MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — The bishop of the Diocese of Manchester is encouraging parishioners to stay home from Mass if they have the flu.
The Most Rev. Peter Libasci also encouraged people to share the Sign of Peace without touching hands or kissing. He said that part of the service can be accomplished with smiles and a bow of the head in reverence to one another.
The bishop also said Communion should only be given in the form of consecrated bread. Parishioners won't be able to get wine via the chalice.
The bishop also has requested that greeters and ushers refrain from shaking hands with parishioners and use only verbal greetings.
Similar restrictions were imposed last week in the Archdiocese of Boston.
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