Coronavirus: Anambra Catholic Bishops Issue Mass Guidelines

Precautions For Coronavirus: Attention to our Catholic Faithfuls in our Area, Anambra state.

Following the increasing threat to heath and life by the coronavirus, we hereby give the following directives for Catholics in Anambra State as concerns our Liturgical worship and coming together for various spiritual and social gatherings.

1. From now till further notice, we should exchange the kiss of peace by nodding to your neighbour or looking at his/ her direction, no body contact, no shaking of hands, no embracing.
2. From now on till the danger is averted, Holy communion will no longer be administered in the tongue but should be given at the hands.
3. There should be no more provision of holy water at the entrance of the Churches and other ecclesiastical institutions.
4. Offertory collections should be made by Church Prefects going around and not by the congregation filing out to dance and go to the Altar.
5. Temporary suspension of big gatherings, like overnight crusades, rallies and such events that attract big crowds and keep them close to each other for a long time.
6. Parishes that can afford it can increase the number of Holy Masses so as to reduce the size of the congregation attending.
7. Long sermons and long announcements are discouraged and should be avoided.
8. Long receptions after weddings should be curtailed, discouraged and avoided
9. Long dancing at ceremonies like funerals should be curtailed and avoided
10. People should avoid crowded places and should keep respectful distance from anybody they meet on the road.
11. People should buy sanitizers, put them in their pockets or handbags and use them regularly as the need arises.
12. Priests are advised not to prolong the Holy Mass or any Liturgical celebration without making the liturgy mechanical.
13. For anointing of the sick and at Baptism, Priests are advised to put on hand gloves.
14. Church Prefects are advised to put on hand gloves while collecting the offertory and rendering other services.
15. People are strongly urged to say the Rosary daily in their homes calling on God to save the World from coronavirus and similar hazard.
    May God bless Our Nation with good Health.

Given by the Local Ordinaries and all the Catholic Bishops in Anambra state
Sunday, 22nd March, 2020