THIS IS A NEWS RELEASE FROM THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CORPUS CHRISTI:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 29, 2009

RE: Bishop Edmond Carmody issues directives to Priests regarding distribution of Communion in wake of N1H1 virus situation.

The following is the text of a letter written to all Priests of the Diocese of Corpus Christi by Bishop Edmond Carmody and distributed this afternoon:

Dear Brother Priests:

Due to the seriousness of the Swine Flu, which recently took the life of a child here in Texas, let us take the following measures as a precaution until the danger has passed:

(1) The chalice is not to be shared with the faithful during Mass.  Holy Communion is to be given only in the species of the consecrated bread.

(2) Give Holy Communion in the hand and not on the tongue.

(3) The faithful should be encouraged not to hold hands during the Our Father and to share the sign of peace without touching hands or kissing.

(4)  Priests, deacons and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion should be encouraged to practice special hygiene before Mass begins.

(5) Encourage parishioners not to come to Mass when they are sick.

(6) If people come forward for a blessing at communion time, the blessing should be given without touching them.

 (7)  Care should be taken to make sure that people with celiac or special needs may receive communion in a manner appropriate to their condition.

Once the emergency of this danger has passed, we will immediately return to our traditional practices.

Let us pray for all those who are suffering from this dangerous influenza.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Rev. Edmond Carmody, DD

Bishop, Diocese of Corpus Christi