Pastoral Letter to all Catholics of the Malacca Johore Diocese
The Malacca Johore Diocese (MJD) invites all Catholics to come home, to return to your parishes. From the March MCO, the churches have been preparing and carrying out the SOPs as expected by the MKN.
Sep 19, 2020
Diocese of Malacca Johore
“Come back to ME... Do not let fear keep us apart––Lyric of Hosea
1. The Malacca Johore Diocese (MJD) invites all Catholics to come home, to return to your parishes. From the March MCO, the churches have been preparing and carrying out the SOPs as expected by the MKN.
Best practices are in place. On the 4th of September 2020, it was announced by the MKN that all Non-Muslim Religious Houses (churches, chapels and mass centres) could welcome:
1.a) Parishioners, aged 70 and above
1.b) Children, aged 12 and below
1.c) Physically healthy (with no signs of cough, fever and flu)
1.d) Foreigners (PRs, expats, M2H and documented workers).
With effect from Sept 11, 2020, the above is allowed.
2.a) With the above restrictions lifted conditionally, catechism classes, RCIA sessions, Ministries Meetings and Formation; and multiple masses including language Masses are permitted from Sept 18, 2020.
2.b) Already Masses (both weekdays and weekends), care for the homebound or sick, sacraments like baptisms, confirmations, marriages and funerals are being provided since August 15, 2020.
3. Some Reminders to the Faithful:
3.a) The restrictions are lifted. Some normalcy is returning.
Be patient with the implementation.
––Parishes must get ready; some maybe ready and some may need time to create space.
–– Parishes may differ in implementation.
3.b) Online and face-to-face provisions may continue till 31st December 2020.
3.c) Help each other to tide through these trying times. Do not be afraid to be Charitable.
4. Reminder to all Parish Priests and Parish Leaders: Your Task
4.a) Welcome back the faithful; allay their fears; motivate the “healthy absentees”
4.b) Continue to provide pastoral care creatively, while being faithful to the SOPs.
4.c) Prepare for the Sunday Obligation, which will come into effect when more and more MCO restriction are lifted.
“...... they come back, they come back, full of song, carrying their sheaves.” (Ps. 126:67)
Together Building His Kingdom,
+ Rt Rev Bernard Paul, D.D.
Bishop of Malacca Johore Diocese
September 9, 2020
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