Maryland County Bans Eucharist in Church Reopening Order, by Christine Rousselle

The order also states that “singing is permitted, but not recommended,” and that only the person leading the service or a choir may sing.

By Christine Rousselle, CNA, 5/27/20

WASHINGTON, D.C. — An executive order issued Tuesday in Maryland’s Howard County outlines public health rules under which churches may reopen. The order prohibits the distribution and consumption of any food or drink as part of any religious service, effectively outlawing the distribution of Communion and the celebration of the Mass.

Howard County Executive Order #2020-09 outlines the conditions and regulations that must be met for non-essential businesses–which in Maryland includes churches and other houses of worship–to resume operations. The order was released by Howard County Executive Calvin Ball.

“There shall be no consumption of food or beverage of any kind before, during, or after religious services, including food or beverage that would typically be consumed as part of a religious service,” the order says in a section delineating norms and restrictions on religious services.

Read more here:   https://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/maryland-county-bans-eucharist-in-church-reopening-order