From Bishop Martin Currie - Pandemic Plan Summary:


As mentioned in the past, the Diocese of Grand Falls has been monitoring the H1N1 Flu Virus situation very closely. Based on the latest information from our parishes and local health authorities all parishes must implement our Pandemic Plan effective at all the Masses beginning the weekend October 31st - November 1st. 2009.

  • Removal of Holy Water at the entrance of the Church (to be replaced by rite of sprinkling at the beginning of Eucharist);
  • Temporary withdrawal of Communion from the cup;
  • No Communion on the tongue;
  • Hand sanitizers at the doors of the Church;
  • At the greeting of peace recommend a greeting and an acknowledgment but no shaking of the hands;
  • Encourage parishioners to stay home if they exhibit flu-like symptoms.



How To Limit The Spread Of Infectious Disease


As Christians, we are called to protect and nurture the lives of our brothers and sisters. This includes respecting the well-being of those whose health may be seriously compromised by a disease that most of us have no difficulty overcoming. Though you may shrug off a flu or cold, many cannot. If you have a cold, flu or other contagious disease, please take precautions for the sake of others.

If you are having strong symptoms of coughing or sneezing, please consider one of the following: stay home from church until you are feeling stronger; sit apart from others so as to reduce the risk of contagion (at least six feet in any direction); do not use a bare hand to contain a cough or sneeze (use a handkerchief or your elbow joint); refrain from receiving communion from the cup.

As part of health conscious approach to our liturgical actions many people are devising new ways of showing a sign of peace to each other that does not require shaking hands (hand to hand contact is one of the easiest ways to transmit infectious disease. Some people make a “peace” sign with their fingers, others bow or wave, or make some other appropriate action. These are all ways in which we express our loving concern for our community, especially the more vulnerable among us.