of salvation.”

While standing at the altar, during the Eucharistic Prayer, please keep your attention and gaze on the elements (the bread and wine).

Some Chalice Ministers choose to make the sign of the cross across their chest. This practice is a matter of personal preference and comfort and is entirely optional. The customary times to cross oneself are at the Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy) and at the words, “Sanctify us also.” Crossing oneself at either or both is a personal preference, and, again, optional.

Thank you for serving your community in worship.