Auxiliary Bishop Frank Caggiano, Vicar General, has written to all pastors of the diocese urging them to use common sense when distributing communion under both species during the current flu season. The memorandum says:

“The faithful should use common sense precautions when attending Mass or other public functions in the parish so that the possibility of spreading this disease is minimized.

“More specifically, may I ask that you remind people, either through the use of your Sunday bulletin or perhaps by means of an announcement at Mass, of the need to refrain from receiving from the cup or physically exchanging the sign of peace at Mass if a person exhibits any signs of the disease.

“Precautions should also be taken to ensure that all chalices are thoroughly purified and washed after each celebration of Mass and access to a hand sanitizer is readily available in the sacristy for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and the celebrant alike.

“While the need to remind our people of these common sense precaution may seem unnecessary, given the gravity of the latest outbreak, such reminders may protect those most vulnerable in our midst against a serious threat to their health.”