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Swine Flu Forces Changes In Church Traditions

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Nov 11, 2009 11:26 pm US/Eastern

Swine Flu Forces Changes In Church Traditions

SACRAMENTO (CBS) ― The swine flu outbreak has forced local Catholic churches to revamp some rituals in hopes of slowing the spread of the disease, CBS station KOVR-TV reported.

The bishop of Sacramento ordered Catholic churches to make changes during mass, so parishioners will no longer drink from the cup, hold hands during the Lord's Prayer or shake hands as a sign of peace.

The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament is also changing the holy water regularly and wiping down the bowl, and is asking sick church members to stay home for Sunday service.

"All of this is designed to promote a situation where people's health will be safeguarded," said Rev. Michael Kiernan of the Sacramento Diocese.

Parishioners weren't altogether surprised by the news, but there was disappointment.

"I think when you are in church, it's a wonderful thing to touch another human being and I think I'm going to miss it," said Martha Warner.

The diocese says the changes are temporary, but they are not sure how long they will be in place.

(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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