Dioceses respond differently to flu season

Published: 2004-11-03

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- As the winter flu season approached, Bishop Kenneth A. Angell of Burlington has asked Vermont Catholics not to receive Communion from a common cup for the next few months and not to shake hands when exchanging a sign of peace. The Cleveland Diocese took a different tack, however. It suggested added health precautions such as having ministers of Communion wash their hands just before Mass, but it left specific changes in liturgical practice up to local discretion. It asked pastors and other liturgical ministers to discuss the issues and let "common sense, pastoral sensitivity and proper hygiene be the guide." It advised that "ministers of holy Communion should make certain to wipe both the inside and outside rim of the chalice after each communicant has received." It said that, besides washing hands before Mass, those who are to distribute Communion may wish to wipe their hands discreetly with an alcohol-based antibacterial solution just before going up to begin distributing Communion.

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