Wednesday, September 30, 2009

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

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

"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."


?!!!!!!!!!!?????????!!!!!!

Men and women have shed their blood to participate in the Holy Sacrifice, and we are concerned about the *#$%ing flu......
Give me a holy break......

Unknown said...

Thanks for that fact, and for that comment, anon!

I sure agree with your final comment. There's a lot of panic going around and I'm betting that Mike Osterholm and a bunch of other epidemiologists are making lots of money on consulting contracts.

You'd think it was 1918 in the days before cars, penicillin and antibiotics, for crying out loud. We've got the finest medical system int he world.

And every year many thousands die of "seasonal flu" and nobody gets excited.

Certainly all the pagans and fitness freaks who believe that if they do things just right they will never die are also behind the hysteria.

Anonymous said...

Ray, this off topic:

Your pro-abortion Gov. Pawlenti is in NO way suitable to be President of these here United States (today's Drudge Rpt.). Now, Ray, you gotta do something about it!



Can you give email address so one can directly contact your blog that way? (old email doesn't work, tried it already)

--William

Terry Nelson said...

Quit picking on Mike Osterholm and don't start with Pawlenty.

Unknown said...

Everybody needs an ogre and mine is Mike Osterholm!

I hope you have S, S'd, and S'd for tonight's double-date with Ms. C of A!