Gathering as a Community
Aotearoa New Zealand is currently in the ORANGE level of the Covid-19 Protection Framework or Traffic Light system.
Although we still need to take measures to protect the vulnerable many of the guidelines and restrictions we have been following are supplemented by new guidance.
Concerning faith-based gatherings |
- There is no limit for indoor or outdoor gatherings.
- You do not need to wear a face mask at a gathering, but it is encouraged.
- Workers and volunteers at gatherings must wear face masks. This includes Eucharistic ministers, welcomers and greeters— unless they are exempt.
- Those cantoring / choirs are considered 'performers' and are workers exempt from wearing masks as long as they are at least 1 metre away from the Congregation.
Let us Pray
Mary Most Holy and Beloved Mother, help us realise that we are all members of one great family and to recognise the bond that unites us, so that, in a spirit of fraternity and solidarity, we can help to alleviate countless situations of poverty and need. Make us strong in faith, persevering in service, constant in prayer.
Mary, Consolation of the afflicted, embrace all your children in distress and pray that God will stretch out his all-powerful hand and free us from this terrible pandemic, so that life can serenely resume its normal course.To you, who shine on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope, do we entrust ourselves,
O Clement, O Loving, O Sweet Virgin Mary. Amen.
Excerpt from Pope Francis’ prayer to Mary for the end of the pandemic May 04, 2021.
Questions Concerning the Current Protection Framework
Absolutely yes - people are masked so its a little muffled but we are encouraged to sing in the liturgy and allowed by the regulations.
A reminder that those that the regulations call 'performers' but we would call music ministers do not have to wear masks if they are 1m away from the congregation. So you might consider asking confident, competent singers (not necessarily choir members) to a safe space to lead the singing. Not perform but lead singing is one of the ways we encourage 'full and active' participation in the liturgy.