Flu Season
What to Do About the Flu
It's that time of year again. Especially during flu season, it is important to practice good hygiene and to use good common sense. All of us would do well to remember that frequent cleansing of the hands either with soap and water or with an alcohol based anti-bacterial solution, combats the spread or contraction of the flu. This need is especially important for those who minister Holy communion during the celebration of the Eucharist.
Those who feel ill should especially act responsibly. If you are sick or caring for someone who is sick, you are excused from your Sunday Mass obligation. Please stay home and take care of yourself or you loved one.
All Catholics should exercise prudence while participating in the celebration of the Eucharist.
- The Roman Catholic Church's tradition is that the Real Presence of the Lord is found in both the consecrated bread and the consecrated wine.
- The Communion Ministers wipe the cup and turn it after each person has received the Precious Blood.
- It is the choice of the person receiving communion to receive from the cup. It is always an acceptable option to not receive from the cup during the flu season.
- Intinction is to be used only when the proper communion vessels are available (USCCB norm2001). Dipping the consecrated bread into the consecrated wine by the communicant is not an acceptable practice. becasue it increases the possibility of the Sacred Species being dropped and it increases the possible contamination of the cup's contents.
- Hand sanitizers have been installed throughout the Newman Center building. Please make use of them.
Stay healthy, and help keep others healthy too!
In response to recent flu epidemics, the Newman Center staff has put together a Best Practices protocol in order to keep our community safe and allow them to worship in a healthy environment.
Best Practices for a Healthy Environment
More Newman Center Policies and Procedures.
