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Masses under
COVID-19 Red Framework System
Last
Monday 24 January the country was moved into the Red
Protection framework for COVID-19. This means a change
to the way we gather for Sunday Mass.
We are
now allowed a maximum of 100 people (with Vaccine
Passes) at Sunday Mass. This number does not include
those who have ministries at the Mass e.g. priest,
readers, special ministers etc. These people do not have
to book when they are rostered for these ministries.
The
booking system set up by the Diocese earlier in the
pandemic is again being used. It will be open each week
from Tuesday at midday until 1pm Friday afternoon. All
our Sunday Masses in the Parish this weekend will
require a Vaccine Pass and be limited to 100 people.
The
link to register is:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/CatholicDioceseOfPalmerstonNorth/massbookingsforthedioceseofpalmerstonnorth
Mass for
Parishioners without a Vaccine Pass
This
weekend it is not possible to offer a Mass for those who
do not have a Vaccine Pass. However, from next weekend,
there will be an additional Mass in the Parish for those
who do not have a Vaccine Pass. This Mass will be
celebrated on Saturday evening at 5.30pm in St Mary’s
Church. As this Mass is limited to 25 people it will
only be for those who do not have a Vaccine Pass.
Facemask
Requirements
The
government has mandated that from next Thursday 3
February a facemask must be worn at all gatherings. This
includes church and religious services. I suggest that,
if we are not already doing so, we should be adopting
this practice from today.
Please
be aware that some of our parishioners have an exemption
from the Ministry of Health and are not required to wear
a facemask. I ask that parishioners refrain from
challenging anyone who may not be wearing a mask because
there is probably a good reason for it. If you have any
questions about someone not wearing a mask please speak
with me.
Father Barry Scannell
sm
Parish Priest
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