CINCINNATI, Ohio — Parishioners will no longer offer handshakes as a sign of peace at a Roman Catholic Church in Cincinnati because of concerns about swine flu.
St. Veronica Church staff distributed a flier at weekend Masses advising that participants should no longer hold hands for the "Our Father" prayer or shake hands during the "sign of peace."
Also, priests will no longer shake hands with parishioners after Mass, and wine won't be offered from a cup during Communion. The Archdiocese of Cincinnati says individual parishes have the ability to make such decisions on health concerns.
Schools and churches across the country are taking precautions against the global swine flu epidemic that emerged in April. Health officials expect a surge in cases this fall.
Last week, Franklin County reported its first death contributed to the H1N1 virus.
http://www.onntv.com/live/content/onnnews/stories/2009/09/08/Handshakes_Banned.html?sid=102
St. Veronica Church staff distributed a flier at weekend Masses advising that participants should no longer hold hands for the "Our Father" prayer or shake hands during the "sign of peace."
Also, priests will no longer shake hands with parishioners after Mass, and wine won't be offered from a cup during Communion. The Archdiocese of Cincinnati says individual parishes have the ability to make such decisions on health concerns.
Schools and churches across the country are taking precautions against the global swine flu epidemic that emerged in April. Health officials expect a surge in cases this fall.
Last week, Franklin County reported its first death contributed to the H1N1 virus.
http://www.onntv.com/live/content/onnnews/stories/2009/09/08/Handshakes_Banned.html?sid=102