FLU SEASON REMINDER

Every year during the flu season, we want to take reasonable precautions to prevent a flu outbreak. Therefore, it is important for us to follow these guidelines when we gather together to celebrate the Eucharist:

1. When praying the Our Father, please refrain from holding hands. Simply extend your hands toward Heaven or fold your hands.

2. During the Sign of Peace, instead of shaking hands or hugging, as is practiced in some parishes, it would be best to simply nod your head and avoid bodily contact.

3. Holy Communion will continue to be offered under both species, but you are encouraged to receive the Consecrated Host in the hands to avoid the possibility of contact with saliva. If you are sick, sneezing, or coughing, you should NOT receive from the chalice.

4. If you are ill or have flu-like symptoms, it would be best for you to stay home. You are welcome to take advantage of the Sunday TV Masses and partake in Spiritual Communion with Jesus and the Church.  It is not a sin to miss Mass on Sundays if you are ill. In fact in this circumstance, it is a great act of charity to stay home.

5. Please note that Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) are instructed to wash their hands/fingers prior to the Mass and immediately after distribution of Holy Communion.

We hope that everyone will follow these common sense steps to limit the spread of influenza and to save lives. Please pray for all who are affected or have lost their lives as a result of the flu around the nation.

Fr. Binh Nguyen