FLU SEASON OVER?
I really do not know the answer to this question. But what I do know is that we have survived the greatest threat of H1N1 this year. But one can never really be sure. Since we are on the safer side of the season we will go back to the opportunity to receive the precious blood at all our Masses beginning next week. We will also begin to offer a “handshake” at the sign of peace. Let us still follow the procedure that is outlined below.

SELF AWARENESS
Without becoming paranoid we should first use common sense in regards to spreading germs. The basic hands away from eyes and mouth is the best place to start. We come in contact with germs through everything that we touch whether it is another person or just “things” we use everyday. When we are in public places where we do come in contact with many more people we should be much more aware of these simple rules. Washing your hands when returning to your home, before eating is always a safe practice.

The second rule of thumb is even more important. If you are feeling sick or have a cold be more conscious of those around you. Coughing in your sleeve and avoiding unnecessary contact with others is imperative. You can still greet people when you see them at church but you do not need to shake their hands. At the sign of peace you can turn to those around you offer peace with a wave or a bow. This can help tremendously.

NOTE: SHAKING OF HANDS AT THE SIGN OF PEACE WILL CONTINUE TO BE OUR PRACTICE. IF YOU ARE AWARE OF BEING A BIT “UNDER THE WEATHER” USE THE ABOVE PRACTICE.

RECEIVING COMMUNION
Our Ministers of Holy Communion, including myself will gather together before Mass, wash our hands and refrain from extending the sign of peace or greeting others during Mass. This way we are sure that those who touch the sacred host and administer it to you will be doing so with cleanest  hands as possible.
Because you who are a part of the congregation will have come in contact with so many people and objects from the time you left your house and during the Mass itself can as well protect yourself from passing those germs to yourself by receiving on your tongue instead of in your hands.
The opportunity to receiving the Precious Blood will continue. If you are feeling sick please refrain from drinking from the chalice. It is okay to choose not to participate in the cup for we receive the fullness of Christ in the Sacred Host.

Personally… I Trust in these measures and the Grace of God to help us!

• The written word , along with the living tradition make up the teaching Magisterium of the Church.
• The New Testament has been handed down to us from the very Evangelist themselves  while The Epistles were written to the earliest Catholic communities following the Resurrection.
• The new Catechism of the Catholic references very clearly for us to show the foundation of our teachings and beliefs.
• The Liturgy of the Word, at the Mass, provides for us an opportunity to proclaim, hear and receive the Truth of God’s love for us!!
• Daily reading of the Bible for all Christians leads to the Truths and Sacramental life of the Catholic Church.

• The monthly publication Magnificat is an excellent guide for daily Mass which provides the Daily readings and prayers. This book also includes Sunday readings as well. You can subscribe on line at www.magnificat.com or call 1-866-273-5215. Even if you are not able to attend Mass you can follow the cycle of readings that will give you substance for the day!  
• Navarre Biblical commentaries are excellent resource books that can be purchased on line. You can purchase the whole new Testament or one book of the New Testament at a time. The following link can be used: http://www.catholiccompany.com/catholic-catalog/466/Navarre-Bible/
• To access The New American Bible and the Daily Liturgy of the Word on line just go to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops web site: http://www.usccb.org
• The Word Among Us magazine was the very first resource I ever used! Found a copy of it in the back of the Newman Center Catholic Church on IUP campus and fell in love with preparing for Sunday Mass. I remember thinking before Mass what I would preach if I were a priest… little did I know at that time!! Here is the web address: http://wau.org/amember
• Bible study Guides are numerous on line. Find one that may fit your life style, your family needs. Make sure you always search for CATHOLIC bible studies so that you will have the Church’s view on what you are studying.