The Catholic Community Of Pleasanton
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Guidelines For Mass During The Germ & Flu Season


Dear Friends,

As news reports spread about the severity of this year’s flu, I occasionally hear comments from parishioners that they've heard about other dioceses or parishes where the Sign of Peace has been eliminated or that the Blood of Christ is no longer offered to the community. At this point in time, no such directive has been issued from our diocese. While I can understand the good will of those wishing to take precautions so as to reduce the potential of the flu virus being transmitted among parishioners, what I would like to urge the members of CCOP to do is USE COMMON SENSE. These are some of "the ways to avoid a cold" that our mothers taught us when we were little; they still work! Stay home if you're not feeling well - the Lord will understand. If you have to sneeze or cough, cover your mouth. Wash or disinfect your hands frequently; and, as much as possible, try to avoid touching your nose, eyes or mouth with an unwashed hand.

Regarding the shaking hands and the Sign of Peace or holding hands during the Lord’s Prayer and receiving the Blood of Christ during Communion, please note the following recommendations:

During The “Our Father” - If you are concerned about holding hands, please clasp your hands together and acknowledge your neighbor with a nod.

During the “Sign of Peace” - If you choose NOT to shake hands with those around you, please just clasp your hands and nod at your neighbors to acknowledge their presence and exchange peace in this manner.

Receiving the Blood of Christ - What about receiving the Blood of Christ at Communion? First, remember that one receives the "whole Christ" - Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity - by receiving under the form of bread alone.

Receiving both forms (the Host and the Cup) is commendable, as it is a "fuller sign" of the reality of the Eucharist. Receiving from the Cup is always optional, and anyone who is experiencing any cold-like symptoms should always refrain from receiving the Blood of Christ out of courtesy for others.

But doesn't the common Communion Cup transmit germs and viruses? Well, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has an interesting take on this question. In their report on this matter, these experts on infectious disease say:
“The risk for infectious disease transmission by a common communion cup is very low, and appropriate safeguards -- that is, wiping the interior and exterior rim between communicants, use of care to rotate the cloth during use, and use of a clean cloth for each service -- would further diminish this risk. In addition, churches may wish to consider advising their congregations that sharing the communion cup is discouraged if a person has an active respiratory    infection (i.e., cold or flu) or moist or open sores on their lips (e.g., herpes)."

Source: AJIC: American Journal of Infection Control, October 1998 (Vol. 26, Issue 5, Pages 538-539). [Bold text added – g.w.]
Presently, our Eucharistic Ministers use an alcohol-based anti-germicidal hand wash immediately prior to distributing Communion and all Ministers of the Precious Blood wipe the rim of the cup clean and rotate it ¼ turn between each communicant. 

And remember, Mom was right – “use common sense!"
​

Peace,
Dn. Gary
St. Augustine Church
3999 Bernal Avenue
Pleasanton, CA 94566

Phone: 925.846.4489
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church
4001 Stoneridge Drive
Pleasanton, CA 94588

Phone: 925.484.5020
Faith Formation Office
3999 Bernal Avenue
Pleasanton, CA 94566

Phone: 925.846.3531
"To know Christ better, 
live as He calls us to live, 
and make Him better known."
© 2019 Catholic Community of Pleasanton
Comments or Questions About The Site
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  • Home
    • I'm New
    • About Our Pastor
    • Mass Times
    • News And Events
    • Update On The Abuse Crisis
    • Safe Environment
    • Ministry Signup
  • Liturgy
    • Liturgical Ministries >
      • Altar Linen Care Ministry
    • Liturgical Planning >
      • Ministry Guidelines and Liturgical Documents
      • Ministry Schedule & Sign Up Form
    • Music >
      • Worship Aids
      • Join The Ministry
      • Calendar
      • Media
  • Learning
    • Faith Formation Registration
    • ​ Elementary School (1st - 5th Grade) >
      • Elementary Parish Program
      • Intergenerational Faith Community
      • Eucharistic Preparation
    • ​ Middle School (6th - 8th Grade) >
      • Service Projects
      • Pictures And Videos
    • High School (9th - 12th Grade) >
      • Confirmation Year 1
      • Confirmation Year 2
      • Youth Group
      • Service Opportunities
      • Socials
      • Photo Gallery and Videos
      • Online Resources
    • Adults >
      • RCIA & The Parish >
        • RCIA: Inquiry
        • RCIA: The Journey
        • RCIA: Gospel Themes
        • RCIA: Calendar
      • Bible Study
      • January Adult Series
      • Parish Mission
      • Lenten Reflection
      • Online Resources
      • Recommended Reading
      • Returning Catholics
      • Special Religious Education (SPRED)
      • Why Catholic
    • Vacation Bible School
    • Sacramental Preparation >
      • Baptism
      • Eucharist
      • Confirmation
      • Reconciliation
      • Marriage
      • Anointing Of The Sick
      • Funerals
      • Holy Orders & Religious Life
    • FAQs
  • Living
    • Social Justice & Charity >
      • Kids Against Hunger / Global Solidarity Initiative
      • Fair Trade
      • Get On The Bus
      • Social Justice Committee
      • Society of St. Vincent de Paul
      • Habitat For Humanity
      • MedShare
      • St. Mary's Outreach
      • Giving Tree Program
      • Detention Ministry
      • Other Events
    • Evangelization >
      • How Do I Become A Catholic? - Inquiry & RCIA
    • Family Life Ministries >
      • Grief Ministry
      • Divorced & Separated Support Group
      • Ministry To The Sick
      • AA and Al-Anon
      • Employment Connection
      • Military Peer Support Group
      • M.O.M.S.
      • Marriage Preparation
      • Prayer Shawl Ministry
      • Infant Toddler Playgroup
      • Tri-Valley Catholic Young Adults
    • Small Christian Communities >
      • SCC Signup Form
    • WINGS
    • Invite 2.0
  • Giving
    • Stewardship
    • Giving Made Easy (GME)
    • Stewardship Of Treasure: Monthly Report
    • 2017 / 2018 Financial Report
    • Amazon Smile
  • Arise & Build
    • Our Needs
    • Campaign Status
    • Pledge NOW!
  • Media
    • Pastor's Corner
    • Pastor's Message
    • Photos >
      • 2019: Confirmation Retreat
      • 2019: Disco Bingo
      • 2019: Fr. Dan Funeral Rites
      • 2019: Knights Of Columbus Crab Feed
      • 2018 >
        • 2018: 2nd Annual WINGS Women's Tea
        • 2018: Altar Servers Great America Trip
        • 2018: AMP
        • 2018: Appalachia With Matt Gray & Maryknoll
        • 2018: Buddha & Jesus Against Hunger Packing Event
        • 2018: Christmas Concert
        • 2018: Confirmation Retreat
        • 2018: Confirmation
        • 2018: Cross Walk
        • 2018: Detention Ministry Toy Drive
        • 2018: Disco Bingo
        • 2018: Easter Vigil
        • 2018: Elementary Faith Formation
        • 2018: Festa Italiana
        • 2018: First Eucharist
        • 2018: Fr. Paul's 25th Anniversary Of Ordination
        • 2018: Giving Tree
        • 2018: High School Social
        • 2018: Knights Of Columbus Breakfast With Santa
        • 2018: Knights of Columbus 50th Anniversary Mass
        • 2018: Knights Of Columbus Keep Christ In Christmas Poster Contest
        • 2018: Knights of Columbus 50th Anniversary Dinner
        • 2018: Mass For The Sick
        • 2018: Our Lady Of Guadalupe
        • 2018: Palm Sunday
        • 2018: Papal Ninja
        • 2018: RCIA @ St. Mary's
        • 2018: RCIA Cathedral Tour
        • 2018: RCIA Retreat
        • 2018: Seminarian Visit
        • 2018: Social Justice Committee Kids Against Hunger Packing Event
        • 2018: St. Patrick's Dinner
        • 2018: SVdP Easter Baskets
        • 2018: Vacation Bible School
      • 2017 >
        • 2017: Altar Servers Great America Trip
        • 2017: AMP
        • 2017: Backpack Drive
        • 2017: Blessing Of The Pets
        • 2017: Christmas Concert
        • 2017: Confirmation
        • 2017: Dia de los Muertos
        • 2017: Cross Walk
        • 2017: Easter Vigil
        • 2017: Elementary Faith Formation
        • 2017: First Wednesdays
        • 2017: Habitat For Humanity
        • 2017: Homeless Backpack Drive
        • 2017: Knight Of Columbus Crab Feed
        • 2017: Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir
        • 2017: Our Lady Of Guadalupe
        • 2017: Parish Picnic
        • 2017: Spanish First Eucharist Mass
        • 2017: SVDP Thanksgiving Baskets
        • 2017: Vacation Bible School
        • 2017: Youth Group
      • 2016 >
        • 2016: Affordable Housing Forum
        • 2016: Backpack Drive
        • 2016: Blessing Of The Pets
        • 2016: Christmas Concert
        • 2016: Confirmation
        • 2016: Cross Walk
        • 2016: Easter Vigil
        • 2016: Holy Thursday
        • 2016: Knights Of Columbus Crab Feed
        • 2016: Mass For The Sick WIth Annointing
        • 2016: Nativity Display
        • 2016: Our Lady Of Guadalupe
        • 2016: Parish Picnic
        • 2016: Summer Joy Festival
        • 2016: SVdP Easter Baskets
        • 2016: SVdP Thanksgiving Food Baskets
        • 2016: Vacation Bible School
        • 2016: Young Neighbors In Action
      • 2015 >
        • 2015: Celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe
        • 2015: Confirmation
        • 2015: Confirmation Retreat
        • 2015: Corazon
        • 2015: Crop Walk
        • 2015: Cross Walk
        • 2015: Easter Baskets for Catholic Worker House
        • 2015: Easter Vigil
        • 2015: Farewell To Fr. Lee & Gepaul
        • 2015: Festa Italiana
        • 2015: First Eucharist
        • 2015: MedShare Volunteer Event
        • 2015: Music Ministry Christmas Concert
        • 2015: Parish Picnic
        • 2015: RCIA
        • 2015: RCIA Cathedral Tour
        • 2015 - Santa Rita Jail Toy Distribution
        • 2015: Social Justice Camp For Teens
        • 2015: SVdP Thanksgiving Food Baskets
        • 2015: Vacation Bible School (VBS)
        • 2015: Year 1 Confirmation Retreat
      • 2014 >
        • 2014: Blessing Of The Pets
        • 2014: Confirmation
        • 2014: Crop Walk
        • 2014: Cross Walk
        • 2014: Easter Vigil
        • 2014: First Wednesday
        • 2014: Lady Of Guadalupe Mass
        • 2014: Music Ministry Christmas Concert
        • 2014: Parish Picnic
        • 2014: SVdP Thanksgiving Food Baskets
        • 2014: Vacation Bible School (VBS)
        • 2014: WINGS Fr. Paul Meeting
      • 2013 >
        • 2013: Advent Concert
        • 2013: Deacon Joe's Ordination
        • 2013: Father Paul's Installation
        • 2013: Lady Of Guadalupe Mass
        • 2013: MedShare
        • 2013: Parish Mission
        • 2013: Parish Picnic
      • 2012 >
        • 2012: Parish Night Out
        • 2012: Parish Picnic
        • 2012: Vatican II Jubilee
        • 2012: Vacation Bible School
      • 2011 >
        • 2011: Advent Concert
      • 2010 >
        • 2010: Choir Rome Pilgrimage
    • Video
    • Audio
    • Documents
    • Bulletins
  • Contact Us
    • Rectory & Offices
    • Clergy
    • Staff
    • Pastoral Council
    • Finance Council
    • Flocknote