Singapore (Fides Service) - Also in Singapore the archdiocese has adopted preventive measures to avoid the spread of the atypical pneumonia SARS: catechism classes and children's liturgy programmes have been suspended, as have handholding when praying the Our Father at Mass and receiving Communion of the tongue. These measures were taken in parishes in keeping with indications issued by Archbishop Nicholas Chia of Singapore. The Archbishop urged those suspected of having the illness or who have been in contact with infected people to refrain from attending Mass. Several parishes have taken further steps to prevent the spread of SARS. Holy water fonts at the doors of the church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour and the church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary were emptied, and doors and windows are being kept open even with air-conditioning is turned on. The parish canteen and library have been shut down indefinitely and talks and most other functions cancelled. (SL) (Fides Service 4/4/2003 EM lines 16 Words: 178)