Panic at the Altar!

In Milwaukee:

"Thousands of children will be making their first Communions in Catholic churches across the region this weekend, their first opportunity to partake in what Catholics believe is the body and blood of Christ.

But the ceremonies may not go off exactly as planned for some, as churches consider suspending the communal cup for sacramental wine, along with other precautions to stem the spread of the swine flu."

I wonder if its ever been proven that anyone, anywhere has caught the flu or a cold from sharing a chalice. My guess - no.

That being said, I am all for using the swine flu panic to get rid of this:

"Some Catholic congregations in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties had already begun making liturgical changes, such as... omitting the handshake of peace or suggesting alternative ways to offer the greeting."

And may I add holding hands during the Our Father.