Recently we received some suggestions from the Diocese in regard to the Coronavirus and the Mass:
Already you are familiar with the change in the Sign of Peace meaning not shaking hands and the fact that the Precious Blood is not distributed.
In addition a couple of more changes suggested from the Diocese:
Holy water fonts are now emptied in the church. Obviously, this is being done out of an abundance of caution trying to keep everyone healthy.
For the same reason, the Diocese says Communicants may want to receive Holy Communion in the hand rather than on the tongue. This is done out of respect for the person who follows in the Communion line and contact from one person to another. You may feel fine but as we distribute from one person to another there is always the possibility of transfer to the next person. The hand should be extended flat with the one hand under the other forming a throne for the Eucharist.
If a parishioner is experiencing flu-like symptoms, he/she should probably stay at home. The Code of Cannon Law allows a person to miss Mass on a Sunday or holy day of obligation for a grave reason. The Diocese says that a communicable disease is obviously a grave reason. Missing Mass for this reason is not a sin.
A person with a compromised immune system should consider whether or not they should attend Mass for the same reason. Their Mass obligation will fall in the same understanding as the one cited previously.
The parish cleaning staff has been instructed to regularly sanitize "touchpoints," such as door handles, elevator buttons, confessionals and the backs of pew where people may place their hands. Hand sanitizer is also available at the entrances of the church.
Of course, we will refrain from shaking hands as people leave Mass as again an added protection to the faithful.
Hopefully this current health situation will pass quickly and we will resume normal procedures as soon as possible. That is our prayer.