 Parishes
Celebration of Mass and the H1N1 Influenza
The following directives were prepared by the Archdiocese of Chicago's Office for Divine Worship in November 2009 and are currently in effect.
Now that the traditional flu season is here and with the added concerns of the H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus this year, the Archdiocesan Emergency Preparedness Committee is monitoring the local situation. Should the situation become more acute in the Chicagoland area, guidelines will be issued in regard to the celebration of the Liturgy as well as other areas of parish life.
It is important to practice good hygiene and to remember good common sense. All of us would do well to remember that frequent cleansing of the hands, either with soap and water or with an alcohol based anti-bacterial solution combats the spread or contraction of the flu. This need is especially important for those who minister Holy Communion during the celebration of the Eucharist. Ordinary and Extraordinary Ministers should make an effort to cleanse their hands, discreetly, before and after distributing Holy Communion. An anti-bacterial solution makes this process very easy to do.
Those with flu or cold symptoms should especially act responsibly. Refraining from taking Holy Communion from the Chalice, sharing the sign of peace with a simple nod of the head and the verbal exchange of Christ’s peace instead of shaking hands, and avoiding close contact with others will go a long way in helping prevent others from catching the same illness. Others should not interpret this as an affront, but simply that the person who chooses not to extend a hand is taking precautions.
All Catholics should exercise prudence while participating in the celebration of the Eucharist. If one is suffering from the flu, he or she should stay home. Remember that the Mass is televised for those who are homebound every Sunday on WCIU Channel 26 at 7:30 a.m.
The Bishops of the United States have posted 10 questions and answers regarding the Swine Flu and Liturgy on their website. You can view this resource by going to the USCCB Website: www.usccb.org/liturgy/swineflu.shtml.
The Archdiocesan Emergency Preparedness Committee will continue to monitor the situation and will modify or add to these guidelines as needed. Local information and updates can be found on the Archdiocesan webpage, www.archchicago.org/h1n1/.
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