Precious Blood and Sign of Peace Suspended January 16, 2025
Since we are in the cold and flu season, all masses in Divine Mercy Parish are suspending the Precious Blood for communion and exchanging the sign of peace until further notice. Cases of illnesses such as RSV, pneumonia, and COVID have been high in our area, severely affecting vulnerable people with existing conditions and weakened immune systems.
This is a reminder, too, that whenever we receive the Holy Eucharist under either kind, the Body or the Blood, we receive the fullness of Jesus Christ’s presence. Nothing is lacking in the sacrament if we receive only the Body of Christ. The Blood of Christ is united with the Body and vice versa. This indivisible unity of Christ in the sacrament is called concomitance. Also, the Roman Missal specifies that the invitation to exchange the sign of peace is optional in the mass, saying, Then, if appropriate, the Deacon, or the Priest, adds: “Let us offer each other the sign of peace” (The Order of Mass #128).