This Flu Season

The Diocesan web site has information to help us deal with the present influenza outbreak, including links to regular status updates. In particular, there you will find the Diocesan Influenza Response Plan, which includes a checklist for congregations (found on page 25).

Our local public health authority can provide additional information and advice, as can the Toronto public health unit.

Liturgical Guidelines from the Diocese of Toronto

A combination of current literature and expert medical advice concludes that sipping from the common cup and sharing a handshake represent minimal risk of transmission of contagion and fall within the parameters of the normal risks of daily living.  On the other hand, the practice of intinction (dipping of the bread) is a higher risk activity; fingertips coming in contact with the bread which is then dipped in the wine or fingertips coming in direct contact with the wine may contaminate the shared wine with pathogens other than those found in saliva. 

It is imperative that parishes take the following seriously and follow it faithfully.

It is the policy of the Diocese of Toronto that intinction is discouraged as an acceptable practice for public worship.

 

For Our Parishioners

Other things you may have wanted to know: