New Zealand: Churches to reopen for private prayer

Source: NZBC

After weeks of restrictions in New Zealand to avoid the spread of the coronavirus, the 338 Catholic churches in the country will be re-opening their doors beginning on Thursday. In a letter to parishioners and priests on Tuesday, the Bishops of New Zealand said that from 14 May people will be able to go to churches for private prayer and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Public Masses, however, are still suspended under the Alert Level 2 phase. Under the new Level 2 guidelines announced by the Government on Monday, religious gatherings must be kept to a maximum of 10 people.

Following this latest announcement, the Bishops have expressed their disappointment at the limited number allowed to assemble in churches, calling the latest measures too restrictive. The Bishops' letter noted that the Government will reconsider the limit of 10 people at religious services in two weeks.

It also said Catholic bishops are joining with the Anglican Church in asking the Government to look again with urgency at increasing that number.

While this is a difficult and challenging time, the Bishops said they continue to be "encouraged and inspired by the number of people who have taken the opportunity during this lockdown time to deepen their spiritual life and re-evaluate their daily lives as individuals and families."

All celebrations of Mass were suspended on 20 March and churches closed five days later as New Zealand was locked down in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

New Zealand has had 1,147 confirmed cases of Covid-19, and 350 probable cases, since the pandemic was first reported on 28 February 2020. 1,398 people recovered. 21 people died. In recent weeks the number of new cases in New Zealand has declined sharply, but some restrictions are still in place, as the virus continues to claim many lives around the world.

Read the New Zealand Bishops letter: www.catholic.org.nz/news/media-releases/bishops-letter-to-parishes-re-level-2-restrictions/

Find a list of on-line Masses and services: www.nlo.org.nz/news-and-events/media-releases/celebrate-mass-online/