We asked our bishops to share their thoughts on the sacrament and how we can ensure that it remains sacred in our homes.
“In our home we require that the person who blesses the sacrament be dressed in a white shirt and tie. At home, it can be tempting to remain casually dressed, but making the effort to respect the ordinance by how we dress is akin to kneeling when we pray. It shows the lord we are willing to sacrifice and honor the privilege. Secondly, at church we automatically have time to reflect and covenant while the priesthood is distributing the sacrament to the congregation. At home we can lose that time. By allowing time after the bread, and not beginning the prayer for the water right away, and allowing time after the water is passed, it allows for each member of the family to be more intentional in their participation.” -Bishop Sedgwick (Laguna Hills ward)
“Remember that the General Handbook is now available to all. Contained therein is specific instruction on the administering of the sacrament, including “in Unusual Situations (See General Handbook 18.9.1 and General Handbook 29.2.2.10).” We are taught that, in any situation, “priesthood leaders should prepare carefully so it is orderly and reverent” and that “those who administer the sacrament should do so in a dignified manner, realizing they are representing the Lord.” As Sister Becky Craven so eloquently yet succinctly taught, we should be careful and not casual in our Sabbath-day worship and preparation to partake of the sacrament each week. As we seek to do so, it will be more meaningful to each of us, and we’ll be able to feel of the cleansing power of the atonement as we repent and renew our baptismal covenants with the Lord.” -Bishop Daly (Dana Hills ward)
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to renew my covenants by partaking of the Sacrament. It’s so special during this unprecedented time to partake of the sacrament emblems in my home. It’s amazing to feel of our Heavenly Fathers love as we think of our Savior’s sacrifice for us.” -Bishop Weaver (Wood Canyon ward)
“President Oaks has said that the ordinance of the sacrament makes the sacrament meeting the most sacred and important meeting in the Church. What a blessing that we are now able to perform the ordinance of the sacrament — and hold the most important meeting in the Church — in our own homes! As we plan our own family's sacrament meetings with care, attention, and a focus on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, our homes transform into literal houses of prayer (D&C 59: 9-10). Sacrament meeting is the most sacred hour of our week and I know of no better way to partake of the Sacrament and hold Sacrament meetings than to treat these meetings — whether in a beautiful chapel or our own living rooms — as truly sacred. Our Ward family has witnessed tender mercies and miracles as the sacrament has been administered in our homes and I testify that holding these meetings and participating in this ordinance in our own homes can spiritually transform our homes and our families.” -Bishop Smith (Aliso Niguel ward)
“When we have the sacrament in our homes, it is important for us to honor this sacred ordinance by having the priesthood holders who administer the sacrament be dressed in white shirts and ties. It is also important to maintain reverence while blessing, passing and partaking the sacrament and allow those participating to have time to reflect on the ordinance and the words of the sacrament prayers.” -Bishop Eyre (Laguna Niguel ward)
“What a blessing it has been to partake of the sacrament in our homes over the last few weeks. In our home it felt a little strange at first holding this sacred ordinance outside of our traditional church sacrament meetings. As the weeks have gone on we have tried different things to make this special opportunity more sacred. Singing a sacrament specific hymn prior to administering the sacrament is one thing that has helped us to feel a little closer to the Savior as we prepare for the sacrament. The words of the sacrament specific hymns really focus in on the precious gifts Jesus has given us. Another change we have made is pausing for a few minutes after the sacrament has been administered to just sit quietly and think about those things we would normally think about during the administration of the sacrament at church. It takes all of 15 seconds to pass the emblems of the sacrament in our home. The extra few minutes of quiet reflection help provide a more meaningful focus on the most important thing we do each week.” -Bishop Austin (Marina Hills ward)
“When I partake of the sacrament, in a church building or at home, I endeavor to prepare myself spiritually for this sacred event by (i) reviewing my actions from the past week and pleading with Heavenly Father for forgiveness from all my sins, (ii) seeking the blessing of Heavenly Father by petitioning Him to pour out His spirit on our worship service and sanctify us through the power of the sacramental ordinance; (iii) dressing in my Sunday best so that my outward appearance reflects the reverence I feel for this sacred ordinance; (iv) humbly and prayerfully singing the sacrament song while considering the beautiful words and message; and (v) pondering upon the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ as I partake of the sacrament. When I sincerely and with real intent follow this pattern, the sacrament is always a sacred and holy event for me and a powerful, sanctifying experience that strengthens me for the week ahead.” -Bishop Hanson (Laguna Beach ward)
“I would share some counsel my wife, Camille, gave me. She suggested we slow down and take time in between administering the bread and the water. Normally we have time during the administration of the emblems to ponder and pray as we wait for the priesthood holders to attend to the entire congregation. But at home we found ourselves going right from administering the bread to administering the water. We now sit as a family in silence for a few minutes after partaking of the bread and before partaking of the water. This has helped me have a more meaningful sacrament experience at home.” - Bishop Bunker (Aliso Niguel ward)