Notice Board
SWINE FLU EPIDEMIC
New Liturgical Regulations for the time being at Sacred Heart Church, Northallerton There is no need at all for alarm, but it would now seem prudent to take some basic steps for the time being, and hopefully for not too long, to help prevent any spread of the flu:-
Giving Communion from the Chalice will cease because the risk of droplet spread is increased. Some Catholics hold the belief that they cannot contract or pass on an infectious disease from receiving Holy Communion. There is some scientific basis in this for some infectious agents like HIV but not for all and it may not be safe for HINI which is much more easily spread. The prudent thing is to follow hygiene advice as well as trust in the Lord. Only the celebrant should receive from the chalice, and not co-celebrants or deacons.
Communion on the tongue shall cease because a minister may cross-contaminate. Communion on the tongue will probably infect the priest or minister’s fingers because the fingers are close enough for droplet spread to occur if someone has the virus. Communion on the hand is therefore essential.
To avoid the Lectionary becoming contaminated, Readers should wash their hands beforehand. This will prevent the next person to read it from picking up the infection.
The Sign of Peace will continue, but without shaking hands. A dignified nod or a bow to your neighbour will prevent cross contamination through the hands.
Holy Water Stoop to be emptied. To prevent the possibility of water born infection.
Government advice should be followed if parishioners feel unwell or suspect they may be coming down with an illness. Parishioners should stay at home and contact the NHS. Parishioners may also wish to contact the Parish Priest or members of the Pastoral Team by phone or reliable word of mouth. Those caring for the sick are best advised to stay at home to avoid spreading the virus.
Appropriate Hygiene Precautions for seasonal, swine or pandemic flu:- Catch it - use a tissue to sneeze or cough in Bin It - bin the tissue Kill it - wash your hands thoroughly.
Normal Pastoral Practice to be sustained wherever possible.