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The Front Pew

Handshakes, common Communion cup becoming casualities of the flu?

UPDATE: Bishop Peter Jugis of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, which includes the greater Greensboro area has released a statement regarding the flu season asking parishioners who are sick to stay at home and those in worship to avoid holding hands:

"Those persons who suspect they have been exposed to the virus should not drink from the chalice at the time of Holy Communion. Christ is received whole and entire in the consecrated Host and in the Precious Blood. As regards the reception of the Sacred Host, the communicant retains the right to receive either on the tongue or in the hand. If pastoral need suggests it, pastors may suspend the practice of holding hands, and the handshake at the sign of peace, and drinking from the chalice."

Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Raleigh has asked that church members refrain from shaking hands and from drinking out of a common cup during the celebration of the Eucharist. The request will affect all churches in the 54-county diocese, which stretches across Eastern North Carolina, beginning Oct. 4.

Bishop Peter Jugis of the Diocese of Charlotte, which covers much of the Piedmont, has made no such request, according to David Hains, communication director, told me.

"Traditionally we let the pastors make this decision, parish by parish," Hains said.