MEMORANDUM

April 30, 2009

To:          All Priests and Deacons

From:    The Most Reverend Salvatore R. Matano

Re:         Precautions in the Event of the Outbreak of Swine Flu Influenza

To date, the State of Vermont has not experienced the outbreak of the Swine Influenza virus circulating in the United States and Mexico.  Nonetheless, it is prudent that caution be exercised and that a reemphasis upon proper protocols for the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass be given.  To this end, I am asking all parishes and institutions of the Diocese to note the following precautions to assure the safety of all the worshipping community:

1)  The faithful should be reminded that holding hands during the recitation of the Our Father is not a part of the Roman Rite and it is not indicated in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal.  In the Pastoral Letter that I issued on August 15, 2006, entitled: Gift of Life, Gift Eternal: The Most Holy Eucharist and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, I noted: “First, regarding The Lord’s Prayer, the General Instruction of the Roman Missal simply states that the celebrant invites the faithful to join in the prayer ‘and all the faithful say it with him.’  There is no mention of holding hands during the prayer.”  (Cf. p. 20).

2)  When concern arises about transmitting the influenza or other ailments, Holy Communion should be given under the one species of the Host, containing the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ.  Again, I quote from my Pastoral Letter: “…as relates to the distribution of Holy Communion under both species, the General Instruction of the Roman Missal states: ‘Above all, they (the pastors) should instruct the faithful that the Catholic faith teaches that Christ, whole and entire, and the true Sacrament, is received even under only one species, and consequently that as far as the effects are concerned, those who receive under only one species are not deprived of any of the grace that is necessary for salvation.’  (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, No. 81).”  (Cf. Pastoral Letter, pp. 20-21).  In instances where parishioners are afflicted with Celiac disease, the priest should offer the person the appropriate provision for receiving the special host for these cases or setting aside a chalice with the precious blood.

3)  The faithful should be advised to offer the Sign of Peace with a simple nod or bow of the head, and simply say: “Peace be with you,” and the response of the other being: “And also with you.”  The General Instruction of the Roman Missal also states that after the priest has said to the faithful “The peace of the Lord be with you always,” and the faithful have responded, “And also with you,” the priest, “when appropriate,” may add: “Let us offer each other the sign of peace.”  ( Cf. Instruction, p. 64; also Pastoral Letter , p. 20).

4)  Priests, deacons and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion should be especially reminded of the need to practice good hygiene.  All distributing Holy Communion must be encouraged to wash their hands thoroughly before Mass begins.  Also, the number of extraordinary ministers should be monitored to avoid a number that exceeds the actual pastoral need of the community.

5)  Following Mass, and subsequent to the purification of the sacred vessels by the priests or deacons, all vessels should be cleansed with hot water and soap.

6)  Greeters at the doors of the Church should avoid shaking hands when there is the danger of transmitting the influenza.

During this time, our people should be encouraged to thank God, by faithful attendance at Holy Mass, that we have been spared thus far from this influenza and to pray for those afflicted by this illness and for all public health officials as they guide us in eradicating this threat.

Be assured that all are remembered in my prayers, asking the Lord to heal His people and make us strong in His name.