Oct 27, 2009 2:56 pm US/Eastern
Flu Changes At Church: No Handshakes, Wine
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
The
Boston Archdiocese is making changes at church in light of flu season. In an effort to reduce the chance of H1N1 and seasonal flu spreading at mass, parishioners will be asked not to shake hands and wine will not be offered.
The exchange of the Sign of Peace, which is traditionally marked during Catholic mass by shaking hands with fellow parishioners, will be celebrated instead by bowing to others.
A shared cup of wine representing the blood of Christ normally offered at masses, will not be offered. Exceptions will be made for church-goers who must receive the wine rather than the Holy Communion host, for medical reasons.
Fonts containing Holy Water at church entrances will be drained and cleaned on a regular basis, and ministers who distribute communion hosts are being told to take extra care not to touch people's hands or tongues.
The Archdiocese said the changes take effect this Saturday, October 31 and will remain in effect until flu and cold season is over. The Boston Public Health Commission was consulted in making the changes.
A written statement from Archdiocese representative Terry Donilon also reminded sick parishioners who may be contagious to stay home.
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