I'm sorry to say this, but I don't think this is out-of-hand (no pun intended).

Put yourself in the place of a Parish Priest who finds himself responsible for all of the potential challenges that the Parish may face. Now, picture a 200-300 pounder wallowing about on the floor, trying to heft themselves up with nothing but air to hold onto. Twisted knees, cracked elbow, mild concussion - all of those things are probably running through the Priest's mind as the hapless Communicant (for which the Priest is praying) flails about, trying to right themselves.

Cynic though I may be, although this is distasteful, in this day and time of so many people having not even a lick of sense, I can understand this requirement.