BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – With Negros Occidental shifting to a more lenient modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), the Diocese of Bacolod has begun preparations for the resumption of worship services by launching “new normal” liturgical guidelines.
The policy, also referred to as “Balik Simba,” aims to implement minimal health protocols to combat the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
According to the guidelines, churches under the diocese are ordered to implement social distancing measures including how parishioners line up and seating arrangements. In addition, prior to entering the church, temperature checks would be conducted and those permitted entry must step on a footbath.
Rubbing alcohol would be available at the entrance.
Some churches have installed wash sinks in order for churchgoers to wash their hands prior to entering church premises.
Everyone would be required to wear face masks and are encouraged to avoid “unnecessary movements.”
For mass offerings, the diocese has decided to have a box available at the entrance of the church for any offerings or donations.
Meanwhile, churchgoers should not to hold hands when reciting the Lord’s Prayer as well as avoiding shaking hands, or beso-beso.
When receiving communion, parishioners are advised not to get too close to Eucharistic ministers and distribution of the Eucharist will be done hand-to-hand only.
The diocese added that for the veneration of images, churchgoers should bow and make the sign of the cross.
Aside from the minimal health measures, a reliable source inside the diocese said individuals below 21 years old and above 60 years old will not be allowed to enter church premises.
However, an arrangement has been made at some parish churches for chairs to be placed outside a few meters apart with speakers utilized to project the mass.
Regular disinfection after mass will be conducted./PN
