BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The coronavirus pandemic is impacting church services around the globe, including in Massachusetts.
The Archdiocese of Boston said that Sunday mass will still be held, but Cardinal Sean Patrick O'Malley said communion will be placed on hands, not on tongues.
Holy water fonts will also be emptied and cleaned.
Anyone who is at risk of contracting the virus is excused from attending mass as well.
In Canton, Trinity Episcopal Church will be open for Sunday services as usual over the weekend. But Rev. Harry Walton, the priest-in-charge there, said the coronavirus is making changes to communion.
“To be on the precautionary side, our Archdiocese actually issue a mandate yesterday that we refrain from using the chalice, or offering the chalice during service,” Rev. Walton said.
The chalice will remain on the altar, however, as a symbol. The bread will be handed out.
Trinity Episcopal Church is also taking food off the table for after-service gatherings. Although, hot coffee will still be served.
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