I grew up Catholic, and because we were admonished to eat the entire Communion wafer (the “host”) before we went back to our seats, I would have never thought of this 3D printed Communion holder. For Catholics, it was controversial enough when the Church ruled that we could take Communion in our hands, instead of placed directly on our tongues by a priest. We were also told to eat the Communion wafer immediately. Well, you learn something new every day in 3D printing, and this is one example of a lesson on comparative Christianity. Apparently, Christians outside the Catholic Church have many more options for how they take their Communion.
Well, one person’s Communion is another’s Communion holder, right? In fact, the purpose and function of this 3D printed Communion holder is explained very clearly by its designer, Sacramento, California-based “kj6epl,” or Drew:
“Churches with pews are becoming a thing of the past. Many new ‘fashionable’ churches (especially those meeting in industrial parks & gymnasiums) now just use stackable chairs. While this creates better flexibility of the sanctuary, there is one very practical feature of pews that I miss: a holder for communion cups. Grape juice will stain just about anything, permanently, and there really is no good place to set the cup. My holder clips onto any convenient pocket on the back of a chair and holds 2 cups plus bread.”
Like I said, 3D printing tells us much about people’s lives and the necessary objects they value and make through sheer inventiveness. You may have never thought of it yourself, and in this case I wouldn’t have because of how I grew up taking Communion. But I am sure there are plenty of church-goers and pastors who would love to get their hands on these Communion holders, in bulk if possible! Have you tried this project? Let us know in the 3D Printed Communion Holder forum thread on 3DPB.com.