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CHANCERY NOTICE


LATEST DIOCESAN PASTORAL MEASURES

IN VIEW OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

To cope with the measures currently enforced by the Government in view of the grave situation of the Covid-19 pandemic, Bishop Stephen CHOW, S.J., has decided to take the following pastoral measures with immediate effect and until further notice:

  1. 1.The “suspension of “public Masses” and the “keeping of face-to-face religious gatherings to a minimum”, as announced by the Diocese on 7 January 2022 in response to the appeal of the Government for sparing no effort in combating the pandemic, are to remain in force.

  1. 2.In order that the faithful may not be deprived of the possibility of receiving Holy Communion for their spiritual benefit, every parish may, depending on actual circumstances, set a schedule (for example, following the usual weekday or Sunday Mass schedules), once or several times on weekdays and Sundays, for Holy Communion to be given to the faithful. The Rite for Holy Communion outside of Mass (Simple Form) (on-line format, please refer to the website of Diocesan Liturgy Commission:
    http://catholic-dlc.org.hk/Communion_outside_of_Mass_during_pandemic_A5.pdf ) provided by the Diocesan Liturgy Commission may be adopted.

On each occasion for giving Holy Communion, the number of faithful should not be more than 25% of the capacity of the church, chapel or venue concerned.  The faithful should be properly disposed by either attending a Mass online or paying a visit to the Blessed Sacrament beforehand.  The anti-pandemic precautions must be observed, including the keeping of social-distancing.  After the Holy Communion rite, the faithful should not continue gathering together.

  1. 3.In view of the pandemic, parish clergy, while hearing confessions, should keep the confessionals or reconciliation rooms well ventilated. If necessary, they may hear confessions at other suitable locations.

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For enquiries, parishes may approach either the Chancery Office or the Office of the Diocesan Liturgy Commission.

      Given at the Chancery Office,

18 January 2022.

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