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The Archdiocese of Dublin is monitoring and implementing advice from the HSE concerning the H1N1 virus “swine flu”. Parishes and Diocesan staff are being advised on up to date recommendations from the health authorities
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Those with flu symptoms are dispensed from their Sunday obligation to attend Mass.
SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS
At the present moderate stage of H1N1 influenza spread:
Sign of Peace
Shaking hands while exchanging the ‘Sign of Peace’ involves a low risk of spreading the virus by hand to hand contact. Of course, members of the congregation who are unwell should in the first instance not be attending Mass/Church. We suggest for the moment that the Sign of Peace may be continued but that on each occasion the priest invites the congregation, if they so wish, to carry out an alternative Sign of Peace without hand contact (such as smile/ nod/ bow), as those with risk factors/ or with individual health conditions may not wish to give/receive the Sign of Peace}. The practice of shaking hands on greeting and departure at church gatherings may also need to be curtailed for both clergy and laity.
Holy Water Fonts
We advise that holy water fonts may continue to be used. Hygienic upkeep of the fonts is needed, including frequent changing of the water followed by cleaning of the font with a household detergent based cleaner (such as washing up liquid).
Holy Communion
Those giving out Holy Communion should wash their hands or use alcohol gel before commencing.
Receiving Holy Communion on the tongue
Communion in the hand is preferable because communion on the tongue carries a greater risk of infection than shaking hands. If this does occur, priests or extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion should carry out hand washing or use alcohol gels to sanitise their hands.
*Holy Communion- drinking from the chalice
Communion under both kinds for all members of the congregation is always preferable. However under the present circumstances it is suggested that the practice of all receiving from the chalice be temporarily suspended. Those with a gluten intolerance should be invited to receive from a separate chalice with great attention paid to the wiping of the vessel with purificators. This practice can also be followed for concelebrants.
*In light of this recommendation our practice of distributing Holy Communion under both kinds at 11am Sunday Mass will be suspended from Sunday 18th October 2009 until further notice. At all other Masses only the Celebrant(s) and those with a gluten intolerance will receive from the chalice. A small chalice will be available at all Masses for reception of Holy Communion by people with a coeliac condition.
For further information www.dublindiocese.ie
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