To: All Parishioners

From: Rev. Dennis J. J. Mancuso, Pastor

Re.: Precautions and Preventative Measures concerning H1N1 (aka “The Swine Flu”)

As most of you are aware, health authorities are forecasting a more widespread outbreak of H1N1 than we saw last spring. This form of influenza seem to be passed from hand to hand. I am concerned about the health of my parishioners and I think that we need to make prudent steps to protect all concerned. This is especially necessary for the most mature and the youngest members of our parishes - who seem to be most susceptible.

Currently the Center for Disease Control has listed New York State as having only sporadic occurrences of H1N1. But they have seen outbreaks spread rapidly from one place to another, especially in schools and on college campuses. We should also consider the fact that by time it gets here it may be too late for us to put in place preventative measures. I think that in regard to any changes that effect the Mass we should be prudent, but not go overboard. We need also to respect our liturgical tradition — in doing so there are concrete ways we can be proactive.

I propose the following norms until the end of the Flu Season:

1.) Communion under One Species: As I announced last week we will be distributing Communion only under one species beginning this week.

2.) Priests and Extra-Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion To use Hand-Sanitizer: Starting next weekend Priests will be expected to use Alcohol-based Hand Sanitizer before Mass. Extra-Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion will be expected to use Alcohol-based Hand Sanitizer before distributing Holy Communion.

3.) The invitation to the Sign of Peace will be omitted: The Sign of Peace, which is optional, will be omitted at all Masses beginning this coming Monday.

4.) The Priests at the door of Church: Fr. Schnacky and I will still be at the doors to greet parishioners before & after mass But we will try not to shake hands.

It is my hope that this turns out to be nothing, but if it doesn’t we will be ready. — Fr. Dennis