Bishop Joseph Bambera, left, anoints the altar with Holy Chrism as Master of Ceremonies Msgr. Dale Rupert looks on at the dedication of St. Jude’s Roman Catholic Church in Wright Township in 2017. The Diocese of Scranton has announced temporary changes to the Mass in response to the rising threat of the coronavirus and flu season.
Times Leader file photo
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The Diocese of Scranton has announced temporary changes to the Mass in response to the rising threat of the coronavirus and flu season.
The announcement came Tuesday from Bishop Joseph C. Bambera. According to the release, Masses celebrated within the diocese will not be distributing Eucharist wine, which Catholics believe is the literal blood of Jesus Christ.
Additionally, the Sign of Peace, a section of the Mass where parishioners shake each others’ hands, will be temporarily exchanged without physical contact.
Bambera said that these changes are necessary for the safety of local Catholics.
“As of today, it is important to emphasize that there are no confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Pennsylvania, but the situation across the country is changing rapidly,” Bambera wrote in the release. “The safety and health of our local faith community and all of northeastern and north central Pennsylvania is a priority for me.”
Bambera also urges parishioners who are sick to stay home, saying they are not bound by the obligation to go to Mass if they are ill. He also encourages priests and ministers of Holy Communion to practice good hygiene, including potentially using hand sanitizers before distribution of the sacrament.
The bishop suggested that further changes could be made if the situation worsens.
Reach Patrick Kernan at 570-991-6386 or on Twitter @PatKernan