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Catholic Churches Help Congregants Avoid Flu

ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) - Several Catholic churches are changing their ceremonies due to flu concerns. For example, they are opting not to distribute the chalice (to minimize the spread of germs) during communion. Some Pastors are even urging sick parishioners to skip church until they feel better.

"If you're sick please think secondly about coming to church, particularly if it's something upper respiratory or to make sure you've recovered," said Father James Gigliotti of St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church in Arlington.

Several church leaders are taking precautions a step further by recommending that instead of shaking hands, parishioners bow slightly to greet each other.

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Twenty-six people have died from the flu in Dallas County, three in Denton County and one person in Tarrant County.

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