January 8, 2010
Restrictions at Masses due to H1N1 removed in diocese
By PAUL R. LEINGANG (Message editor)
The local health department has acknowledged a decrease of confirmed cases in our area, said Matthew Miller, director of the diocesan office of worship. “Therefore the previous restrictions on offering the Sign of Peace and Communion from the chalice have been removed.”
Miller communicated the removal of restrictions in an email message entitled “H1N1 Flu Instructions Update for January” to parish and school leaders Jan. 4.
“The understood practice of the diocese is that Communion from the chalice may be offered at any Mass where it can be done in an orderly and reverent manner,” he went on to say. “The invitation for the Sign of Peace may be extended once again in the usual way.”
While removing the restrictions, which had been in place since the fall, Miller asked for consideration and common sense “if there is some concern of sickness.”
• Stay home if you are sick. This includes the workplace, schools, churches, meetings and any social activities. If there are sick in your midst, plead with them to go home for the good of the rest.
• Remember the 3 C’s:
— Clean: Clean your hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitizers.
— Cover: Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use tissues and dispose of them properly.
— Contain: Germs, avoid touching your mouth, eyes, or nose and stay home when you are sick.
Miller concluded with a request, “Please continue to remember all of the sick in prayer.”