Churches advised to take steps to avoid spread of swine flu
The Diocese of Westminster has advised Roman Catholic churches which come under its responsibility to take necessary steps to prevent the spread of swine flu.
In guidance issued to all parishes in the Diocese, which includes the whole of Hammersmith and Fulham, Church authorities have advised parish priests to suspend or alter some of the practices that would normally take place during Mass.
The guidance says the risks in a church environment are the same as those of any large public gathering. However, specific issues are also highlighted: according to the guidance, the 'sign of peace' whereby church-goers shake hands, and drinking wine from a shared chalice during Communion could encourage the spread of germs.
The guidance says priests should make their own decisions on whether to temporarily stop offering wine from a chalice, whether to continue to give parishoners a Communion wafer by placing it on their tongues or whether to continue with the 'sign of peace'.
Priests are told their decision should be made based on the severity of the swine flu situation in their local area.
“The Chalice and Communion on the Tounge- this is a source of potential infection during a large local outbreak. The Sign of Peace – suspending or changing this to a bow or other gesture during a large local outbreak,” the guidance states.
Priests are advised to wash their hands before beginning Mass and before greeting any parishoners.
The Church of England has also recommended that churches suspend the practice of administering the chalice during the swine flu pandemic.
They advise priests that if they want to continue to offer wine, they should dip the Communion wafer into it first, before placing the wafer in the parishoner's hands.
“This is a practice widely observed in Anglican churches throughout Africa. Communicants receiving in this way need to be confident that the clergy and all assistant ministers follow the relevant guidance on hygiene,” the Church of England guidance states.
27 July 2009
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