News and Issues

Preparations for H1N1 Flu2009-09-22

The H1N1 flu virus continues to be a matter of great concern, and cases have been confirmed in all 50 states.  For the most up to date news regarding the flu, please review the information available at the Centers for Disease Control Web site. Thank you to the many that have already begun to implement heightened hygiene practices.

Some have inquired about temporary adjustments to liturgical practices.  There are a number of practices which may be introduced at parishes in this regard:

•  Priests, deacons, and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion should be mindful of the need to practice good hygiene.

•  Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion should sanitize their hands before and after distributing Holy Communion, using an alcohol-based sanitizer.

•  In parishes that offer Holy Communion under both species, the pastor may decide to distribute Holy Communion only under the form of the consecrated host.  In so doing, however, those parishes should be mindful of the needs of any parishioners with Celiac disease or similar sensitivities to gluten.  

• Until the current medical concerns are resolved, parishioners may wish to exercise their option of receiving Holy Communion in the hand rather than on the tongue.

• Individuals who feel ill should stay home and should certainly refrain from serving as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, or in any roles (e.g., usher, greeter, etc.) that involve substantial contact with others.

• Pastors may choose to suspend personal contact (e.g., handshakes) during the sign of peace or at any other time, whether before, during or after Mass.  Parishioners may substitute a bow or other appropriate gesture in place of a handshake at the sign of peace.

•  Please be aware that if you have any symptoms of the flu or a severe cold, you are not obliged to attend Mass. Missing Mass if you are ill and unable to attend is never a sin. If you do remain at home, do not forget the televised Mass is available at 10:30 on Sundays on the WDCW. For more information about the Mass, please visit this link.