Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette offers changes for Mass with threat of coronavirus

As Louisiana leaders prepare for coronavirus infections in the state, Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel of the Diocese of Lafayette responded Wednesday by offering changes in the celebration of the Mass.

© SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel celebrates Ash Wednesday mass at The Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist in Lafayette, LA. Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020.

Deshotel, in a directive issued by the diocese, said priests will not offer parishioners a drink of wine from the chalice during the Mass, considered part of the sharing of the Precious Blood.

Deshotel also asked those attending Mass not to hold hands during the recitation of the Our Father prayer, as is customary.

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And at the discretion of pastors, the greeting of peace offered by the congregation may be omitted or substituted, according to Deshotel's directive. When not omitted, it is appropriate to offer the sign of peace with a nod or bow of the head, instead of the traditional shaking of hands or other contact.

Deshotel has asked all who help distribute Holy Communion to sanitize their hands shortly before they do so. His directive also recommended that those receiving Communion take it in their hands instead of on the tongue, although he said it remains the recipient's choice.

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Deshotel also reminded Catholics that they should avoid Mass and other gatherings if they are showing symptoms of respiratory symptoms, coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath, or a temperature above 100 degrees.

"As shepherd of our Diocese, I remind you of the teaching of the Catechism that is not sinful to miss Mass when one is sick. In fact, remaining at home under these circumstances is an act of charity," Deshotel said in his statement Wednesday.

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The Lafayette diocese includes Lafayette, St. Martin, St. Mary, Iberia, St. Landry, Evangeline, Vermilion, and Acadia parishes.

Contact Victoria Dodge at vdodge@theadvertiser.com or on Twitter @Victoria_Dodge

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette offers changes for Mass with threat of coronavirus