Communion On The Hand

[aalpha1989]

[quote name='Veridicus' date='08 November 2009 - 05:57 PM' timestamp='1257721037' post='1998438']
Somewhere deep in my brain I was thinking "How perfect it would be if the Swine Flu catalyzed the removal of the Rite of Peace so it no longer distracted us with our little self-fest right before the Agnus Dei". Maybe I shouldn't get liturgical excitement out of pandemic diseases.
[/quote]

[Archaeology cat]

[quote name='Veridicus' date='08 November 2009 - 10:57 PM' timestamp='1257721037' post='1998438']
Somewhere deep in my brain I was thinking "How perfect it would be if the Swine Flu catalyzed the removal of the Rite of Peace so it no longer distracted us with our little self-fest right before the Agnus Dei". Maybe I shouldn't get liturgical excitement out of pandemic diseases.
[/quote]
It has done that here, well, with some priests at least.

[AccountDeleted]

[quote name='Nihil Obstat' date='09 November 2009 - 05:58 AM' timestamp='1257706689' post='1998269']
I guess I spoke too soon a couple weeks ago. Communion on the tongue has been "temporarily suspended" in my diocese. No possibility of other interpretations in this letter.
I'm sort of disappointed. Didn't expect this from my bishop.




Ongoing Communication re: the H1N1 Flu Virus

To all clergy and parishioners of the Diocese of Calgary,

I wish to provide you with an additional update regarding proactive measures in relation to the H1N1 Flu virus. In my communication of September 14, I provided a number of directives based on counsel from health officials and those experienced with pandemic planning. Regrettably, when people think of pandemic, it conjures up images of global calamities like the Black Death or Spanish Flu, and the media headlines scream catastrophe. In reality, pandemic declarations are based on speed and range of transmission and not the deadliness of the virus.

We have been closely monitoring the situation. Much of the fear-mongering continues. The appeal to common sense, or the likelihood of people understanding the request for personal behaviour change and complying, was reasonable earlier, when the consequence of non-compliance was less significant. Now, however, the risk is higher.

At this time, it would only be prudent to elevate our diligence to the next level in trying to stop the rapid spread of the virus. For the health and safety of all people of faith, parishes must implement the changes outlined below at all masses as of Sunday November 8, 2009 until further notice.


Temporarily suspend communion on the tongue.
Temporarily suspend communion from the chalice.
Temporarily refrain from shaking hands during the sign of peace (a nod, bow or other appropriate gesture may be encouraged).
Temporarily Holy Water fonts at the entrance of the church should remain dry.
Parishes should provide hand cleaning stations near church entrances.
All ministers of communion are asked to wash their hands before mass. An alcohol-based sanitizer should be provided so that all ministers may sanitize their hands before and after distributing communion.
When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them; stay at home when you are sick - don’t go to work, school or church.

To the faithful of the Diocese of Calgary, I recognize the distress these changes to our sacred liturgy may cause for some. Be assured that these are temporary measures only, intended to protect and care for our most vulnerable brothers and sisters. Please join me in offering prayers for the sick and suffering in our community and for all those who care for them.


November 05, 2009
✠ F. B. Henry
Bishop of Calgary.
[/quote]

Another good reason to attend a Latin Mass - we are still receiving on the tongue and using Holy Water! And we don't have to give the sign of peace - all good things! I do think that there has been a little bit of an overreaction to this virus thing with regard to Communion and Holy Water though ....

[Archaeology cat]

[quote name='nunsense' date='09 November 2009 - 01:02 PM' timestamp='1257771747' post='1998731']
Another good reason to attend a Latin Mass - we are still receiving on the tongue and using Holy Water! And we don't have to give the sign of peace - all good things! [/quote]
Too bad there isn't one in my diocese.

[quote name='nunsense' date='09 November 2009 - 01:02 PM' timestamp='1257771747' post='1998731'] I do think that there has been a little bit of an overreaction to this virus thing with regard to Communion and Holy Water though ....
[/quote]
Agreed. Especially when I read things about people being completely healed by the Eucharist and the sacrifice of the Mass.

[Noel's angel]

Someone needs to tell that bishop that he has absolutely NO authority to stop people receiving on the tongue. None.

[Nihil Obstat]

[quote name='Noel's angel' date='14 November 2009 - 11:27 AM' timestamp='1258219645' post='2002647']
Someone needs to tell that bishop that he has absolutely NO authority to stop people receiving on the tongue. None.
[/quote]
You tell him. I'm afraid of mine.

[Resurrexi]

[quote name='Nihil Obstat' date='14 November 2009 - 03:53 PM' timestamp='1258232015' post='2002776']
You tell him. I'm afraid of mine.
[/quote]

I'd like to hear what the FSSP parish in your diocese is doing. I wonder whether they will stop distributing holy Communion to the people like in the diocese Aalpha mentioned or will continue to distribute the most holy Sacrament on the tongue.

[Apotheoun]

[quote name='Resurrexi' date='14 November 2009 - 01:55 PM' timestamp='1258232153' post='2002780']
I'd like to hear what the FSSP parish in your diocese is doing. I wonder whether they will stop distributing holy Communion to the people like in the diocese Aalpha mentioned or will continue to distribute the most holy Sacrament on the tongue.
[/quote]
I wonder why bishops issue statements like these that put those who prefer the older Roman Rite on the spot by making them choose between obedience to the local bishop and obedience to immemorial tradition.

[Nihil Obstat]

[quote name='Resurrexi' date='14 November 2009 - 02:55 PM' timestamp='1258232153' post='2002780']
I'd like to hear what the FSSP parish in your diocese is doing. I wonder whether they will stop distributing holy Communion to the people like in the diocese Aalpha mentioned or will continue to distribute the most holy Sacrament on the tongue.
[/quote]
If I manage to get there before the temporary suspension is lifted, I will be sure to tell you.

[Resurrexi]

[quote name='Nihil Obstat' date='14 November 2009 - 07:11 PM' timestamp='1258243867' post='2002898']
If I manage to get there before the temporary suspension is lifted, I will be sure to tell you.
[/quote]

Also, do let me know what you think of the Byzantine Liturgy when you go.

[Nihil Obstat]

[quote name='Resurrexi' date='14 November 2009 - 07:34 PM' timestamp='1258248896' post='2002969']
Also, do let me know what you think of the Byzantine Liturgy when you go.
[/quote]
Ukrainian.

I'm happy, it's a ways away, but even easier to get to than the other one.

[Resurrexi]

[quote name='Nihil Obstat' date='14 November 2009 - 08:37 PM' timestamp='1258249023' post='2002971']
Ukrainian.

I'm happy, it's a ways away, but even easier to get to than the other one.
[/quote]

The Ukranian-Greek Catholic Church uses the Byzantine Liturgy (as do about half of the other sui iuris churches).

Edited November 15, 2009 by Resurrexi

[Nihil Obstat]

[quote name='Resurrexi' date='14 November 2009 - 08:04 PM' timestamp='1258250653' post='2002984']
The Ukranian-Greek Catholic Church uses the Byzantine Liturgy (as do about half of the other sui iuris churches).
[/quote]
Just specifying.

[Resurrexi]

[quote name='Nihil Obstat' date='14 November 2009 - 09:15 PM' timestamp='1258251356' post='2002992']
Just specifying.
[/quote]

Okay.

[Apotheoun]

Interesting exchange.