Diocese Makes Changes To Prevent The Spread Of H1N1

SAVANNAH, GA - Fears over the spread of the swine flu virus have led Savannah's Catholic Diocese to make some changes in the way it celebrates mass. The Diocese announced the measures at services this past weekend. They go into effect on the 15th and will be in effect until the threat has passed.

First discussed by the Bishop back in September - and with the swine flu threat increasing as we head into flu season - four main changes will be in effect at area Catholic churches for the foreseeable future according to the Reverend Douglas Clark, “The first is that those who are ill, think they might be coming down with the flu of any kind, are reminded that they are not obligated to go to mass and in fact are encouraged not to go out lest they spread the disease.” For those in attendance - they'll notice some differences at Mass. Though you may still wish peace on your neighbor - keep your distance - this tradition is being put to a stop for the time being says Reverend Clark, “Handshaking is one way in which this disease can spread - since it is optional anyway - we will not be doing that for the duration of this emergency.”

Even holy communion is undergoing some changes that it is hoped will keep swine flu from spreading says Reverend Clark, “Putting the host on someone's tongue and picking up another for the next person could be a health hazard.” Therefore - all parishioners will be asked to either receive the host in the hand - or move to the back of the line to avoid passing on the virus...and the chalice will be restricted to clergy for the time being. “We have a responsibility not to take any part is spreading a disease - so it's a sacrifice on our part though and we look forward to the day when we can resume our usual practices,” says Reverend Clark.

Some parishioners, like Jeff Morris say they don't believe the changes will affect the overall experience of mass, “It's still the body, blood, soul and divinity or Jesus Christ and you know, we can still say hello to our neighbors that are standing next to us and you know - after church, talk to 'em - but for now - seems to be prudent.” Priests, deacons, and communion ministers are also being asked to wash their hands with alcohol-based sanitizer both before and after the distribution of communion.