It seems the swine flu is affecting all walks of life, even how people worship. Friday afternoon Roman Catholic churches in the Sacramento Diocese, which includes North State churches, were instructed to make changes in the way they conduct even the church's most sacred observances.
Beginning Sunday, no one will be permitted to drink from the communion cup for fear of the H1-N1 swine flu. In Paradise at St. Thomas More Church, Father Donald Higgins told Action News, I think the Church kind of anticipated all of this. And even before when it broke out, nationally, the bishops asked that precautions be taken.
On Sunday, all churches in the diocese will instruct parishioners to "not" shake hands during the exchange of peace, use a nod or smile instead. They will also be told to dispense with holding hands during the "Our Father" prayer.
Parishioner Jim Brown said "It's something that remains to be seen and if it is going to be a problem, of course it's always good to be cautious.
Last week, two members of the Victory Outreach Church in Yuba City died from swine flu, although it's unknown if the virus was spread by way of a church activity. Church leaders urge worshipers to skip service if they're ill and say communion ministers who serve the eucharist will use a hand sanitizer before and after any contact with a parishioner. Some may wonder if these precautions put a distance between themselves and god, but Father Donald Higgins says not at all. "It doesn't hurt their relationship at all. If anything it increases it because it's an act of charity, an act of love, to watch out for your neighbor."
The instructions about the ceasing of holding hands were sent to churches across the North State Friday, in a letter form Jaime Soto, the Bishop of Sacramento.
These instructions apply to the Roman Catholic Church. Other churches may be treating the H1-N1 virus differently.
