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Communion

Saturday, January 19, 2013

No Change to Catholic Liturgy Sought in Western PA Due to Flu

For now, signs of peace and wine distribution will follow regular procedures in the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh. Elsewhere around the country, some church leaders are mandating change to prevent flu from spreading.

As the ongoing flu epidemic continues around the United States, some church leaders around the country are changing procedures and issuing recommendations for avoiding the contagious ailment while worshipping. At masses this weekend in the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, however, signs of peace and wine distribution from communal chalices during Communion will follow regular procedures, a diocesan spokesman said Friday. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops this week said it does not see the need for widespread changes to liturgy to prevent the spread of the flu nationally. It also noted that the decision lies with individual diocesan bishops to recommend or mandate such changes in their communities. For now in Western Pennsylvania, no …

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