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ALBANY DIOCESE

One parish responds to swine flu threat

As people around the world braced for a possible swine flu pandemic, the U.S. bishops released guidelines to participation at Mass during a potential outbreak.

At least one parish in the Albany Diocese, St. James in Chatham, made liturgical adaptations to prevent the spread of the disease. Rev. Gary Gelfenbien, pastor of St. James, said the parish opted to err on the side of caution. 

"Because of the recent spread of swine flu, we will take a few precautions during our liturgies to make people feel more comfortable," he said.

Some of the precautions taken at St. James were the recommendation that people nod to those outside of their family during the sign of peace. The parish also opted not to hold hands during the "Our Father."

Ministers of the Eucharist used hand sanitizers - discreetly, and not on the altar - before distributing communion, Father Gelfenbien said; and only Eucharistic bread was offered.

The changes made at St. James were in line with suggestions from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The USCCB's Committee on Divine Worship released 10 questions and answers pertaining to Catholic worship during a flu pandemic.

These recommendations were first published in 2006 during the avian flu outbreak.

The Committee on Divine Worship emphasized the need for good hygiene practices at all times, but did not believe that widespread liturgical changes were needed to prevent further transmission of influenza. 

The Committee on Divine Worship echoed advice from the Center for Disease Control to prevent the spread of flu. This included avoiding close contact with people who are sick; staying home when you are sick; covering your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing; washing hands often; and avoiding touching your nose, mouth and eyes.

Father Gelfenbien said the changes at St. James were in place for one weekend and were received well by parishioners. "Some parishioners even clapped" when the changes were announced, he added.

While most parishioners were pleased by the extra precautions, Father Gelfenbien said others were anxious for a return to normal practices at liturgies.

"People asked, 'When are we going back?'" he said.

(Read the U.S. bishops' recommendations on precautions at www.usccb.org.)

(05/21/09) [[In-content Ad]]

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