Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
During the past week, media attention has focused on a strain of the flu virus being called the Swine Flu. While there is no cause for alarm and while few cases have been reported locally, I ask that we exercise prudence and good judgment at such a time by taking several specific steps-on a temporary basis-to prevent further spread of this illness. Obviously, as the situation evolves, additional guidance will be provided if and when necessary.
- First, no one experiencing flu-like symptoms should come to Mass. Catholics are not obligated to attend Mass under these circumstances.
- Priests and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion should sanitize their hands before and after distributing Communion. The United State Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Divine Worship also recommends that ministers of the Eucharist avail themselves of an alcohol-based anti-bacterial solution before and after distributing Communion.
- Priests and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion should avoid distributing Communion from the cup and should consider distributing Communion only under the form of the consecrated host and only in the hand.
- Priest celebrants may recommend that physical contact be avoided during the sign of peace, the Our Father, and any greeting taking place before, during, or after Mass. The faithful might be advised before Mass begins to extend a verbal sign of peace rather than a handshake or other direct contact.
As we take these common-sense precautions based on local needs and circumstances, you may want to obtain additional information from the USCCB website at http://usccb.org/liturgy/swineflu.shtml. Information from the Centers for Disease Control can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/. Finally, the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services has opened a toll-free, 24-hour hotline to answer questions from the general public and New Jersey health care providers. The hotline number is 1-866-321-9571.
May God continue to guide you and bless you.
Fraternally,
Most Reverend Joseph A. Galante, D.D., J.C.D.
Bishop of Camden