Chancery Notice: New arrangements for opening churches to the faithful

Yesterday (March 27) the SAR Government announced a new Regulation under the “Prevention & Control of Disease Regulation” to prohibit group gatherings. In this connection, in compliance with what has been agreed between the Government and the Diocese, parishes are to make the following arrangements:

1. Churches remain open to the faithful, but for personal prayers only, with individuals keeping a distance of at least two metres between themselves. During the opening period, no religious rites may be celebrated, including the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. However, weddings and funerals may still be celebrated, in compliance with the aforementioned new Regulation.
   
2. Live broadcast of “private Masses and the Holy Week Liturgy officiated by priests” are to be held privately, i.e., without the participation of the faithful.
   
3. The parish clergy are to ensure that throughout the opening period there is no gathering of the faithful in the church.

In line with the aforementioned new Regulation of the Government, the foregoing arrangements are to be enforced for 14 days with effect from midnight, March 29.

Given at the Chancery Office,
28 March 2020.

Rev. Lawrence LEE
Chancellor

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