Posted on 10/26/2013 11:02:27 AM PDT by RBStealth
Earlier today, I reported that Fargo’s new bishop, Bishop John T. Folda, had contracted Hepatitis A while attending the recent Bishops’ School in Rome, and had unknowingly exposed worshippers at four churches to the virus.
It turns out that Bishop Folda isn’t the only new bishop to contract the virus. A statement released this evening from the Diocese of Tyler reports that their ordinary, Bishop Joseph E. Strickland, has also been diagnosed with Hepatitis A. Bishop Strickland
Yes, its truly obvious, you are blessed, you are holy and holier than many of us.
That is the original reason I switched, before becoming aware of all the liturgical reasons.
Follow me to the Latin Mass. No reason you should have to miss Mass altogether.
>I do not attend church for “fellowship.” I go for >reflection and atonement. I don’t need that process >interrupted by socializing.
well then we’re in agreement, I go to worship, praise and thank the Lord for his sacrifice and everything he does for all.
internal words of praise during the consecration part of the mass are very important over passive participation.
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Oy vey.
I hate it too, but it’s impossible for me to refuse.
I take Humira for a genetic condition I have, and Humira represses the immune system. It's not that I "hate shaking hands" in church, it's that I shouldn't especially during cold and flu season since shaking hands is a perfect way to transfer either virus.
What irritates me more than anything are the "greeters" who try grabbing your hand to shake it on the way in the door. They get that "put off" look on their face when I place my hand behind my back and say hello rather than shake hands.
One rather overly-aggressive (I say rude) greeter got upset when I refused to shake his hand. It's gotten bad enough that I've taken to carrying something in my right hand on the way into church and simply don't make eye contact anymore.
I don't know why our church has taken to literally forcing folks coming IN to church to run a gauntlet of "greeters."
my wife has a depressed immune system, similar to you.
Alot of my concerns derive from this.
I certainly dont want to bring back things to pass onto her.
Additionally, some years ago I had a job that only gave me 3 sick days a year. So, instead of being content to get 3 colds and 1 flu a year, with 5-7 days off work for all these things(anything in excess of 3 days off from work not paid). I decided to proactively take things in my hands(also a pun), and be more careful about where I put my hands. The counter at a fast food joint where everyone lines up, and has a chance to sneeze, cough, etc. Dont put your hands down there, dont shake hands in church, prefer in hand communion over on the tongue, etc. etc.
She, like me, doesnt shake hands, but finds herself sometimes doing it....consequently she wears cotton or cloth gloves(wool?) to mass at times.
We also go to a church, where they have a ‘Stand Up and Greet’ others at the beginning of mass. Crud! Shake hands twice in a Mass, twice as many people miffed! Me refusing to shake hands in church is not only oft-putting depending on the church, but it makes me uncomfortable as well..but I am mostly used to it.
I'd say no. Even under ideal circumstances (ie: someone who's perfectly healthy, non-repressed immune system such as mine) why would any thoughtful, reasonable, intelligent person want to subject others to the risk of contracting Hep-A?
If one knowingly has a communicable disease they have an obligation to others to take precautions not to spread it.
To me that's just common sense.
I think the article shows that a priest/bishop could administer communion and unknowingly transmit disease.
Although that was not originally part of the ‘Title’ ~I added it, to discuss the issue of disease transmission during the Eucharist.
Diocesean Bishops do discuss this and every year, during each winter, there are several diosceses or more, due to fluctuatiing flu concerns, that cancel the sharing of the Chalice, or cancel the sign of the peace. Although these discussions or curtailments do not extend to one or the other of Communion on the tongue or hand, as access to the Eucharist is a strict right that cannot be curtailed in any way.
The day will come due to Avian flu or some flu of a high mortality rate when this kind of thinking will become more mainstream and “ What makes sense today, should have made sense earlier”.
yes dont be obsessive
I have an idea. From now on when somebody reaches out to shake hands during the Grope of Peace I will beg off, saying "I have hepatitis."
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