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Maxirad
Guest
My bishop has asked that Mass attendees refrain from shaking hands until March 1 due to the current flu epidemic. But what about hugging a member of my immediate family? Am I obligated to refrain from that as well?
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triumphguy
Guest
I wouldn’t think so. You already have physical contact with your immediate family.
I wouldn’t shake hands with strangers though, based on the bishop’s.
I wouldn’t shake hands with strangers though, based on the bishop’s.
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ccmcmg
Guest
Must you do so during Mass?
If I am remembering correctly, the exchange of the sign of peace is optional.
The priest tonight (and last week) did not direct us to offer the sign of peace. We did not, but alas, almost the entire congregation did it anyway; we gave the sign of peace to those who asked us.
The Blood of Christ was also not offered for the same reason.
If I am remembering correctly, the exchange of the sign of peace is optional.
The priest tonight (and last week) did not direct us to offer the sign of peace. We did not, but alas, almost the entire congregation did it anyway; we gave the sign of peace to those who asked us.
The Blood of Christ was also not offered for the same reason.
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ProVobis
Guest
Must you? No.
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DeniseNY
Guest
Why would you be obligated to not hug your family members? 
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coachdennis
Guest
If you are talking about at Mass – one could say that you are not obligated, but your actions at Mass could say that you have no regard to what your bishop asked. Is that an example you want to set for others?
Would it really hurt you for one month (since today is February 1) to refrain from shaking hands at Mass?
Also, think of the “sign” you are sending if you shake hands with some of the people around you and not others?
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Cat
Guest
Wear gloves. This will cut down drastically on your risk of transmitting or acquiring viruses. There are plenty of fashionable gloves for men, women, and children.
And…I’ve seen plenty of people wearing masks in crowds this season–I do not blame them! A few months ago, in our microbiology lab at the hospital, we were doing hundreds of flu tests each day, and about 75% were positive for influenza! Flu is spread through aerosols, and a mask is a wise idea if you are immunosuppressed, or just one of those unlucky people who seems to get sick all the time!
And…I’ve seen plenty of people wearing masks in crowds this season–I do not blame them! A few months ago, in our microbiology lab at the hospital, we were doing hundreds of flu tests each day, and about 75% were positive for influenza! Flu is spread through aerosols, and a mask is a wise idea if you are immunosuppressed, or just one of those unlucky people who seems to get sick all the time!
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agnes_therese
Guest
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CB_Catholic
Guest
Think about how embarrassed you might be if everybody else is obeying the Bishop and not shaking hands, and refusing your handshake.
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Bookcat
Guest
I would refrain from all such expressions - even for the reason that for it encourages others to forget the Bishops direction. And a hug is not really I would say a liturgical sign of peace. The sign of peace is not about blood family bonds…
And I find it quite annoying when the sign of peace is omitted on the order of the Bishop and I still hear others behind me giving it…
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ProVobis
Guest
Can’t gloves and masks carry viruses too? I read where one needs to distance himself by at least six feet from his closest neighbor and not touch anything to substantially reduce the risk of spreading his virus. And one can be a carrier without displaying any flu symptoms. But you know that.
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thistle
Guest
You owe obedience to the Bishop.
By the way, in my opinion, even under normal circumstances there should not be hugging, kissing or handshaking.
At the sign of peace my family and I simply keep our hands down and just bow slightly to each other and say peace be with you. We do not have physical contact.
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Hoosier_Daddy
Guest
Our Bishop has suspended the Cup, cut the sign of peace, and discouraged the oft discussed hand holding during the our father. I cannot tell you how much better Mass is! There is a priest and a Deacon distributing the Eucharist. There are no awkward glances at someone who sneezed and then would have to shake your hand, and the entire Mass seems more focused on God and solemn. Since this was instituted a month ago Mass has been an absolute wonder and complete worship. And the change is not just noticed by me. By removing the sign of peace there really is no opportunity to hug a family member so your question would not really fit into the Mass. Are you saying that there is a sign of peace but you have been instructed to nod or just speak loudly to the person next to you?
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PhiloMed
Guest
If you’re referring to when you are at mass, then it’s awkward if they still have the “sign of peace” moment while asking people not to shake hands. Do they want you to just wave? I’ve done that, actually.
If you’re referring to AT ALL. As in, while in your life at home then I would say no this does not apply. Please hug your family daily.
If you’re referring to AT ALL. As in, while in your life at home then I would say no this does not apply. Please hug your family daily.
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StSentry83
Guest
If God didn’t want us to gather together lest we distract each other, then why didn’t he allow each of us (male or female) to perform our own masses?
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thistle
Guest
The sign of peace is not an awkward moment. Physical contact is not required. You simply look at a person, even a family member, keep your arms down or hands folded and give a slight bow to them saying peace be with you. How is that awkward? There is no place in Mass for hugging, handshaking, backslapping, kissing or waving. Its not a family get-together night out.If you’re referring to when you are at mass, **then it’s awkward if they still have the “sign of peace” moment while asking people not to shake hands. Do they want you to just wave? I’ve done that, actually. **
If you’re referring to AT ALL. As in, while in your life at home then I would say no this does not apply. Please hug your family daily.
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Hoosier_Daddy
Guest
I have no idea what you are talking about.If God didn’t want us to gather together lest we distract each other, then why didn’t he allow each of us (male or female) to perform our own masses?
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StSentry83
Guest
If having other people around is a major distraction from the mass, then I wonder why God wouldn’t just allow us to conduct solo masses. There must be something He thinks we’ll gain from having others around. I dunno, I can’t answer all these questions for you.
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DexUK
Guest
When making the sign of peace to those I cannot physically reach, I have in the past simply put my hands together in the flat palm prayer formation and bowed my head in the direction of the person I was ‘signing’ peace to. I actually prefer it (being as I am, fairly obsessive about hand hygiene).
It is a sign. Nowhere does it say what sort of sign it has to be.
The priest does not say “Now let us offer each other the handshake of peace”.
Perhaps the Bishops might consider encouraging a non-contact sign of peace more often?
It is a sign. Nowhere does it say what sort of sign it has to be.
The priest does not say “Now let us offer each other the handshake of peace”.
Perhaps the Bishops might consider encouraging a non-contact sign of peace more often?
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Hoosier_Daddy
Guest
I wasn’t asking any questions. Are you just looking for an argument? There is nothing wrong with worshiping together at Mass. I wish every human did just that.If having other people around is a major distraction from the mass, then I wonder why God wouldn’t just allow us to conduct solo masses. There must be something He thinks we’ll gain from having others around. I dunno, I can’t answer all these questions for you.
I was making the point that in our diocese right now there have been significant changes that are noticed by everyone. And it has been not only healthy from a medical standpoint but a spiritual one as well.
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