Churches concerned about H1N1

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - The H1N1 virus is popping up everywhere. Patients have possibly contracted the virus from schools, hospitals, businesses and even churches.

At Saint Joseph's University Parish, Sunday morning, music was playing as parishioners filed in for mass. People shook hands, sang and prayed.

During the sermon, people touched each other, possibly spreading germs. Spreading germs is a new concern for Father Richard Kaley this flu season with the H1N1 strain.

"The flu is a communicable disease as everyone knows. When people gather in church, they gather with others from whom they could get the virus," Kaley said.

The services are going on as usual this flu season without any extra precautions.

“We're not going to change our services and how we worship because of an epidemic which really happens every year," Kaley said.

Saint Joseph’s University Parish did put a notice in its bulletin about H1N1. The notice states “In view of the concern regarding the H1N1 virus, we ask you to make your own decision as to whether or not you participate in holding hands during Our Father, or shaking hands during the Sign of Peace. We ask that everyone be respectful of each other’s choices.”

Also, Kaley has been asking people to use caution before participating in communion.

"We do share the same cup and again we leave that to people's choice. If they are sick I certainly hope they do not drink out of the cup," Kaley said.

As dedicated as some are to the church, Kaley said staying home is acceptable, "I would certainly hope that those who are sick do not come to church when they are feeling sick."