Online Holy Communion

Online Holy Communion: Your Questions Answered

Since launching our Online Holy Communion service, many of you have reached out with thoughtful questions about how it works and what it means to participate in communion online. We’re grateful for your engagement and want to share some insights from our research and reflection to help everyone feel confident and connected.

Watch the video below for a quick overview of Online Holy Communion:

Disclaimer: This video was created using DeepAgent AI video technology.

What is Online Holy Communion, really?

Our Online Holy Communion service is a digital, interactive way for you to participate fully in the sacrament from wherever you are. Instead of watching a priest lead the service live, you follow the order of service on your screen—reading the prayers, scripture readings, and responses, saying the words yourself, and reflecting on the sermon. You prepare your own bread and wine or juice, and receive them reverently as part of your personal worship.

This service invites you to actively engage—listening, reading, praying, and participating—making the experience meaningful and spiritually nourishing in your own space and time.

Is it really “full participation”?

This question is important. We found a thoughtful report by theologian The Reverend Peter Adam OAM (Anglican Diocese of Melbourne) that addresses this directly. He explains that the church is a spiritual body that transcends physical distance. Even when we’re apart, we remain one in Christ. The prayers and participation of each individual are effective and meaningful, regardless of physical location.

So yes, Online Holy Communion is a genuine gathering of the church, and the sacrament is fully present and effective, even through this digital, self-led format.

For more detailed theological reflection, see Full participation in ‘Online Holy Communion’ by Peter Adam (April 2020).

How does this compare to other options?

You might have heard of Spiritual Communion, where people pray and reflect without receiving bread and wine, or Extended Communion, where the priest brings the elements to those who can’t attend. These are valid and meaningful practices, especially in difficult times.

But Online Holy Communion offers something unique: it provides a full order of service that you actively follow and participate in yourself, including prayers, readings, sermon, and reception of the elements—all designed to be accessible and meaningful wherever you are.

What about concerns and challenges?

Some worry that certain physical actions, like the priest laying hands on the bread and wine, can’t happen remotely. While these acts are symbolically important, the spiritual reality of the church’s unity and the power of prayer remain intact.

Others worry about the risk of individualising faith or misuse of the elements. These are valid concerns, and we’re committed to teaching a robust theology of the church and providing clear guidance to protect the sacredness of the sacrament.

How can you prepare to participate?

To join fully, you’ll want to prepare your bread and wine or juice before the service. We encourage you to engage, pray, and receive the elements reverently. Instructions will be provided to help you know when and how to participate.

If you’re unable or prefer not to receive the elements, there are prayers and ways to participate meaningfully without doing so.

Embracing new ways to worship

We believe that God’s grace is not limited by walls or screens. In these challenging times, technology can be a powerful tool to bring us together, nourish our faith, and share in the blessings of Holy Communion.

With gratitude and blessings,
Shane

Access the Online Holy Communion Service