Swine Flu & Sign of Peace

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With the constant news on the Swine Flu, I and I am sure other parishioners, are alarmed about the “Sign of Peace” gesture. It was a nice gesture way back when it started, but since then we’re getting plagued with different virus’s year after year. Upon traveling and visiting other parish’s, some do the "Sign of Peace’ in a more safe gesture. One has you facing each other and nod, but my favorite is holding up the sign of peace, the “V” shape. Now with the colder months approaching, one has to face at times, children with running noses and parents neglecting to give them a handkerchief. I get queasy at the sight and find myself strategically moving myself to an area in the church to avoid such. Isn’t it about time to end such gesture or at the least modify it to protect all of us?
 
Novel said:
With the constant news on the Swine Flu, I and I am sure other parishioners, are alarmed about the “Sign of Peace” gesture. It was a nice gesture way back when it started, but since then we’re getting plagued with different virus’s year after year. Upon traveling and visiting other parish’s, some do the "Sign of Peace’ in a more safe gesture. One has you facing each other and nod, but my favorite is holding up the sign of peace, the “V” shape. Now with the colder months approaching, one has to face at times, children with running noses and parents neglecting to give them a handkerchief. I get queasy at the sight and find myself strategically moving myself to an area in the church to avoid such. Isn’t it about time to end such gesture or at the least modify it to protect all of us?
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Just a personal quirk, but I hate the “V” sign – reminds me of hippies in the 60’s. I think the original sign of peace was a “kiss of peace”. Maybe we should revert to that, but first everyone should put on the little white face masks. Or at least keep a bottle of Purel hand sanitizer in each pew. I suppose latex gloves would also be appropriate. Then again it might be simpler if everyone just wore a peace button and pointed to it at the appropriate time.
Seriously, I think we have become too parnoid over germs. Exposure to bacteria helps build immunity. And some bacteria is the good stuff.
 
I refuse to acknowledge the sign of peace when I travel (we do not do it at my parish for the OF Mass). I just stand there with my eyes closed.
 
I have no problem giving or receiving the sign of peace, now or at any other time.
 
I don’t think it’s a big deal. I mean, everyone is already taking the right precautions for the flu season, right?
If someone looks sick, don’t shake their hand (and they will most likely be smart enough to tell you). Otherwise, The Sign of Peace is fine, IMO!
 
Our parish recently eliminated the sign of peace for the duration of the flu season.

We do it at other times of the year.
 
I love cold and flu season. I get to politely smile and bow and wish God’s blessings on someone else–and I don’t have to deal with the nice lady who has sneezed 17 times, sans hankie–as she extends her hand.

I have about one functioning antibody left after a serious of serious illnesses, and I’m saving it. I do not present as a person of questionable resistance, but I am.

I love chilly days because I get to have gloves on without looking strange in my usually sunny clime.
 
My church has also suspended the handshaking until the swine flu scare blows over - and then I see people clasping hands during the Our Father. So what did this accomplish, exactly? :confused:
 
I think the best thing the Church could do is eliminate it entirely, all year long, flu or not. I never did see any purpose for it in the first place.
 
Maria65 said:
My church has also suspended the handshaking until the swine flu scare blows over - and then I see people clasping hands during the Our Father. So what did this accomplish, exactly? :confused:
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When comes time for the “Our Father”, I stand, hands folded in prayer, eyes closed. There’s been a whole bunch of threads here, on various forums, regarding the possible liturgical abuse in holding hands.

BTW, Sunday morning, the teenager in front of me spent half the Mass “mining” his nasal passages, then turned to shake hands :eek: I pointed to the tissue in my hand, smiled, bowed, and wished him peace.
 
What do you do about handling doorknobs that have been handled by hands handling the virus?😊
 
People are worried about shaking and holding hands, what about those who drink from the cup? That to me is just gross, flu season or not.
 
LovedMyAlydar said:
People are worried about shaking and holding hands, what about those who drink from the cup? That to me is just gross, flu season or not.
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im one of my parishes at least, the cup is not offered(now at least, i forget about earlier because i was attending my other parish)
 
FrJindra said:
What do you do about handling doorknobs that have been handled by hands handling the virus?😊
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I keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in my car. It isn’t just door knobs, it’s missalette’s. When mass is over and I get the car to go home I use a squirt of the stuff. Then when I get home I always wash my hands thoroughly. Our pastor recently announced that if you are sick to stay home and get well rather than come to church and infect everyone else. 🙂
 
I have no problem shaking hands during the sign of peace at any time of the year and if I feel that there is a problem with germs i just give my hands a good scrub after mass and I am not there to see how many people blow their noses sneeze or whatever I am there to spend time with Christ in the eucharist
 
I just keep my hands clasped together (since Christ is on the alter), smile at my fellow brothers and sisters and a little bow towards them in respect.

Just my two cents.

emp
 
empacae said:
I just keep my hands clasped together (since Christ is on the alter), smile at my fellow brothers and sisters and a little bow towards them in respect.

Just my two cents.

emp
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That’s also my practice.
 
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