Loving found some bacteria had been transferred to the wine and that the microbes would then be absorbed by the bread.
But next she wanted to find out whether illnesses were caused by Communion. In 1997, she surveyed 681 people in New Jersey over a 10-week period and found no difference in illness rates among those who attended church and received Communion, those who attended church and didn't receive Communion, and those who never attended church.
"This even held true for the participants who attended church and received the sacraments every single day during the 10 weeks," she wrote.
Some in the pews take a practical approach to sipping from the Communion cup. If Oralie Enos, 75, hears a lot of coughing and sniffling, she will pass on the wine and receive only the wafer, a practice the Catholic Church believes completes the rite.
"It's not something I worry about," said the Orange resident. "People have been receiving the cup for so many years, and you never hear of any problems."
Many who take Communion believe science and God are at work to prevent disease.
Renate Goutier, 48 of Huntington Beach, says that as a mother of four, she has plenty of experience with how germs are spread and doesn't worry much about drinking from the Communion cup. In addition, she believes she has extra protection. As a Catholic, she believes that during Communion, she receives the actual body and blood of her savior.
"On a spiritual level, this is Jesus Christ I'm receiving."
