DeKALB | Local churches are taking precautions to prevent swine flu.

“We addressed it because people are concerned,” said Laura Crites, associate pastor of the First United Methodist Chruch, 321 Oak St. in DeKalb.

Monsignor Glenn Nelson of the Newman Catholic Center, 512 Normal Road, offered his parishioners some tips in a newsletter issued in June.

“There is no single gesture required for [the Sign of Peace],” Nelson said in the newsletter. “We should be mindful that some people prefer a simple bow to a handshake or embrace.”

In the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations, the Sign of Peace is a time during the worship service when congregates greet each other, usually with a handshake or hug.

In Catholic tradition, followers are encouraged to take Eucharist, commonly known as the Holy Communion, which is generally considered as a commemoration of the Last Supper as depicted in the Bible. During communion, parishioners partake in a small piece of bread and a sip of wine (sometimes substituted with grape juice).

In most Protestant (non-Catholic) denominations, wine or juice is distributed in individual servings, but in Catholic tradition all parishioners drink from a single cup.

Taking Communion is optional, said Maria Alderson, liturgy director for the Newman Catholic Center. To date, Alderson has not noticed a decrease in the amount of people taking Communion.

The Rockford Diocese has sent out guidelines stating that certain practices, such as the communion cup, may be omitted in the case of an outbreak, Alderson said.

“So far, by the grace of God, we’re keeping things the same,” Alderson said. “We’re not doing that much different.”

Many places of worship are taking a “common sense” approach to health, encouraging their communities to wash their hands regularly and avoid touching their nose and mouth.
Many churches are also making use of hand sanitizer.

First United Methodist Church, for example, has a large bottle for public use positioned near the entrance, Crites said.

“We don’t ask them [to use the sanitizer],” Crites said. “But it’s there and visible for them to help themselves.”

The Newman Catholic Center also has hand sanitizer available for those who distribute communion and offering plates.

Some institutions are getting a bit more pro-active.
The Muslim Community Center and Mosque, 5921 Darlene Drive in Rockford, is hosting a forum for its community this Sunday.

Local Muslims will be invited to come and have their H1N1 questions answered by an Illinois Department of Health representative, said Shpendim Nadzaku, imam of the center.

“It’s for members of our community who are maybe a bit confused [about H1N1],” Nadzaku said.

In the Islamic tradition, observing cleanliness is considered a pillar of the religion. This pillar, called “tahara” or purity, is especially important before offering prayers at a mosque. Followers are required to cleanse themselves with clean water before prayer, a process called “wudu.”

Regardless of religious affiliation, most establishments are urging congregates to stay home if they feel sick.

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