New Directives

A group calling themselves "The Catholic Bishops of Pennsylvania" have, starting this weekend suspended the practice of the "peace handshake" and also the distribution of the Precious Blood to prevent pig flu infection.

I've not heard of this group of bishops before, which leads me to believe that they don't do too much.

Was this really required? Common sense dictates not to shake people's hands anyway during cold and flu season. I know a priest who keeps his hands under his chasuble during those months after Mass. Common sense. Since shaking hands is inappropriate while the Blessed Sacrament lays there exposed and alone on the altar, maybe the practice will just fall out of use.

Same on handing out the Precious Blood.

But that's just me.

And a couple hundred years of church tradition.