The following is from the Diocese of Sacramento website:
We’ve received several questions about flu season and whether or not Bishop Soto is planning to suspend the common cup for Communion.
In order to determine whether or not to temporarily suspend the cup, we closely monitor the California Department of Public Health’s weekly Influenza surveillance report. When the CDPH has determined that influenza-like illnesses (ILIs) have exceeded the epidemic threshold, the Bishop will notify you about suspending the cup for Holy Communion.
As of their most recent report, however, CDPH determined that the incidence of Influenza like illnesses is “widespread” and “above expected levels for this time of year” but has not reached the epidemic threshold. In the meantime, everyone should take care and be prudent about receiving the cup and making contact with others.
Please remind your parishioners that if they are not feeling well they should abstain from the cup and avoid shaking hands at the kiss of peace. You may assure them that “since Christ is sacramentally present under each of the species, communion under the species of bread alone makes it possible to receive all the fruit of Eucharistic grace.” [Catechism, 1390].
Related: No obligation to attend Mass if you’re sick (Oakland Diocese)
This seems like simple common sense. I doubt God wants us to spread a communicable disease for some religious rite, however sacred.
None of these things — hand-contact, cup-sharing — were problems before 1963.
If a person is sick they should stay home and have someone bring them the Eucharist. If your child is sick you should stay home and take care of them. The Precious Blood does not make us sick. Coughing,leaving germs on door handles etc. and hand shaking could.
How about all Bishops of all Diocese in California putting a stop to the Communion Cup, shaking hands,
the kiss of Peace and the Holy Water Fonts. Surely makes common sense during this flu season when people are dying. If you leave it to the person sitting in the pew, they will continue to approach the
Communion Cup and drink from it. It is very simple to just put a STOP IT! And make it mandatory.
Intinction is the way to go for communion on the tongue and one day, with a new pope, on our knees.
I Again Suggest – that like ‘sneeze guards’ at restaurants, the Wafers (prior to communion) be stowed under some sort of hood, as with a Cake Cover – as they often sit open in the back of the Church and open to the coughs and sneezes of those passing by.
An Once of Precaution – Etc.
No communion for laity from chalice starting Sunday-before-last in my parish. I didn’t hear any complaints.
We can’t receive on the tongue but we can shake hands and use holy water. Odd, huh.