Guidelines for priesthood leaders preparing to begin administering the sacrament after in-person sacrament meetings

22 October 2020

Bishoprics and Branch Presidencies...

As we approach administering the sacrament immediately following your in-person, hybrid sacrament service beginning on Sunday, Nov. 1, please remember these important safety guidelines:

• Priesthood holders who do not feel well are not to participate;
  
  
• Priesthood holders are to wear masks while preparing, blessing and passing the sacrament;
  
  
• Priesthood holders are to avoid shaking hands, touching their eyes, nose or mouth while participating in any part of the administration of the sacrament;
  
  
• Hand sanitizer should be placed under or near the sacrament table and should be used by those blessing the sacrament before and between the blessings on the bread and water;
  
  
• Those who bless the bread and water should wear a face covering during the prayer or use a hand-held microphone and turn away from the table;
  
  
• The bread should be broken and placed inside individual sacrament water cups to avoid cross-touching by members;
  
  
• Those passing the sacrament should carry a second tray or small basket for members to dispose of the cups both for the bread and the water;
  
  
• Surfaces of sacrament trays are to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each use;
  
  
• Attendees are to sit on every other row in the chapel so priesthood holders can pass to each person individually and avoid members touching or passing the trays.

Please forward these instructions to your Covid-19 Supervisor.

Typically the administration of the sacrament immediately follows the virtual sacrament service once the webcam has been turned off. It goes as follows:

• No opening prayer
  
  
• Congregation sings a sacrament hymn while bread is broken
  
  
• Sacrament administered as per guidelines above
  
  
• Closing prayer

We appreciate you training priesthood holders on how to take every safety precaution in administering the sacrament in the chapel.

Gratefully,

Stake Presidency