H1N1 Influenza 2009-10

Liturgical Restrictions Lifted
in the Archdiocese of Edmonton

December 15, 2009

With the advice of Alberta Health Services that the recent wave of the H1N1 pandemic has largely subsided in our region, Archbishop Smith has announced the lifting of the temporary liturgical restrictions that were imposed on September 24. Specifically, priests in the Archdiocese are now invited to:

• Resume offering the chalice to the faithful during Eucharistic celebrations.
• Resume distributing the host on the tongue for those communicants who prefer it.
• Resume the practice of shaking hands during the Sign of Peace and when greeting parishioners.
• Fill the holy water fonts.

These changes take effect immediately.

It is still possible that a "third wave" of H1N1 will strike in the new year. However, our best local medical advice is that this wave will be significantly less widespread, largely because so many in the population have now been vaccinated. Alberta Health Services will continue to monitor the situation and advise us accordingly.

Risk of infection still exists, of course, and so it is important that we remain vigilant about the good hygiene practices that have been recommended:

• Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should use hand sanitizer immediately before receiving Communion themselves and avoid touching other surfaces such as handrails before distributing Communion. The sanitizing solution must not be wiped off, as it needs to stay on the skin for 10 seconds to achieve any antibacterial/antiviral effect.
• Parishioners who feel ill should be encouraged to stay at home out of respect for their brothers and sisters.

Please share this information with the staff and lay ministers at your parish. Archbishop Smith asks that it also be noted at all other institutions in the Archdiocese where Mass is celebrated.