The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) released a guideline that is aligned with the “new normal,” which is a by-product of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the CBCP, this guide will be liturgical celebrations in anticipation of the return of church ceremonies.
“We offer you then some guidelines in view of the possibility, in the gradual return to the new normal that we will be allowed to celebrate the Sacraments with the people in attendance, especially the Holy Eucharist,” the CBCP said on their website.
“The main content of these guidelines was drawn up by Fr. Genaro Diwa, Executive Secretary of our CBCP Episcopal Commission on Liturgy,” the post explained.
The CBCP has taken out all secondary elements of a normal wedding ceremony. Therefore, there is no longer a requirement for an entourage of “abays.” According to the CBCP, only the bride and the groom, their parents, and a set of sponsors are allowed in the rites.
Aside from the new wedding guideline, the CBCP said other changes include:
- Confessions must now take place outdoors as it is not advisable to use the confessionals inside the church
- For baptisms, only the immediate family members and one or a pair of godparents are allowed to attend the ceremony
- During the Holy Mass, holding hands when singing Our Father and shaking hands during the Sign of Peace are discouraged
- Bread will be distributed only on the hand during the Holy Communion, priests and lay ministers are required to sanitize their hands before and after distribution
- Social distancing will be enforced as churches will install markers on benches and pews
- The number of choir members singing will be reduced
- Wearing of face masks in the church is advised
- Citing the advice of the Inter-Agency Task Force, CBCP urged the elderly, the sick, and children to stay home and not to attend masses
- Livestreaming of masses will continue in the new normal
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