Maine’s Roman Catholic bishop plans to meet with priests and parishioners in November to talk about the flu. Maine and other states are facing a shortage of flu vaccine because the bulk of this year’s supply was found to be contaminated with bacteria. In Portland, a spokeswoman for Bishop Richard Malone (photo) said sharing a chalice and handshakes have always been optional. So churchgoers should consider forgoing those practices if they have the flu or are worried about getting it, said Sue Bernard, spokeswoman for the Diocese of Portland, which comprises the whole state. “He definitely wants to have this issue discussed with parishioners,” Bernard said. Vermont’s Catholic bishop is telling worshippers they should abstain from sharing a chalice and shaking hands for the next six months.