The leader of the Catholic Church in American Samoa Bishop Peter Brown has announced measures for parishes in the Diocese to follow in light of the coronavirus outbreak.
Bishop Peter Brown said in a letter to priests that at this time when the whole world is struggling to cope with the spread of coronavirus “let us support them and each other in prayer.”
He said while American Samoa has no cases as of now, its suspected that the virus will arrive on island in the future.
“We do not need to panic but we do need to be prepared as there is no vaccine for this virus,” said the bishop.
Effective Sunday, March 22
- Holy Communion will only be distributed in the hand, not the tongue
- Holy Communion via the chalice is stopped till further notice
- Holy water fonts are to be emptied or removed from the church
- At the Sign of Peace there will be no shaking of hands, embracing or kissing. Onstead parshioners asre asked to bow.
- Ministers of Communion must wash their hands before and after mass and
- Parishioners unwell to attend Mass can full fill their obligation at home with prayer
The church leader also asked persons who are sick with the flu to stay home. Also to wash hands throughly with soap and water frequently and keep hands away from face.
Bishop Brown urged,” Let us be more helpful and tolerant to each other during these times. Please particularly lookout for the older members of our community who will need special support during this epidemic.
