As swine flu spreads, some US dioceses mandate Communion in the hand

May 01, 2009

Amid growing concern about a potential swine flu pandemic, the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Diocese of Fresno, Diocese of Portland (Maine), and Diocese of Brownsville are either urging or mandating that Holy Communion be distributed only in the hand. These dioceses-- and several others-- are also mandating or recommending that Holy Communion be distributed under only one species.

 

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Further information:

• Priests urged to take precautions against flu (Baltimore Sun)
• H-1N1 virus forces Catholic Church to make changes at mass (Bakersfield Now)
• Flu outbreak forces changes at church (Kennebec Journal)
• Swine flu: Archdiocese of Chicago urges precautions (Chicago Tribune)
• Changes at Church Due to Swine Flu (KRGV-TV)
• Church's recommendations on swine flu (WPRI-TV)
• Bishop Hermann offers suggestions for preventing swine flu (St. Louis Review)
• Swine flu fears prompt changes in Catholic Mass (San Antonio Express-News)
• Church leaders urge members to take precautions during flu outbreak (Sacramento Bee)
• US bishops: No widespread liturgical changes in wake of swine flu (CWN, Apr 30)