Churches in Northern Ireland have been told to plan for a resumption of public worship from June 29.
The executive hopes to confirm the date at its meeting on Thursday June 25.
It is also expected to issue guidance around church capacity and the social distancing measures necessary to safely reopen.
Guidelines on church weddings and funerals are also anticipated. The executive is likely to address whether singing, which can accelerate the spread of Covid-19, will be allowed.
The June 29 target brings Northern Ireland into line with the Republic, though churches there were given the date two weeks ago.
Churches closed in mid-March as part of the public health measures introduced to slow the spread of coronavirus.
The main Churches have already issued all-Ireland guidance to their congregations on how public worship should restart.
It is possible that some churches may not be able to fulfil all the necessary requirements to reopen safely at this stage.
Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin said he was heartened by the preparation "which is already ongoing in our parishes to ensure that our sacred spaces will be as safe as possible when we begin to gather again together in prayer".
"I expect that we will be beginning in a cautious way at first, and there will be a need for ongoing patience and careful monitoring of the situation," he said.
Dr Heather Morris, general secretary of the Methodist Church, said that although congregations had developed "innovative, creative and imaginative ways" of meeting during the pandemic, being able to gather for public worship was "important for people of faith".
The Rev Trevor Gribben, clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, said congregations "must think carefully and responsibly about the practical preparations necessary to facilitate this long awaited, and prayed for return".
