Hands-Off Approach to Worshipping in Duluth

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In the past, most churches have taken a "common sense" approach to the seasonal flu. This year, however, they're getting a bit more specific.

As a result, catholic masses around town might feel a little different this fall. Parishes are being urged to use increased precaution, in order to curb the spread of H1N1 and the flu.

For the congregations, it means no more holding hands during the Lord's Prayer, no more using touch to exchange a sign of peace, and no more taking communion from the Holy Chalice.

At Duluth's Cathedral of Our Lady-Rosary, those changes have already kicked in, and most parents say they support it.

They need to do, what they need to do," said Lynne Bailey, a mom of two girls at the school. "If the Catholic Church needs to take those steps until the epidemic does what it's going to do or goes away, I think that's a step they need to take, and i'll support it."

"If we can keep from spreading the flu around, it's great. I don't have a problem with it at all," said parishioner Rick Kaneski.

The Catholic Diocese of Duluth issued their revised recommendations on Tuesday, and are effective immediately. Meanwhile, Superior's Catholic Diocese issued their's late last week-- however it is not effective until October 1st.

The catholic diocese of superior has 3 additional levels that would be used if the pandemic moves from a mild form, to a more severe. The highest level means they would actually stop offering mass.

Experts say the most important guidelines is to follow the following-- if you're sick stay home, cover your cough and wash your hands. WDIO-TV, Duluth