Church of the Incarnation and H1N1 (Swine) Flu

urrent concerns about a potential pandemic of H1N1 (Swine) Flu are real and, following President Obama's advice, we should be concerned but not alarmed.  Experts fully expect the incidence (the number of actual cases) to rise, perhaps even sharply in some areas.  Experts, however, are not projecting a rise in the severity of the illness at this time.  It is prudent that we take protective precautionary measures.
Our Diocese, along with dioceses around the country and around the world, is recommending certain precautions that fall into two categories: things we all should do and things we should consider doing at Church.

Things We All Should Do

s your Pastor and Priest-in-Charge, I commend the following practices to all of us:

1. Wash your hands often.
2. Cover your mouth/nose when you cough or sneeze (sleeve).
3. Stay away from people who are sick.
4. Stay home if you're sick, or getting sick.

Things We Will Do At Church Of the Incarnation

1. Sharing The Peace:  This is a sacred rite when, traditionally, we shake hands, embrace or share a kiss.  Recognizing that during the current medical concern, some of us may not be comfortable touching, everyone should know that it is perfectly fine instead to share the Peace by touching another's shoulder(s) or making another kind gesture or simply by smiling as you greet another with the words (or similar ones), "Christ's Peace be with you."
   
   
2. Clergy and Eucharistic Ministers: In an abundance of caution, I am directing that clergy and Eucharistic Ministers, in addition to and after the customary ritual hand washing also make use of hand sanitizer lotion that will be available at the Altar.  We will continue this practice until the current level of anxiety subsides.
   
   
3. Receiving Holy Communion:  We will continue to administer the consecrated bread in the usual manner.  Those who are especially concerned, those who may feel that they are coming down with a cold or the flu, and those who already are ill should probably refrain from receiving from the cup.  Experts have pointed out that "intincting" (dipping the bread into the cup) really does not reduce the risk of infection and actually may increase it because those intincting for themselves may misjudge the distance to the wine and actually touch it with their fingers.  Accordingly, I am directing that those who wish to intinct are to leave the consecrated bread in their hand and allow the Eucharistic Minister to take it from your open palm and dip it for you.  As usual, those who do not wish to receive from the cup should cross their arms over their chest so the minister will know that you do not wish to receive from the chalice.
   
   
4. Only Receiving the Bread:  Please know that the doctrine of concomitance means that you fully receive Holy Communion even if you only receive it in one kind (bread only or wine only).  It's your choice and you should know that whatever you choose should be what feels right for you.
   
   
5. Altar Guild:  The Altar Guild is directed to take additional precautions in washing their hands and using hand sanitizer before handling the wafers and sacred vessels and to be even more diligent in ensuring that the vessels are properly sanitized by rinsing with hot water and allowing them to air dry.
   
   
6. Food Preparation:   Those involved in preparing and handling food are directed to make use of sanitary gloves and to take additional steps to ensure that food is prepared and served so as to minimize spread of infection.

Fr. Joseph A. Harmon
Pastor and Priest-in-Charge