COVID-19 outbreak: Seattle Catholic Archdiocese suspends Sign of Peace handshakes
The Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle has suspended "Sign of Peace" handshakes during Mass, and halted drinking from the chalice at communion, due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Archdiocese has also directed that Holy Water fonts be drained "until further notice."
"We are asking all members of the community to refrain from holding hands during the Lord's Prayer, and to offer a word of peace -- not a handshake -- at the Sign of Peace," the Rev. John Whitney, S.J., pastor of St. Joseph Church on Capitol Hill, wrote to parishoners.
On the St. James Cathedral web page, a note from Archbishop Paul Etienne read: "During Mass, at the Sign of Peace, simply say, 'Peace be with you' instead of offering your hands ... We will refrain from offering the Precious Blood from the chalice at this time."
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/covid-19-outbreak-seattle-catholic-archdiocese-suspends-sign-of-peace-handshakes/ar-BB10HI5h?ocid=hplocalnews
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