Dear Brothers and Sisters
in Christ,
Peace in the grace of
Jesus, our Risen Lord and Saviour.
Re: Opening of our
churches in the Diocese of Tzaneen during lockdown alert level 3.
We are all aware
that in South Africa as from Monday 1 June 2020, places of worship may re-open
subject to strict restrictions in accordance with norms and standards that have
been set out in government regulations for alert level 3 of lockdown. But we
will not be able to re-open our churches if we do not comply with these
regulations or if we are not able to implement all the necessary measures which
I have endorsed in the Diocese of Tzaneen protocols regulating community
worship during this period of the Covid-19 pandemic. Every priest has received
a copy of these protocols and will share it with the Parish Pastoral Council
members and all the faithful of the parish.
It is for the
above reasons that I wish to inform you that no parish of the Diocese of
Tzaneen will be allowed to open its churches for community worship until its
readiness is properly evaluated by the parish priest in consultation with the
Parish Pastoral Council. Furthermore, its readiness must be officially
announced by the parish priest and will include the date, place and all the details
of the service to ensure the safety of attendees.
During this lockdown period, no
group or community of Catholics in a parish will be allowed to worship in its
local church without their priest being present and leading the service in
accordance with the diocese protocols. The diocese and the parish will not be
held responsible for any group or community that breaks this ruling.
Catholics who are over 60 years of
age and people of any age who have health challenges are urged to remain at
home and not attend community worship in church as they are more vulnerable to
infection. No one must be coerced or forced to participate in such community
worship during this pandemic lockdown. If they decide not to participate, their
decision must be respected.
I urge all of you to be patient
during this critical time in our lives. Let us all strive to have a common mind
and spirit and work together in implementing what is required of us as we
prepare for this level 3 opening of churches. And may the Holy Spirit of God
infuse us all with wisdom and courage as we celebrate Pentecost Sunday and continue
to pray for our nation and for an end to this pandemic.
Sincerely in Christ.
Bishop Joao
Rodrigues 31
May 2020
Bishop of Tzaneen Diocese
Pentecost Sunday
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