By Verghese V Joseph –
Bengaluru: The Bangalore Archdiocese has decided to reopen its churches from Monday (September 21) onwards by observing standard operating procedures (SOPs), while the archdiocesan online masses will continue for aged and for those who can’t make it to the church on health grounds.
The country observed a complete nationwide lockdown since 24 March to curb the spread of Coronavirus.
In a circular issued by the archdiocese, Bengaluru Archbishop Most Rev (Dr.) Peter Machado said, “We have finally decided to open the churches for public (congregational) worship by strictly following the government directives and restrictions while no new directives have emanated as of now from the government side – Central or State.”
The earlier government directives regarding the opening of religious places for public worship issued on 29th August 2020 states that social / academic / sports / entertainment / cultural / religious / political functions and other congregations with a ceiling of 100 persons, will be permitted with effect from September 21, 2020, with mandatory wearing of face masks, social distancing, provision for thermal scanning and hand wash or sanitizer.
However, the thinking within the church is that the churches can accommodate 1/3rd of its congregational strength by strictly following the SOPs, depending upon the size of the church.
However, marriage-related gatherings with number of guests not exceeding 50 and funeral / last rites related gatherings with number of persons not exceeding 20 will continue to be allowed up to 20th September 2020, after which the ceiling of 100 persons will apply (MIIÄ order dated August 29, 2020 regarding unlocking of the public places like churches for public services).
Accordingly, Bengaluru churches and chapels may be opened for daily and Sunday masses, provided the congregation is not more than 100 persons (or one third of the capacity of the Church) at every service with physical distancing, sanitizing and checking with thermal gun, etc.
The prelate has requested churches to ensure that the other standing operation procedures mentioned in his previous directives be followed strictly.
- The Church and the premises have to be sanitized by way of fogging before and after every service.
- The Parish Priests are encouraged to have more services on Sundays and Days of Obligation, if such need arises in their parishes.
- It is understood that request for Priests, especially from among the Religious, will have to be made, if more than the scheduled Masses have to be celebrated on Sundays and Days of Obligation.
- It is advisable that the Parish Priest convenes the Meeting of the PPC and PFC Members to discuss about the opening of the churches and other spiritual ministries in the parish. It can be either Physical Presence by following the required SOPs or run a Zoom Meeting.
This is a welcome move. As laity , while venturing back into the Churches, it is our responsibility to ensure safety of others, by following the mandatory SOP guidelines such as wearing a mask at all times in the Church.