Bishop orders changes to cope with swine flu
The directives were sent to all priests of the diocese, permanent deacons and parish staffs Friday. They will be announced at Masses this weekend and are effective the following weekend. In an announcement for parish use, Brandt wrote that the “Catholic bishops of Pennsylvania encourage the clergy and faithful to observe the necessary standard precautions to protect the health of others during this flu season, and especially with the risks related to H1N1 influenza.”
The directives are:
n The distribution of the Precious Blood for the faithful is suspended during flu season because of the epidemic potential of the swine flu.
Parishioners are not bound by any obligation to attend Mass on Sunday if they are sick or have been exposed to the flu. They should return to church only when they are well.
n Those who suffer with Celiac Sprue disease may continue to receive the Precious Blood. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should administer Holy Communion under this form for such persons and not refuse Holy Communion to any other person who desires to receive in this form.
n The reception of Holy Communion on the tongue continues to be normative practice, and those who desire to receive in this manner may not be refused.
n The exchange of the sign of peace is to be offered without any physical contact.
When the priest celebrant extends the invitation to exchange the sign of peace, the faithful should be instructed previously that, instead of a handshake, the manner could include a bow to the persons nearby. The “General Instruction of the Roman Missal” (no. 155) describes the exchange of the sign of peace.
The directives are effective in the Diocese of Greensburg until determined otherwise by Brandt.