Bishop orders changes amid coronavirus crisis

Holy Water removed

Motherwell Diocese has issued precautionary measures against the spread of coronavirus within ITS parishes.

The Rt Rev Joseph Toal, Bishop of Motherwell, issued a letter – to fathers, revered deacons, sisters and others – that explains he believes it is “prudent to make comment on the possibility of coronavirus affecting Scotland” and has taken preventative steps. These include:

■ Emptying the Holy Water stoops for blessings;

■ Suspending the sign of peace for the time being;

■ Holy Communion being given in the hand rather than on the tongue;

■ And the lay faithful will not receive the precious blood while the present crisis continues.

The bishop said: “First it is necessary to pray – both for those already suffering with this virus and then to pray for God’s help that we may be protected from all harm.

“Having heard of the consequences of an outbreak of the virus in other countries, particularly in the restriction of movement and the closure of public buildings, we can foresee that restrictions will be put in place in Scotland also, and I would expect that gatherings in churches will be limited.

“We must hope and pray that our daily lives will not be restricted because this new disease has come among us.”

As well as the previously-listed precautionary measures, the bishop also asks that all ministers of the Eucharist, ordinary and extraordinary, must wash or sanitise their hands before distributing communion. This includes at mass, services and at the homes of those they bring communion to.

He continues: “We must all comply with this and be seen to do it.

“Only the priest celebrant or assisting deacon should purify the sacred vessels – paten, chalice and ciborium – used at mass.

“Sacristan, and others with responsibility in setting up for mass, must wash their hands thoroughly before touching the sacred vessels and the hosts to be consecrated at mass.”

The bishop is also encouraging everyone who attends mass to take good care with hygiene and asks those with cold or flu like symptoms not to attend.

The move comes after the first caseS of coronavirus in Scotland were confirmed.