Winter is historically the flu season, and this year there is an
additional risk. We are currently experiencing an epidemic of the
H1N1 virus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has
estimated that 47 million Americans have been infected since April
of 2008; 213,000 hospitalizations have resulted; and there have
been some 10,000 H1N1-related deaths.
Winter is historically the flu season, and this year there is an additional risk. We are currently experiencing an epidemic of the H1N1 virus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that 47 million Americans have been infected since April of 2008; 213,000 hospitalizations have resulted; and there have been some 10,000 H1N1-related deaths.
Since influenza is highly contagious, it is important that people gathered in groups follow healthful practices. Several faith communities have released guidelines to their members concerning practices to minimize flu cases within their congregations.
In September, Bishop Patrick J. McGrath of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Jose, issued information concerning adaptations of the Mass, which should be followed to safeguard parishioners’ health. Among the changes are the following:
– Clergy and lay ministers were asked not to shake hands when greeting people before or after Mass.
– Worshipers were directed to refrain from holding hands during the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer.
– The Host (consecrated Eucharistic wafer) should be placed directly in the hands of communicants, not on the tongue.
– Touching a non-communicant for a blessing has been discontinued.
– The faithful were reminded that the obligation to attend Sunday Mass does not apply to those who have cold or flu symptoms; Holy Communion can be brought to the home if requested.
Other churches have been instituting similar precautions.
For example, traditionally Episcopal churches have served wine from a chalice or common cup to communicants who each drink directly from it. Now, several parishes have recommended substituting the practice of “intinction,” in which the priest or deacon dips the bread into the cup and places it into the worshiper’s mouth. Others have begin to emphasize that Holy Communion is completely valid through partaking of the bread only, encouraging people to avoid the wine altogether. Some are wiping down pews and altar rails with sanitizer following every worship service.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has also offered guidance to clergy and lay people in this time of health concerns. During the Passing of the Peace it is recommended that handshaking be avoided or that bottles of sanitizer be provided inconspicuously in the pews for those who wish to shake hands.
Other suggestions are directed at those who serve the elements of communion during worship: They should leave the altar to wash hands in a nearby washroom, keep hand sanitizer conveniently in the chancel (area surrounding the altar) or keep a bowl of warm water and antiseptic soap nearby.
As an alternative to practicing either intinction or drinking from a common cup, congregations are being encouraged to use small, individual cups for the wine, which may be poured from a common chalice to keep the symbolism of a shared meal.
Departing from centuries of Lutheran tradition, pastors may encourage people to take communion “under one element,” meaning people can eat the bread while avoiding the wine entirely.
The Presbyterian Church (USA) has also offered guidance in response to the potential health crisis. Among the recommendations are having the people who prepare the communion elements wear disposable gloves, using small, precut bread cubes or crackers rather than breaking apart pieces of bread from a common loaf, throwing away all leftover liquids (usually unfermented grape juice) and bread, passing the Peace using such alternative methods as “elbow bumps, head bows and waving to one another.”
No one knows how long this epidemic will last or how severe it may become. While churches are striving to minimize its effect on members, there are other actions everyone can take to safeguard his or her health and that of others around them:
– Get a flu vaccination.
– Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
– Cough and sneeze into a tissue or the elbow.
– Avoid touching the nose, mouth or eyes.
– Limit contact with others when feeling ill.
