Bow, Smile or Wave

[HagiaSophia]

WASHINGTON: The Indian ‘Namaste’, bowing and other forms of greetings, which avoid touching, can help in containing flu, according to American health authorities.

“Shaking hands is slowly being transformed from a friendly ice-breaker into a potential vector of life-impairing contagion. The concern may be particularly acute during the flu season,” The Washington Post quoted authorities as saying.

Though the danger is particularly acute in the flu season it applies to any other form of disease which can spread by touch, it said. According to the paper, politicians now avoid the handshake, Church officials worry about it and business people are wary of it.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Matuchen, New Jersey, taking the warning seriously, has advised parishioners that they have the option to smile, bow or wave instead of shaking hands with neighbours during the ‘Sign of Peace’ portion of the Mass if they are concerned about contracting flu.

Church members also have been told they are not required to drink from the common chalice during Communion.

“Don’t hesitate to not shake hands,” said the Rev Michael Crummy, according to Hunterdon County Democrat . Businessmen are being given similar warnings, urging them not to close a deal with a handshake.

economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/971070.cms

 

[Micki]

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Matuchen, New Jersey, taking the warning seriously, has advised parishioners that they have the option to smile, bow or wave instead of shaking hands with neighbours during the ‘Sign of Peace’ portion of the Mass if they are concerned about contracting flu.

No such warning in our diocese - Trenton, NJ. Along with shaking hands for the sign of peace, we are encouraged to shake hands to introduce our selves to each other at the beginning of Mass and, of course, hold hands during the Lord’s prayer. I care to do none of this even when it’s not the flu season!!!

Micki

 

[Podo2004]

HagiaSophia:

WASHINGTON: The Indian ‘Namaste’, bowing and other forms of greetings, which avoid touching, can help in containing flu, according to American health authorities.

“Shaking hands is slowly being transformed from a friendly ice-breaker into a potential vector of life-impairing contagion. The concern may be particularly acute during the flu season,” The Washington Post quoted authorities as saying.

Though the danger is particularly acute in the flu season it applies to any other form of disease which can spread by touch, it said. According to the paper, politicians now avoid the handshake, Church officials worry about it and business people are wary of it.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Matuchen, New Jersey, taking the warning seriously, has advised parishioners that they have the option to smile, bow or wave instead of shaking hands with neighbours during the ‘Sign of Peace’ portion of the Mass if they are concerned about contracting flu.

Church members also have been told they are not required to drink from the common chalice during Communion.

“Don’t hesitate to not shake hands,” said the Rev Michael Crummy, according to Hunterdon County Democrat . Businessmen are being given similar warnings, urging them not to close a deal with a handshake.

economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/971070.cms

(sigh) ok you can bow, smile give kisses ect instead of hand shaking(although it’s rude not to accept someone wanting to shake your hand) BUT advising the people not to take from the cup?! That is rude, just passing on God’s gifts that he offers you. And you can’t deny the GIRM says it’s a more complete sign under both species!
podo

 

[Feanaro]

quote=Podo2004 ok you can bow, smile give kisses ect instead of hand shaking(although it’s rude not to accept someone wanting to shake your hand) BUT advising the people not to take from the cup?! That is rude, just passing on God’s gifts that he offers you. And you can’t deny the GIRM says it’s a more complete sign under both species!
podo
[/quote]

*“Church members also have been told they are not required to drink from the common chalice during Communion.” *
**
Podo :
**
They are not advising people to NOT drink from the chalice…they are just reminding people that it is ok not to if they have reasons for not doing so.
**
And, although the GIRM says it is a more complete sign to receive communion under both species, you have to understand the definition of complete as it is being used. It is a more complete sign of the last supper (seperate body AND blood)… it is NOT a more complete sacrament. Receiving under one species gives you ALL of Christ’s body and blood.
**
Hope this helps you a bit
**
*Uncle Feanaro *
*

 

[Lisa_N]

I wonder if it would be possible to simply suggest those who are sniffling, fight a cold, etc to avoid the contact? Being disgustingly healthy I really don’t worry too much about it, but the other day at Mass a young lady in a pew in front of me spent the whole time sneezing and wiping her nose. Then of course she shook hands, etc. I kind of worried about the older people that she contacted. It’s pretty easy to spread these things and with the shortage of flu shots, something to consider with more fragile members.

My boss (a doc) basically will NOT shake hands with anyone. He said it’s too easy to pick something up and if HE gets sick the opportunity to spread it to many is much higher so he really tries to avoid contact (he’s Jewish btw so I don’t know if their services are quite so 'touchy feely).

Lisa N

 

[HagiaSophia]

Lisa N:

I wonder if it would be possible to simply suggest those who are sniffling, fight a cold, etc to avoid the contact?

It’s not the real answer - you are coming down with infections before you get the massive symptoms and while a slight cold to one person is nothing another person will come down massively ill. It’s really best to avoid the physical contact.

 

[HagiaSophia]

]
And, although the GIRM says it is a more complete sign to receive communion under both species, you have to understand the definition of complete as it is being used. It is a more complete sign of the last supper (seperate body AND blood)… it is NOT a more complete sacrament. Receiving under one species gives you ALL of Christ’s body and blood.

Well worth repeating - I have seen more posts in this forum totally misunderstanding this point than almost any other reference to the Eucharist.