H1N1 flu - normal Mass practice to be resumed

New Zealand’s Catholic bishops have decided that normal Mass practices can be resumed from this Saturday 12 September.

Institute of Environmental Science and Research data shows that weekly GP consultation rates for influenza-like illness in New Zealand has almost returned to normal for this time of year.

Communion on the tongue and from the chalice, and contact during the Sign of Peace will resume across the country from Saturday.

The bishops have suggested that communicants with health concerns should not receive communion from the chalice.

They have also asked that priests and people working in parishes continue to pay attention to hygiene regarding the sacred vessels and the distribution of communion.

The bishops say they are thankful for the support they have received over the last few months in helping to restrict the spread of the H1N1 virus in parishes and the wider community.