Covid-19: Archbishops in
England issue message ahead of return to church services
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| Westminster Cathedral (AFP) |
The four Metropolitan Archbishops of England issue a message
welcoming the announcement that Churches will be able to reopen for prayer and
services from 4 July.
By Vatican News
The Archbishops of Westminster, Liverpool, Birmingham and
Southwark, noted that the recent reopening of churches for private prayer was
an important milestone. They also said those that have reopened “have put in
place all the measures needed to ensure the risks of virus transmission are
minimized.”
Thanks to faithful and priests
The four Archbishops expressed their thanks to everyone
within the Catholic community “for sustaining the life of faith in such
creative ways, not least in the family home," during the pandemic.
They especially thanked priests for “celebrating Mass
faithfully for their people, and for the innovative ways in which they have
enabled participation through live-streaming and other means.”
The Archbishops also recognized chaplaincy services, who
they said, “have played a vital role in supporting those most in need.”
Rebuilding and change
In the message, they acknowledged, “our lives have been
changed by the experience of the pandemic, and it is clear that we cannot
simply return to how things were before lockdown.”
But, they added, now is the time to “rebuild what it means
to be Eucharistic communities, holding fast to all that we hold dear, while at
the same time exploring creative ways to meet changed circumstances.”
As the restrictions ease from 4 July, the
Archbishops reaffirmed that there will be “a limit on the number of people who
can attend Mass in our churches.” In light of this, they said, “We ask every
Catholic to think carefully about how and when they will return to Mass. Our
priests may need to consider whether it is possible to celebrate additional
Masses at the weekends.”
Respecting guidelines
They also asked everyone “to respect and follow the guidance
that will be issued and the instructions in each church.”
“We have seen love in action through charitable works, and
through the service of many front-line keyworkers who are members of our
Church. Now we can begin to return to the source of that charity, Christ
Himself, present for us sacramentally, body, blood, soul and divinity, in Holy
Communion.”
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