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To: Priests and Deacons
From: Wilton D. Gregory, Archbishop of Atlanta
Many parts of the country, including Georgia, have been hit particularly hard by influenza this winter. We continue to monitor both the guidance of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and our local situation. We will be in touch immediately if it seems appropriate to take more significant steps, such as temporarily suspending Communion from the chalice or on the tongue.
At this point, anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms should be advised not to attend Sunday Mass (or other parish activities), partake from the chalice or participate in the exchange of the Sign of Peace. The possibility of infection with influenza represents a sufficient reason not to attend Sunday Mass, and obviates the Sunday obligation.
The USCCB Secretariat on Divine Worship has posted vital information regarding the flu: http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacred-art-and-music/influenza-and-the-liturgy.cfm I urge you to familiarize yourself and your parish family with the information presented there.