Catholic churches take flu measures
MEXICO CITY (CNS) -- Catholic officials in several countries have issued guidelines for celebrating Mass during the outbreak of the swine flu, which is spread by human contact.
In Mexico City, the epicenter of the outbreak, preventive measures outlined by the church have included instructions to both priests and parishioners on church behavior during a public health outbreak. The recommendations urged priests to limit homilies to five minutes and wear masks while hearing confession. Parishioners were advised to not bring young children and the elderly to Mass, to wear face masks and to wait to put money in the collection plate until after they receive Communion.
The Archdiocese of Mexico City also announced that weddings, "quinceaneras" and baptisms would be postponed, but could be conducted in private if a priest deemed that adequate health safeguards were being taken.
Some Catholic churches across Mexico City reopened for Mass, despite admonishments from the local government for residents to avoid large gatherings to prevent the spread of swine flu. In other parts of the country, however, churches remained closed and pilgrimages were canceled.
As cases of swine flu were confirmed in various countries, Catholic officials issued cautions.
In New Zealand, the bishops temporarily suspended the reception of Communion on the tongue and from the chalice and shaking hands at the sign of peace. In an April 30 statement, the bishops called these restrictions precautionary and said they would issue an update if stronger action was needed.
Various bishops in the United States issued similar guidelines.
In England, the Diocese of Lancaster published an online booklet called "Sustaining Pastoral Presence: Influenza Outbreaks," with information about the swine flu and preventive measures. The diocese said the booklet was designed to "ensure that Catholic parishes and chaplaincy teams maintain their presence as agents of pastoral care during a flu epidemic or pandemic in a way that both protects those engaged in pastoral ministry and protects those who need their help."
By David Agren
Catholic News Service
Contributing to this story was Gavin Abraham in New Zealand.
Copyright (c) 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
