Churches in Mumbai advised to take precise measures before first Advent Sunday

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Cardinal Oswald Gracias wrote a letter to priests, pastors and deans in Mumbai to follow all the COVID-19 measures before resuming masses on November 29, the first Sunday of Advent.

In a productive meeting held after worship places were reopened in Maharashtra, Cardinal Gracias along with other deans reviewed the situation of their churches.

“Effective Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) were in place, and there was a prayerful atmosphere in all our churches. We decided it would be beneficial to all if we followed a uniform policy all over the Archdiocese,” the Christian leader addressed in his letter.

“Coming to our preparations for further opening of our Churches: In the Archdiocese of Bombay we will resume the public celebration of the Eucharist, with restrictions, at the beginning of the new Liturgical Year: the First Sunday of Advent, November 29, 2020.”

“Each parish has time till then, with the assistance of the special team constituted for this, to finalise the SOPs and to make arrangements. We have to ensure that all entering the church wear masks, observe social distancing (unless it is the same family) and make provision for washing of hands,” he wrote.

He advised leaders to sanitize churches before each service, and reminded them not to touch statues and keep the water stoups empty. He also discouraged the idea of  bringing flowers to the church.

“Priests may celebrate additional Masses both on Sundays and on weekdays to ensure, if possible, that all your parishioners have an opportunity to participate in the Eucharist at least once a week. We have the SCC zones already in place.

“You could use this structure for determining who could come for Mass on which day, if convenient. The dispensation from attending Sunday Masses continues till further notice. The Government has advised that those about sixty-five years and those below ten years of age not to come for large religious gatherings. We advocate the same.”

“As the Government has forbidden the distribution of sacred food in places of worship, only the celebrating priests will receive Holy Communion at Mass. Your dean will advise you how to arrange for Holy Communion for our people.”

“Each parish is different and hence general instructions are not possible. In early December (after our priestly ordinations on December 3rd), we will have an opportunity to review with the deans the arrangements made and prepare for our Christmas celebrations,” the letter said.