Avian Flu

Governmental sources have indicated that the pandemic flu could reach Michigan this fall. If it becomes necessary for reasons of public health in your particular parish/community, the following points represent common sense practices that should be considered in the celebration of Eucharist. Other notices of similar nature may be necessary in the future.

1. That the "greeting by hospitality ministers as worshipers arrive for Mass", the "greeting before Mass begins" and the "greeting of peace" be a greeting rather than a handshake.
2. That the joining of hands during the 'Our Father' be suspended for a period of time.
3. That Eucharistic Ministers use a hand sanitizer (60 - 90% alcohol base) before and after distributing Holy Communion. This practice will remove potentially infectious materials from skin and helps prevent disease transmission.
4. That recipients of Holy Communion who are sneezing, feeling ill or have colds, etc., respectfully not receive from the cup; or, suspend the practice of receiving from the cup for a period of time as needed.

The folowing links from the US Bishops, US Centers for Disease Control, and the Michigan Dept. of Community Health may be helpful.

---

USCCB, Committee on the Liturgy
Ten Questions on Influenza and the Liturgy
(http://www.usccb.org/liturgy/influenza.shtml)

---

United States Department of Health & Human Services
Faith-Based & Community Organizations Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Checklist
(http://pandemicflu.gov/plan/pdf/faithbaseedcommunitychecklist.pdf)

Lista de planificación para la influenza pandémica en organizaciones comunitarias y religiosas (http://pandemicflu.gov/plan/pdf/spanishfbchecklist.pdf)

---

School District (K-12) Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist (http://pandemicflu.gov/plan/pdf/schoolchecklist.pdf)

Listas de planificación para la influenza pandémica en los distritos escolares (K-12) (http://espanol.pandemicflu.gov/pandemicflu/enes/24/_pandemicflu_gov/plan/
school/schoolchecklist.html)

---

Child Care and Preschool Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist (http://pandemicflu.gov/plan/pdf/child_care.pdf)

Lista de planificación para la influenza pandémica en centros preescolares y guarderías infantiles (http://espanol.pandemicflu.gov/pandemicflu/enes/24/_pandemicflu_gov/
plan/school/preschool.htm)

---

Michigan Department of Community Health
Pandemic Influenza Plan (http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Pandemic_v2_146401_7.2_0.19_.pdf)