Ad Clerum - Swine Flu – July 24th 

Dear colleagues, 

I am writing to you with the latest advice that I can give you about the swine flu pandemic. The number of people suffering from it and the anxiety involved  require the following arrangements. 

Holy Communion should be administered in one kind only, and on the hand. In the interests of hygiene, those ministering at the Communion should ensure that their hands are clean, preferably with the use of sanitizers before and after the distribution. 

The Peace will have to be shared in a non-tactile way, either by a short bow, or nod of the head, or a smile. Bishop Crispian has recommended to the Roman Catholics in the area the gesture of a bow, with hands clasped as in prayer. 

It is very important that these points are explained in a calm manner. Regular washing of hands is to be recommended, whatever the circumstances, and that obviously includes baptisms. These strictures will – I hope – be only temporary. My special concern is for those most vulnerable – the elderly, children, and those with health problems. 

In all this, please remember in your prayers those who are suffering from this unpleasant disease, and their families and friends.  

With every blessing 

+ Kenneth