Guidelines issued by Donegal bishop Alan McGuckian have given an indication of what the re-opening of Catholic churches for prayer north of the border is likely to involve.
The bishop of Raphoe wrote to priests with a list of guidelines for the re-opening of churches for private prayer. While some churches in the Republic remained open for personal prayer without services, the bishop closed the Donegal churches to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
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Bishop McGuckian’s diocese is wholly based in the Republic and subject to different restrictions.
However, his guidelines are likely to be replicated north of the border. He has asked that signage indicating protocol on social distancing, hygiene and possibly the wearing of face masks be provided. He has also suggested that social distancing markers be put in place in churches, that a one-way entry and exit system be operated and that a rota for disinfecting some areas be put in place.
Bishop McGuckian asked that the conditions are in place by next Wednesday with the possibility of churches re-opening at an early stage.
The Donegal church leader said: “I have been listening to the voice of many priests and people and I believe it is now time for us to move to a new phase and to open our churches again for personal prayer.”
Bishop McGuckian asked that signs be erected to re-enforce messages about social distancing, hand hygiene, mask wearing and the need to avoid touching surfaces.
“If possible, the entrance door should be left permanently open so that no one need touch the handle,” he said.
He has also said that hand gel should be used after lighting candles and that pews should be cordoned off to ensure that only one pew in every three is open.
Bishop McGuckian said: “There should be a rota for disinfecting commonly touched areas, such as pew ends, empty holy water fonts, notice boards, etc. Where necessary, there should be volunteers to oversee the numbers entering the church.
“It is important to ensure that cleaning personnel are instructed what to wear for cleaning, ie masks, gloves and aprons. They should be clearly instructed on what to clean/disinfect.”
