Bishop D’Arcy of the South Bend/Ft. Wayne Catholic diocese has decided to withhold the common cup during Mass from the congregation (reserving it only for the priests…which wouldn’t be the first time in history that this has taken place).  The reason:  swine flu.  You can read the story here.  Personally, I would recommend to Bishop D’Arcy the uber cool mini-individual cups that we use at Living Stones Church where we each get our own individual cup. Thus, my lips aren’t touching the same cup that your lips are touching.  I love you…but not that much. Since the Catholic church uses one cup, I think this is a good decision.  I’m not criticizing Bishop D’Arcy for this at all.  My question is more theological.  The Catholic Church teaches a doctrine of communion called transubstantiation.  In short, through a metaphysical miracle, they teach that the bread actually becomes the body of Jesus and the wine becomes the actual blood of Jesus.  This is one large dividing point between Catholicism and Protestant churches.  My question is, given the doctrine of transubstantiation, are we saying that Jesus can give us swine flu?  My OCD/hypochondriac side likes this decision.  But if I were Catholic, my theology might be troubled slightly.

In addition, the sign of peace no longer necessitates a handshake.  You can just nod your head.

NOTE: Until the health department gives us the ALL-CLEAR, high-fives on Sunday morning at the Living Stones Church have been suspended.