In a recent announcement, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the COVID-19 pandemic no longer poses a public health emergency of international concern.
The world health body however said caution remains imperative as the virus persists.
Given this, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, C.S.Sp., has announced reviewed COVID-19 protocols for liturgy.
In a letter dated March 6, addressed to Priests, Religious and Lay Faithful of the Archdiocese, Archbishop Kwofie notes the importance of continued vigilance in the approach to worship in the Archdiocese. Read the full letter below.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the COVID-19 pandemic to be no longer a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), but this does not mean the virus has disappeared. We should therefore continue to take precautionary measures in our attempt to return to the pre-pandemic era of worship. Kindly note the following review of COVID-19 protocols in the Liturgy.
HOLY COMMUNION
i. Priests and lay faithful who have cold and occasionally use the tissue or the handkerchief should use the hand sanitizer even after they wipe their nostrils with tissues or handkerchiefs. Priests with cold and cough should use the face mask during the celebration of Holy Mass.
ii. Priests or Eucharistic Ministers who distribute Holy Communion should wash/sanitize their hands before doing so. Communicants should sanitize their hands before reception of Holy Communion. While it is still advised, for safety reasons that the faithful receive Holy Communion in their hands, it is also permitted to receive communion on the tongue as before.
iii. Priests should be seen using hand sanitizers when celebrating Holy Mass
especially before distributing Holy Communion.COLLECTION
Ushers should continue to sanitize people’s hands after collection.KISS OF PEACE
On Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, we can get back to our usual Kiss of Peace but it is highly recommended that hand sanitizers become compulsory for use after the Kiss of Peace. Priests should sanitize their hands thoroughly
right after the Kiss of Peace.HOLY WEEK
Palm Sunday Processions may take place outdoors as previously, but emphasis should be placed on the processions being organized in an orderly manner. The Washing of the Feet could be done on Holy Thursday with all the needed hygienic steps.On Good Friday, veneration of our Lord’s Cross by kissing should be limited to the main celebrant. All others may venerate by making a deep bow or touching the wood of the Cross. Sanitizers should be made available for this purpose. Baptism could be administered during Holy Saturday.
On Easter Sunday, Holy Communion may be administered by the Priest under both species by intinction only to new communicants.
EASTER MONDAY PICNICThis should be held with all the hygienic protocols. Let us should continue to maintain good hygiene and preventive behaviours. I wish you a fruitful Season of Lent.
Yours in Christ
+John B. Kwofie
Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, C.S.Sp.,
Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra
