Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Swine Flu & Holy Communion

In response to some of the replies to the twitter posting regarding the above, I only ask because I recalled it being a serious consideration during the SARS (is that still around) scare a few years back, see here.

In fact, I did a quick google search, Catholic Churches in America are receiving permission to take precautions.

I think that we can have this discussion without debating the efficacy of the Communion. We all share the same spoon (if that is what the priest has decided to use) every Sunday. Is it not unreasonable then to consider whether a Swine Flu infected person would be able to spread infection? I'm not saying that this would change the Holy Communion, but the vessels carrying it should be sanitary and sterile for sure (we certainly clean them weekly).

I'm no epidemiologist, I don't know the specific risks. I will say though that some discussion and guidance on the issue would be appreciated.

-Steve K.