Health Concerns in Flu Season

Questions continue to be raised about personal health practices and our celebration of Sunday Mass. Mention has been made regarding the handshake as the Sign of Peace. The handshake has been adopted by the American bishops as the usual expression of the Sign of Peace. But there are those who are uncomfortable with it, especially the possibility of spreading germs hand to hand. In light of that, it is completely acceptable to refrain from the handshake if one is uneasy with such immediate contact. The Sign of Peace can just as effectively be expressed with a smile as with a handshake. For those would prefer, I suggest keeping one’s hands folded in front of one’s chest, while turning to nearby members of the congregation with a smile and a slight bow of the head and offering the customary “Peace be with you.” We will not “ban” the handshake; but I would hope no one in the parish would feel offended with the substitute of a smile and nod. The decision should be entirely individual and respected as such. The good intention is more important than the particular gesture.

A similar health concern is sometimes raised concerning the reception of the Precious Blood from a community chalice. Receiving from the chalice is encouraged as a way to fulfill Jesus’ invitation, “Take and drink.” However, the Church has never wavered from her teaching that when we receive Communion under one species, in the form of the host, the Body of Christ, or in the form of consecrated wine, the Precious Blood, we are receiving the Eucharist in its entirety, we receive Christ completely. We do not receive “more” of Christ under two species than under one. Therefore, Catholics are free to refrain from receiving from the chalice if they so choose. In receiving the host we receive the Body and Blood of Christ, soul and divinity. As a parish, however, we will continue to offer the chalice to the congregation for those who wish to partake of it. We will not, as some parishes have done, withdraw the chalices completely. Again, the decision is completely individual.

Finally, supplies of hand sanitizer have been made available to Extraordinary Ministers in sacristy as well as in the sanctuary. Ministers have been asked to use the sanitizer before distributing the Eucharist.