St Rose of Lima Parish Oxford, NJ 07863

Dear Friends in Christ:

As you are probably aware through various news media reports, there is a current health concern in the United States and particularly in the greater New York area, about a recent outbreak of "swine flu." As a result, I received a number of inquiries about options available regarding certain aspects of the Liturgy that might cause health concerns, particularly the Sign of Peace and the Reception of Holy Communion. To address these concerns, I thought it would be beneficial to reiterate the points I made in a previous letter addressing the flu season regarding liturgical praxis during a time of potential contagion.

First and foremost, I would like to emphasize that pastoral practice and common sense should always go together, and this is certainly the case with our celebration of the Eucharist. It goes without saying that if you know you are sick or if there is the danger of your spreading germs, you should take every precaution to prevent this. On the other hand, we should also avoid overreaction and panic since we still do not know what the nature of this particular flu strain will be like. In light of these concerns, then, I would like to remind you of the options that already exist in the hope that this information will be helpful to you.

Regarding the Sign of Peace, while the priest or deacon should never omit the invitation to the Sign of Peace, it is appropriate to smile and bow to one`s neighbor instead of extending one`s hand if there is a serious concern about contagion. There are already a number of options available to those who receive Holy Communion and I would just like to repeat them. If you know you are sick or if you have concerns about receiving from the chalice, you are not bound to do so. It is an option. (Please remember that it is never an option to dip the host yourself in the chalice for priest, deacon or the faithful). I might add that while receiving on the tongue is always an option to the faithful, one should be sensitive to the fact that the priest or minister must place his/her hand in your mouth, and if you are sick you should be aware of the risk this may cause to your neighbor who will be receiving Communion from that minister`s hand as well. Finally, and this once again falls under the rubric of common sense, if you know you are ill�especially with the flu�you are excused from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. This is probably the wisest course of action for all concerned.

As I mentioned above, these are all options that already exist within the Liturgy. I also repeat that, at this time, we should avoid overreacting and we should follow the recommendations of our doctors and other health care professionals. Let us pray, too, that this recent outbreak will be contained and prove uneventful in the weeks ahead.

Sincerely in the Lord,
Most Rev. Paul G. Bootkoski Bishop of Metuchen

What is swine flu influenza?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "swine influenza (swine flu) is a disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people."

Why is there particular concern for the spread of swine flu at this moment?
Numerous cases of swine flu were recently confirmed in the United States. The CDC is presently monitoring this health issue and will give further guidance as the situation warrants.

What is the best way to prevent the transmission of the swine flu virus?
The CDC suggests that, "as with other infectious illnesses, one of the most important and appropriate preventive practices is careful and frequent hand hygiene. Cleaning your hands often using either soap and water or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizers removes potentially infectious materials from your skin and helps prevent disease transmission."

How is the influenza virus transmitted?
According to the CDC, "influenza viruses are spread when a person who has the flu coughs, sneezes, or speaks and spreads virus into the air, and other people inhale the virus. When these viruses enter the nose, throat, or lungs of a person, they begin to multiply, causing symptoms of the flu."

Does transmission of the flu require direct contact between persons?
"The viruses can also be spread when a person touches a surface with flu viruses on it (for example, a door handle) and then touches his or her nose or mouth. A person who is sick with the flu can spread viruses � that means they are contagious. Adults may be contagious from one day before developing symptoms to up to seven days after getting sick. Children can be contagious for longer than seven days."

How can the spread of the influenza virus be prevented?
While the single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated, the CDC does not know if the seasonal flu vaccine will protect against the swine flu virus. The CDC recommends these other ways to prevent the flu: "Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too; stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness; cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick; clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth."

In previous years, what has the Church done in localities where the outbreak of Influenza is most significant?
In those localities where the outbreak of the disease has been the most significant, bishops have introduced several liturgical adaptations in regard to such practices as the distribution of Holy Communion and the exchange of the Sign of Peace in order to limit the spread of contagion.

What measures should be taken in Roman Catholic liturgies in the United States of America now?
Priests, deacons, and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion should be especially reminded of the need to practice good hygiene. Ministers of Holy Communion should be encouraged to wash their hands before Mass begins, or even to use an alcohol based anti-bacterial solution before and after distributing Holy Communion. They should instruct people who feel ill not to receive from the cup.

What about further adaptations or the restriction of options at Mass?
The Diocesan Bishop should always be consulted regarding any changes or restriction of options in the celebration of Roman Catholic Liturgy. However, the need for the introduction of widespread liturgical adaptations for the prevention of the transmission of influenza in the dioceses of the United States of America is not evident at this time.

What is the Secretariat of Divine Worship doing to address this question?
The Secretariat will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide the best advice possible to Diocesan Bishops and their Offices for Worship. The Secretariat likewise appreciates whatever information Diocesan Offices for Worship are able to provide concerning local conditions and the pastoral responses developed by Diocesan Bishops. Continuously updated information is available from the CDC at www.CDC.gov/swineflu.

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	Founded:1864 St Rose of Lima Parish 85 Academy St PO Box 88 Oxford, NJ 07863 Phone: (908) Fax: (908) 475-1943 A Parish of The Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen NJ