As we enter the flu season, the Diocese of Austin and Christ the King parish have increased attention to hygiene due to the flu and other infectious diseases. Every few years, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops contacts the Centers for Disease Control regarding the norms for distribution of Holy Communion. The response has always been that there is no documented evidence of transmission of pathogens when parishes follow the established norms for distribution. We would like to take this opportunity to remind liturgical ministers and parishioners of common sense practices and liturgical guidelines to keep Mass holy and healthy:
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
Keep your fingers out of your mouth and away from your nose and eyes.
Wash your hands after contact with surfaces others have touched, after using the restroom and after blowing your nose.
If choosing to receive communion on the tongue, extend your tongue sufficiently making it easy to receive without the minister touching your tongue.
Ministers who have the flu or other communicable illness should not serve the liturgical assembly.
Do not receive from the chalice if you have a sore throat or other symptoms of illness.
If a person has a fever, is vomiting, or has had either ailment within 24 hours of the Mass, they should not participate in Mass.
The above practices combined with the alcohol content of the wine, the non-porous material of the chalice, and the common practice of the faithful choosing not to receive from the chalice when feeling a bit under the weather all help to avoid the transmission of most pathogens.
Communion under both forms is a richer sacramental sign in response to our Lord’s instruction to “take and eat” and “take and drink.” However, the doctrine of concomitance reminds us that the real sacramental presence of Christ (body, blood, soul, and divinity)
is present entirely under each species, bread or wine.
Sunday Obligation: Catholics are not obliged to participate in the Mass on Sunday if they are ill. It is a matter of respect and hospitality not to gather for Mass on Sunday if one is sick. Those unable to participate in Mass, if able, should still observe Sunday, the original feast day, by spending time in prayer; giving thanks to God for life, and our redemption in Christ; recalling our many blessings, praying for strength and healing; and praying for the needs of others. Reading and reflecting on the readings of the day is beneficial.
Look for hand sanitizer dispensers at all entrances to the sanctuary and around campus.
May you be blessed with good health in 2018!