Local Church Traditions
Chance Due To Flu

Catholic Church is prompting the suspension of some of its most sacred traditions due to the flu.

So it means no wine during communion and no hand-shaking either. The Diocese of Venice, which covers ten counties in Southwest Florida, is asking its churches to suspend these traditions to prevent the spread of the flu.

“All parishes in the Diocese of Venice are being asked to take the following precautions to help mitigate the spread and effects of the flu. Please share the Sign of Peace without touching hands. This can be done with meaningful eye contact, smiles and a bow of the head in reverence to one another. Please note; the “Sign of Peace” is optional to the celebration of the Mass as the rubrics indicate.

The Precious Blood will not be distributed until further notice.” Quote from the Diocese of Venice

According to the CDC, flu cases peak in January and February. It’s affecting people in all 50 states. And with so many people coming down with it, the Diocese said the parishioners of each Church have been very understanding to the changes.

According to Diocese officials said, this will last until the flu outbreak settles down.