This page will provide information, guidance and other documents related to COVID-19 and its implications for Catholic communities in Scotland.


To see a list of RESOURCES provided, please click here.

COVID-19 Advisory Groups to the Bishops

In May 2020 the Bishops' Conference of Scotland established four working groups to advise them on various aspects of how Church life would be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

An Infection Control group was asked to develop a protocol which would enable churches to re-open safely for public worship in accordance with legislation and the current Scottish Government guidelines on social distancing and hygiene.

Pastoral Ministry group was asked to develop advice on how best to meet the long-term pastoral needs - liturgical, spiritual and welfare  - of the Catholic community during the pandemic, anticipating that there may be extended restrictions on the operation of parishes.

Seminary Formation group was established to plan alternative provision for the ongoing formation of men who would normally be resident in Scots College Rome if travel to Rome is not viable at the start of the academic year 2020/21.

The Episcopal Finance Committee was asked to provide guidance for parishes on ways of coping with the anticipated shortfall on parish income and its impact on church activities.
COVID-19 Announcements
Restoration of the Mass Obligation in the Dioceses of Scotland - 25 November 2021

In a Pastoral Letter - 'On the Season of Christmas and the Restoration of the Mass Obligation in the Dioceses of Scotland' - to be read in all parishes on the 1st Sunday of Advent (28th November 2021), the Bishops of Scotland have encouraged all the Catholic faithful "to renew their covenant with the Church and her worship".  With Christmas Day falling on a Saturday this year, the following day is the Sunday when we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family.  The Bishops "strongly encourage" the Catholic faithful to attend Mass on both days, or at least once that weekend.  Saving any serious worsening of the pandemic in Scotland, the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holydays of Obligation will be reinstated from Sunday 2nd January 2022, the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.  In accordance with the common teaching of the Church this obligation does not bind those in ill health or those otherwise impeded from attending Mass. Nor, in the context of Covid, does it bind those showing symptoms of the virus or with underlying health conditions, or those with responsibilities for people in need of special care.

Read the full letter here.

 
Updated liturgical guidelines - 07 June 2021

Updated liturgical guidelines issued in the light of easing restrictions - 7th June 2021

 read more ...
Resources for Ash Wednesday & Lent - 06 February 2021

In anticipation of most (if not all) Churches remaining closed at the start of Lent, some materials are being made available for use by people in their homes.  These include a short Ash Wednesday service and a short form of the Stations of the Cross. Some further resources will be posted here before the start of Lent.

 read more ...
Scottish Bishops' statement on COVID-19 restrictions announced on 4th January 2021 - 05 January 2021
Parish Halls - 12 August 2020

Advice on the reopening of parish halls can be found at

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-phase-3-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-places-of-worship/pages/other-permitted-uses/

The use of Parish Halls is still very limited but Children’s Liturgy can meet during Mass if there are sufficient volunteers, time and space.

 
Oversubscribed Bookings for Mass - 11 August 2020

In those parishes that are 'managing' bookings for Sunday Mass and are finding themselves oversubscribed each week, consideration should be given to asking parishioners to limit themselves to booking for Sunday Mass every 2 or 3 weeks, rather than weekly.  This would allow more parishioners the chance to attend Sunday Mass.

 
Reminder about Ventilation - 28 July 2020

Parish Co-ordinators are reminded that church buildings should be kept well-ventilated during Mass to minimise the risks of people being in a confined space.  You should consider opening doors and windows where this is feasible.

 
Guidance on maximum numbers at Baptisms - 14 July 2020

Today the Scottish Government announced that the maximum number of attendees at a Baptism has been set to 50.

 
Scottish Government Guidance for the safe use of places of worship - 14 July 2020

The Scottish Government has published Guidance for the safe use of places of worship (phase 3)

 read more ...
Guidance for the Resumption of Mass - 14 July 2020

The BCOS Pastoral Ministry Working Group has published an Infographic summary of guidance for parishioners as they return to church for the public celebration of Mass.  This is available below in various versions intended for use on parish and diocesan websites and social media platforms

 
Update on numbers permitted to attend Funerals and Weddings - 10 July 2020

Today the Scottish Government announced that the maximum number of attendees at a funeral or a wedding has been set to 20.

 
Health protocol for distribution of Holy Communion - 09 July 2020

Clergy distributing Holy Communion should:

  • sanitise their hands immediately prior to distributing Holy Communion
  • wear a face covering while distributing Holy Communion
  • direct congregants to receive Holy Communion in their hand by stretching out their arms with one hand on top of the other, then taking steps to the side to place the host on the tongue.
 
Churches can re-open for Mass from 15th July 2020 - 09 July 2020

On 9th July 2020, the Scottish Government announced that Churches MAY re-open to worshippers for services with effect from 15th July 2020.  Before a church can re-open, it must observe the following requirements:

  • social distancing must be observed
  • face-coverings must be worn by those attending (except under-5s)
  • a maximum attendance of 50 people at Mass is being required for now - to be reviewed on 30th July
  • for each service, the parish must retain details of names and contact details of all attendees. (cf advice on using Eventbrite booking system)

More details of Scottish Government requirements will follow.

 
Booking system for Mass - 01 July 2020

Now available in the Resources section below, a guide to using Eventbrite, a free online system which a parish can use to manage 'bookings' for Mass where capacity is restricted.

 
Returning to Church for Prayer Video - 17 June 2020

This short video illustrates some changes that parishioners can expect to see when they visit their re-opened parish church.

 read more ...
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