H1N1 VIRUS POLICY

My dear sisters and brothers in our Lord Jesus Christ,

Some have been asking questions about St. Max’s “procedures” concerning the H1N1 influenza, i.e. the “swine flu.”  We, collectively here in our St. Max Parish buildings, will certainly be doing everything in our power to be attentive to this health care concern and hope that you, as individual parishioners and parish families, will be doing the same. 

In general throughout our campus the following measures are being taken:

• alcohol-free hand sanitizers have been installed in most rooms throughout our buildings
• H1N1 certified anti-microbial hand soap is in each restroom
• H1N1 disinfectant floor and counter-top solutions will be used for cleaning
• explicit hand washing instructions are by each sink with instructions from the Center for Disease Control (CDC)

As far as liturgical celebrations, the Archbishop’s office is offering the same recommendations as in the past regarding the flu season, encouraging parishioners and students to take the following precautions:

• frequent washing of hands
• remaining at home if they are sick

And for those who may not “be sick” but are not “feeling well,” you are encouraged to:

• refrain from receiving from the cup
• refrain from shaking hands at the Sign of Peace
• refrain from holding hands during the Our Father

The Archdiocese and St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish will follow directives of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) as well as local and federal health authorities to keep everyone as informed as possible as needs arise.