This statement is taken from the Website of the Archdiocese of Glasgow
The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland has finalised its proposed infection control standards which will govern the reopening of parishes and have sent their guidelines to the Scottish Government.
President of the Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Hugh Gilbert, said: “A great deal of work has been done to provide guidance and support to clergy as they prepare for the phased reopening of our parishes. The guidelines have been prepared to reflect advice given in the Scottish Government’s Route Map on the gradual removal of restrictions…
Bishop Gilbert added: “We would hope to be able to issue our infection control and liturgical guidelines within the coming week.
“They will highlight the fact that the obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains dispensed until further notice and everyone is asked to consider carefully whether or not they should return in the early phases.
“We are mindful of our duty of care to elderly clergy and lay people, which together with social distancing reductions in capacity will mean that the availability of Mass may reduce in some areas.”
HERE IS A LIST OF STEPS TAKEN BY THE SCOTTISH BISHOPS INCLUDING A NEW PASTORAL LETTER ISSUED ON 5 JUNE. To access any of the documents just click on the download link in the left hand column
| DOCUMENT (with download link) | Description |
| Bishops’ Pastoral Letter 5th June 2020 | A second Pastoral Letter from the Scottish Bishops re. Covid-19 Virus |
| COVID-19 Infection Control for Churches | Advice on COVID-19 and Infection control protocol for parishes |
| Preparing for re-opening of churches | Guidance on how clergy and parishioners can prepare for a phased re-opening of churches |
| Embracing Hope – a route map for pastoral ministry | a route map for pastoral ministry in parishes during the COVIOD-19 pandemic |
| How ready is your church to re-open? | This is not a document but a simple on-line assessment tool which parishes can use to assess their readiness for re-opening. |
| Safeguarding guidance for recruiting volunteers | Guidance for parishes on Safeguarding requirements when recruiting volunteers as stewards |
| Volunteer Application Form A | This link will download a form to be completed by current volunteers who will act as stewards |
| Volunteer Application Form B | This link will download a form to be completed by new volunteers who will act as stewards |
| Information Leaflet for new Volunteers | ** still to be completed ** |