The church looks forward to the day when everything will go back to the way things are, but for now the community needs to abide by these special protocols for the “new normal.”
As schools, offices, and establishments are preparing for a more relaxed setting following the post-Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), the church is also making its own arrangements. The Diocese of Antipolo has recently released protocols for its parishes to be followed after the ECQ, dubbed by many as the new normal.
In general, social distancing and wearing of masks will be implemented during the commemoration of these sacraments, with a few exceptions for certain liturgical celebrations.
Participants of the sacrament of Baptism will now be limited to immediate family members, with one or two godparents allowed during the ceremony. The parents and sponsors will take over the priest’s task of making the sign of the cross over the one being baptized, which should be done without any touching. To avoid crowds, it is most likely that baptismal ceremonies will be scheduled on weekdays.
The sacrament of Confirmation, locally known as kumpil, can be postponed next year or after two years.
Similar to Baptism, only direct family members can participate in the funeral mass occurring on weekdays. Burial gatherings or burol is allowed for the parishes with funeral homes but attendance is restricted to a few.
An exception to the physical distancing rule is the sacrament of Confession, where it is required to be done in person. Both the confessor and penitent will be asked to wear a face mask, with confessionals to be held outdoors. This way, there is a better circulation of air instead of being enclosed indoors, while also giving additional space for safe distancing. Should a penitent be unable to be physically present in the confession, he or she could always resort to the Act of Perfect Contrition with the guidance and blessing of a priest over the phone.
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven, and the pains of hell; but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, Who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life.
Administering the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick still continues but with necessary precautions even during the General Community Quarantine (GCQ).
The traditional Filipino wedding, which usually includes a myriad of participants for the bridal entourage, will be cut down to a maximum of one pair each for sponsors. This includes the witnesses or abay, and principal sponsors or ninongs and ninangs. Wedding accessories like rings, arrhae (locally recognized as aras), bible, and veil will be near the couple and will not be given by the priest.
“Our parishes need to learn new ways to cope with the ‘new normal’ after the ECQ, when we begin to celebrate the liturgy, especially the Holy Eucharist, with the faithful in attendance. But we believe that following these protocol/guidelines are reasonable sacrifices,” as indicated in the Diocese of Antipolo’s official document.
The Enhanced Community Quarantine was implemented about two months ago on March 16, 2020 by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte as the government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic known as COVID-19. Since then, events and gatherings like masses have been put to a halt and are being celebrated online with the use of social media sites like Facebook.
Additionally, the Diocese has also released protocols to be followed once public masses resume.
Kristine Tuting
Senior Writer, Website Team - Media Ministry
Kristine Tuting knows she has developed a love-hate relationship when it comes to writing. She obtained her bachelor's degree in BA Communication Arts at the University of Santo Tomas and her high school diploma at Nuestra Senora De Aranzazu Parochial School. When she's not working, Kristine treats the writing process as learning, especially when it comes to religious terminologies.
