12 August 2020
T\u0113n\u0101 koutou Priests and Parish Leadership,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following the announcements that the Auckland Region has moved to Alert Level 3 and the rest of the country to Alert Level 2 from noon today, we write to you about the pastoral implications. The new Levels apply until at least midnight on Friday. The Government has promised to give updates before then whether these Levels will remain or change. This letter assumes they will continue at least until next week. We will provide additional updates as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During Alert Level 2, Mass restrictions are:
Under Alert Level 3<\/strong>, Churches must close, except for small, private weddings and funerals of up to 10 people. Physical distancing and public health measures must be maintained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Under Alert Level 2<\/strong>, religious gatherings are restricted to a maximum of 100 people. It will be up to dioceses and parishes to decide whether weekday or Sunday Mass can continue with this restriction. It may not be possible to have 100 people in a small church. Not all parishioners will be able to attend Mass in many larger parishes. Others will not attend due to health reasons, concerns or fears. For these reasons, the dispensation of attendance at Sunday Mass will be in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 At the Sign of Peace, people should avoid shaking hands or other contact with one another, and instead smile, nod or bow to one another.
\u2022 Holy Communion is not to be distributed from the chalice.
\u2022 Communion is only to be distributed in the hand, not on the tongue.
\u2022 Holy water is to be removed from vessels at the church door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n