Catholic Church submits plans for reopening of parishes in Scotland

The Catholic Church has submitted its plans to the Scottish Government to reopen churches once lockdown eases.

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland said a great deal of work has been done to provide guidance and support to clergy as they prepare for the phased reopening of parishes.

It said the guidelines, prepared to reflect advice given in the Scottish Government’s route map on the gradual removal of restrictions, have now been submitted to the Scottish Government.

People will remain

dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass until further notice and will be asked to think carefully about whether they should return in the early phases.

Bishop Hugh Gilbert, president of the Bishops’ Conference, said: “We would hope to be able to issue our infection control and liturgical guidelines within the coming week.

“They will highlight the fact that the obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains dispensed until further notice and everyone is asked to consider carefully whether or not they should return in the early phases. “We are mindful of our duty of care to elderly clergy and lay people, which together with social distancing reductions in capacity will mean that the availability of Mass may reduce in some areas.”

The Bishops’ Conference said it continues to engage with the Scottish Government and sent a copy of the guidance document to them on Wednesday. Last month the Conference said that activities within parishes are expected to have some form of restriction until next year.

Current guidelines from the Scottish Government mean large public gatherings are prohibited.