Vinh Diocese guides religious activities after social distancing

The notice was issued for unified implementation throughout the Vinh Diocese after the People's Committee of Nghe An province issued Official Dispatch No. 2518/UBND-VX dated April 24, 2020 on allowing the organization of rituals and religious and belief activities after the period of social isolation and implementing measures to prevent and control the Covid-19 epidemic.

In the announcement, the Vinh Diocese Bishop's Office allowed priests in the Diocese to resume celebrating Mass for parishioners from April 24, 2020, after nearly a month of suspending public Masses. At the same time, it emphasized that parishes, sub-districts and affiliated religious establishments must seriously implement measures to prevent and control the epidemic.

Specifically, masses must be celebrated briefly with a small number of parishioners attending; reduce the number of prayers before mass. Mass attendees must wash their hands with sanitizer, wear medical masks and sit at least 2 meters apart. At the same time, to reduce the number of attendees, each priest can only celebrate 2 masses on weekdays and 4 masses on Sundays; arrange to celebrate masses at parishes, avoid large gatherings at the parish; chairs can be arranged in the church yard for parishioners to sit and attend mass, as long as solemnity is ensured when attending.

Full text of the notice of instructions on performing masses after social distancing to prevent Covid-19. Photo: Phuong Nam

Other pastoral activities such as adoration are only held within the parish, with the participation of priests in the deanery; priests outside the deanery and parishioners outside the parish are not allowed to attend. The performance of sacraments such as reconciliation and anointing of the sick must be done with a veil, and priests and participants must wear masks. Continue to postpone major ceremonies and occasions that gather large crowds, such as: groundbreaking ceremonies, blessing of churches, rectory houses, catechism schools, thanksgiving masses, pilgrimages, long retreats, and association activities with people from outside the parish area participating...

In addition, the notice also requires parishes and chapels to periodically disinfect areas inside and outside the church as well as be aware of applying other measures to prevent epidemics.

At the end of the announcement, the Vinh Diocese Bishops' House called: "With community responsibility, please follow the instructions on disease prevention, be aware of protecting your health and that of everyone. Please continue to pray for the pandemic to end soon, and do not forget your Christian charity duty by being ready to share material and spiritual support for the poor brothers and sisters affected by this pandemic."