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FORT WAYNE — Bishop John D’Arcy made it official Tuesday: He announced that the Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne — South Bend will suspend sharing communion wine effective Oct. 18.
In a letter to his priests, D’Arcy said that, in light of the spread of the H1N1 virus, the administering of Holy Communion from the cup will be suspended at all parish Masses beginning this weekend. The suspension applies to all parish Masses — both weekdays and Sundays — and in all parish churches.
The suspension will be lifted once the situation is eased and pending proper medical advice. The Catholic Church teaches that the Body and Blood of Christ is fully present in either Holy Communion or the wine.
Also, for further protection of the health of all, the greeting of peace is optional or may be given verbally or by a nod of the head. Passing of the peace in a Catholic service most commonly involves a handshake.
Published reports indicated D’Arcy planned to make the move announced Tuesday, but the last statement from him on the diocese’s Web site as of Monday indicated that he was only asking people who were feeling sick not to partake of the communion cup.
In the Catholic church, the wine of the Eucharist is offered from a shared cup. Many Protestant churches use individual cups, and some use grape juice instead of wine during communion.
D’Arcy cited the advice he received from priests who are vicars, or deans, in the various sections of the diocese and the endorsement of Dr. Deborah McMahan, Health Commissioner of Allen County, who indicated that the present situation is a pandemic in the sense that individuals do not have the natural immunity against the H1N1 virus.
D’Arcy said that these steps have been taken to prevent illness among parishioners and the wider community. The church is cooperating with health officials for the protection of members’ health and the health of those outside the parish community, and especially children. “We regard this,” said the bishop, “as a serious responsibility.”
The matter will be monitored until this health crisis has eased and the return to receiving under both species will be allowed as soon as this seems reasonably safe, a diocesan press release said.
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