As the situation with swine flu progresses, the Catholic Church is taking steps to protect the Faith community. Precautionary steps are being taken regarding several aspects of the Catholic Mass. The sign of peace may be temporarily replaced by a wave to one’s neighbor, communion may be received under the form of bread only, and ill parishioners may be encouraged to stay home from Mass all in an effort to protect parishioners from the swine flu virus. Priests in the Archdiocese of Chicago were granted the freedom to make decisions about these changes during this flu pandemic. This Spring many Catholics will receive the sacrament of First Holy Communion. Swine flu will certainly provide a unique perspective on a sacred tradition of the Catholic community as many Catholic communities will not be receiving communion under both species.
For more information about the swine flu pandemic and its effect on the Catholic Church, please visit this article from the Chicago Tribune. For a reflection about swine flu and communion, please visit the Loyola Press blogs People for Others and Catechist’s Journey.
