While some places of worship around the country are taking steps to limit transmission of the swine flu, Buffalo churches so far haven’t announced any such measures. Past outbreaks of the flu caused bishops to modify how Holy Communion was distributed and to discourage the hand shaking during the part of the liturgy known as the Sign of Peace.

The U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops so far has not recommended any liturgical adaptations to deal with the flu.

The Diocese of Buffalo, with 680,000 Catholics in eight counties, expects Masses this weekend to proceed as usual, although diocesan officials did urge caution.

“At this time, Bishop [Edward U.] Kmiec is not recommending any formal changes to our daily liturgies when it comes to the distribution of Holy Communion or shaking hands during the Sign of Peace,” said diocesan spokesman Kevin A. Keenan.