Although our common sense suggests that drinking from a common cup can spread disease, results of studies do not seem to support this conclusion. When a common cup is used, it should be washed carefully with a good antibacterial soap just before and just after its use. The purificator should be exchanged for a clean one when it becomes moist or soiled. Bacteriological studies do show that the most important factor in hygiene, as it relates to the distribution of Holy Communion, is the cleanliness of the hands of those who distribute the elements. Though it violates our common sense, studies show that bacteria and pathogens can be communicated via the hands of the minister as easily as from the common cup.
Clean hands are important.
As congregations increasingly move to weekly celebration of Holy Communion, they need to enlist more people to prepare and care for the elements and vessels associated with the celebration. The use of the traditional common cup eliminates much of the labor involved in this preparation. Disposable plastic cups are a recent innovation that appears to be convenient for those who must prepare the elements for Holy Communion. It is, however, ironic that we would abandon the use of plastic or foam cups for the coffee hour and institute them for the sacrament. Plastic cups bring with them concerns about discarding sacramental wine left in each cup, as well as promoting our throw-away culture.