Changes at church may limit H1N1 spread

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - As the H1N1 flu takes a toll on the community, St. Thomas Aquinas in West Lafayette is taking steps to prevent the spread of the virus.

Associate Pastor Father Patrick Baikauskas said they have been preparing to take these steps for some time.

"The bishop had indicated that earlier, several months ago, that if there was an increase in the level of concern about H1N1 that there might be certain procedures that would be implemented," said Baikauskas.

Baikauskas said the church has suspended many traditions it fears could spread the illness, like Communion through a common cup of wine, receiving Communion on the tongue, and giving the sign of peace through a handshake, hug or kiss.

Baikauskas said the changes in tradition might be hard at first, but the congregation is understanding.

"It's going to be awkward no matter when we do it," said Baikauskas. "We felt, though, that we were still being prudent. There had not been an emergency in Tippecanoe County. Even though there's been in increase in number we don't see a lot of incidents here."

Congregation members said they know safety comes first.

"I understand the reasons for it," said Mary Nakleh, a West Lafayette resident. "This is a dangerous and new virus and is dangerous because we don't really know how it's going to behave or how it's going to play out. So, I regard this as very wise - to take these precautions - and you just sort of work around it."

Even so, West Lafayette resident Barbara Anderson said she will be glad when H1N1 is no longer a concern.

"I would say everyone misses it, but I would feel that people would see the necessity and reasons why the church would ask you to refrain from these," said Anderson. "I will be glad when they come back."

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