Diocese makes H1N1 recommendations to parishes

PROVIDENCE—The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence is making recommendations to its parishes in response to the outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus in Rhode Island.

Bishop Thomas Tobin sent out a letter Thursday to 148 parishes throughout the state. The recommendations include refraining from drinking from the chalice during Holy Communion.

“We’ve suggested they might consider not doing that during this time of illness,“ he said.

Tobin said he’s recommending hand sanitizers be used by those who serve the communion wafer or host. The diocese is also suggesting that the sign of peace doesn’t have to be announced.

“If it’s announced, people certainly have no obligation to shake hands or to embrace,“ he said.

Tobin said simply gesturing or nodding is sufficient. He also said people feeling sick should stay home.

“They certainly should be conscious of their contact with other people and in fact, they are certainly free to dispense themselves from not attending Mass on Sunday. In fact, I’ve said even out of charity, they should stay home,“ he said.

Tobin said the suggestions are recommendations, not mandates.

“Our local pastors are in the best position to decide what they should do and should not do in their own community regarding responding to the swine flu,“ he said.