Melbourne Archbishop Denis Hart has written to all priests of the Archdiocese advising that communion should only be distributed under the species of the Consecrated Host to limit the spread of germs during the H1N1 epidemic. Archbishop Hart also warned against holding hands during the Lord's Prayer, a Melbourne Archdiocesan statement says.
"During the Sign of Peace instead of shaking hands, kissing or embracing, as is practised in some parishes, it would be best to simply nod your head and avoid bodily contact," Archbishop Hart advises.
"I encourage you and your parish community to pray for all those affected by Swine Flu and to join with me in doing our part to prevent its spread.
"We should accept the advice of the health authorities and wash our hands often and if we are sick, sneezing or coughing we should all stay home.
Catholic Bishop-elect Les Tomlinson told the Herald Sun that parishioners would still receive Christ "in whole" through the Eucharist.
"Whether you receive only the host or only drink from the chalice, or whether you do both, sacramentally there's no difference," he said.
Catholic Carmen Bajona, 85, said the changes were for parishioners' protection, "But I don't think I would catch something from drinking the blood of God. I don't know anyone who ever has."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer
No responsibility or liability shall attach itself to us or to the blogspot ‘Clerical Whispers’ for any or all of the articles placed here.
The placing of an article hereupon does not necessarily imply that we agree or accept the contents of the article as being necessarily factual in theology, dogma or otherwise.
Source (CTHN)
SV (ED)