Archbishop Thomas D’Souza has asked parish priests and council members to initiate steps to identify the people who need help with regards to oxygen, medicines, Covid test and food and stand by them.
The archbishop on Monday issued a circular to all 65 churches in the archdiocese of Calcutta and made an “appeal” to all priests, consecrated men and women and the lay people to be “generous in helping our brothers and sisters in need at this critical time of Covid-19 pandemic”.
“Please donate generously to the Covid Fund,” the circular says.
“I request all our Parish Priests along with Parish Council members, Religious Communities, Parish Action Groups, SCC (Small Christian Communities), Parish Commissions... to discuss and initiate steps first to identify the needs, the people who need help (food, medicines, Covid test, quarantine, oxygen, counselling etc.). We must care for all needy and poor people to the extent possible," the archbishop has said in the circular.
The circular also contains guidelines about Holy Mass during the period (till May 30) special Covid control measures will remain in force across the state.
“Our churches will remain closed during the lockdown period. However, Holy Mass will be celebrated in the Church/chapel by priests without any congregation,” the circular says.
It says that though the government has allowed 50 persons for marriage, "all our parish priests are requested to consult the Archbishop in case of marriage celebration".
It also mentions that funeral rituals shall be allowed with not more than 20 persons at a time and the physical distancing norm will have to be followed.
“It is advisable to take the body directly to the cemetery without Holy Mass and the burial will be done with the priest present. Once parish churches are open, Holy Mass for the repose of the departed person will be celebrated,” the circular says.
“We have made special groups and a youth commission to look into the needs of the people,” said Father Dominic Gomes, the vicar-general of the archdiocese.
