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Bishop Zubik: Ways to guard against flu
archived from: 2013-02-01
by: Most Reverend David A. Zubik

Jan. 18, 2013

Dear Clergy, Religious and Faithful of the diocese:

Over the years as each flu season arrives, concerns are raised over the possibility of transmitting viruses during liturgical celebrations. It is wise pastoral practice to keep in mind that each of us should be responsible for taking precautions.

The decision whether or not to receive the body and blood under both species rests with the individual communicant. Christ is real and truly present under each species. Those uncomfortable receiving from the chalice during the flu season should not feel obligated to do so.

Similarly, it would be good to remember that there is no single gesture required for the sign of peace. If during the flu season a handshake or an embrace raises a concern, a bow is perfectly acceptable — at any time of the year — to express our peace in Jesus Christ before we share the Eucharist.

It is also a good time to mention the importance of common-sense hygienic practices. Viral diseases are most often passed along through coughs, sneezes or physical contact. Everyone should be reminded to have clean tissues or handkerchiefs with them and to put them away for proper disposal later.

Most of all, it is very important to remind parishioners that they are not bound by obligation to attend Mass on Sunday if they are sick or have been exposed to the flu. They should return to church only when they are well.

Below are some suggestions for ordinary and extraordinary ministers of holy Communion:

• Wash hands with an alcohol-based anti-bacterial solution and dry with a clean towel;

• At the sign of peace, consider using a gesture that does not involve shaking many hands;

• When folding hands, don’t raise them to touch your face; • Do not wipe your mouth with the purificator;

• Never use the purificator as a handkerchief;

• In distributing the sacred host, carefully avoid direct contact between your fingers and the hand or tongue of the communicant;

• In Communion from the chalice, be sure to wipe both the inside and outside of the rim after each communicant. Then turn the chalice a bit for the next communicant;

• Remember to keep shifting the purificator so that you are not wiping with the same part of the cloth over and over again;

• Chalices are ritually cleansed by the priest. After Mass, in the sacristy, chalices should be carefully cleaned with anti-bacterial soap and warm water, then dried with clean towels.

Common sense and good hygienic practices can accomplish far more in lessening the impact of the flu than any mandate. We will continue to monitor this together as a diocese, along with the church throughout the country.

Grateful for our belief that “Nothing is Impossible with God,” I am

Your brother in Christ,

Most Reverend David A. Zubik

Bishop of Pittsburgh

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