Church goers attending the Mass outside the doors of the Parish. Photo: Mervin Olivera
MANILA – Catholic parishes may welcome more people to indoor liturgical services after the government on Friday adjusted the number of attendees.
For areas under general community quarantine, churches can hold services with 10 percent of building capacity starting July 10.
Catholic bishops in Metro Manila welcomed the resumption of all small Masses, saying that “it’s a good sign”.
“It is also a good start in reopening our churches,” Bishop Honesto Ongtioco of Cubao said.
Some bishops earlier appealed to the government to reconsider its guideline allowing only 10 people to join religious services in areas under GCQ.
“There is a good development. There’s a big difference between 10 persons and 10 percent,” Pabillo said.
In areas under modified GCQ, churches are allowed to hold services at 50 percent seating capacity.
Diocesan guidelines around the resumption of Mass have been issued to parishes, and are in line with national protocols.
“We follow the government protocol in helping prevent the spread of coronavirus,” Ongtioco soid.
Those parishioners who are at higher risk from Covid-19 are encouraged to stay home.
Many dioceses also opened opportunities for bringing Holy Communion to homes. – CBCPNews
