Liturgical practices restored

Intermountain Catholic

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Bishop John C. Wester prepares the communion cup during a Mass in The Cathedral of the Madeleine.

SALT LAKE CITY - The communal cup, handshake of peace and holy water in fonts has been restored in the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City.

In a Jan. 25 letter to the diocese, the Most Rev. John C. Wester wrote:

"The Diocesan Office of Liturgy has consulted with the Salt Lake Valley Health Department and the Center for Disease Control concerning the H1N1 flu virus.

Based upon their recommendations, all parishes and missions of the Diocese of Salt Lake City should return to normal liturgical practices immediately. This means that the precious blood should be distributed at each Eucharist, people may share the sign of peace with a handshake or kiss, and holy water fonts can be filled.

I do urge you to remind people to practice good hygiene, especially liturgical ministers. Please continue to encourage the use of hand sanitizers for ministers of hospitality and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. Also, remind people that if they feel ill they should not receive from the cup. This would be an appropriate time to remind the faithful that if they receive from the consecrated bread, they receive both the body and blood of our risen Lord.

Please make these announcements before your daily Eucharist and before Eucharist this coming Sunday. If you have further questions or comments, please contact Timothy Johnston in the Office of Liturgy."