Diocesan News
Guidance from Clogher Diocese in response to Coronavirus (Covid–19)
In an update issued today, St. Patrick’s Day, the new guidelines will affect church services, parish activities and visitations.
The guidelines are prefaced by a pastoral message from the Bishop of Clogher, the Right Revd John McDowell:
“As you will be aware, coronavirus is presenting major challenges to the whole of society on the island of Ireland, including to the Churches. It is important that we respond responsibly and proportionately to these challenges. You will have seen that as well as the Diocese, the Presbyterian Church and the Methodist Church have also issued guidelines today. “Undoubtedly we will all have to do things differently, at least during the period of this emergency, and possibly beyond that time. However we need also to remember our calling to worship God not only “with our lips but in our lives” as we say in the General Thanksgiving.
“Governments and the public health authorities, North and South, have provided us with very useful guidance, which they will continue to update. But they cannot be expected to know every detail of local circumstances and in light of developing circumstances it is now up to us as a Diocese and as parishes to apply and adapt the broad principles to make sure that their intention is effective where we live and work.
“For that reason, as you will see, we are cancelling all normal church services as of today (17th March) until further notice. That applies to midweek services too. Funerals will of course continue to take place but will need to strictly adhere to the public health advice on hygiene and physical distancing. Further advice on funerals will be provided. Although the more usual phrase at the minute is ‘social distancing’ I think it is better to speak of ‘physical’ distance, as the last thing we want to do is to completely dissolve the social bonds of our families parishes and communities.
“Where possible churches will remain open at certain times for private prayer, provided the public health hygiene guidelines can be met. Further advice will be issued as occasion demands. As parishes we will also need to think again about how we can be near to people, to demonstrate our love to them, in ways which may require physical distance but does not mean that we are cut off from one another.
“Clearly there are people who are more at risk than others. I would encourage clergy and parishes to ensure that the worship of God continues in some form (perhaps by people in their own homes saying Morning Prayer at an agreed time, and in that way to be involved in “corporate” prayer. It may we’ll be that civil authorities will ask churches to make ourselves (our human and physical resources) available to be of practical assistance and I know we will respond in the spirit of the generosity of God. I need hardly say that I trust you will pray for all those who are anxious and fearful; all those who are vulnerable to this disease and, perhaps above all for all health care workers. By showing our love and care for vulnerable parishioners and in the wider community, we should also demonstrate that we are a community of faith and hope.
“This is a medical epidemic which we should not allow to become an epidemic of despair. I am writing this on St Patrick’s Day and can’t help reflecting that his calling from God to return to a land where he had been a captured slave must have tested his faith sorely. Even in the midst of his mission, the prospects of a successful outcome must have seemed remote. But with prayer and persistence Patrick fulfilled his calling to such an extent that he will be remembered in virtually every corner of the globe today. Our own calling in these very trying times may not be as spectacular as Patrick’s, but if we listen to the call of God in Jesus Christ we can have some confidence that in years to come we will be remembered as those who did what they could and perhaps even a little more when help was needed.
+John Clogher
Guidance from Clogher Diocese
The guidance from Clogher Diocese includes the cancellation of all public acts of worship, including Sunday services, Lenten services, Baptisms and Confirmations (including preparation from 17th March 2020 until further notice. Parishes, where possible, may consider providing access to Churches for private prayer and reflection but where this is the case then hygiene and physical distancing guidance must be observed.
Resources for worshipping from home will shortly be made available online and clergy and parishes have been encouraged to consider alternative ways to offer worship and spiritual support to individuals and the community. Those intending to co–ordinate worship resources that can be accessed online, should contact the Diocesan Communications Officer so that information of such can be circulated.
Clergy and parishes have been encouraged to consider alternative ways to offer worship and spiritual support to individuals and their community such as preparation of resources for parishioners, including those without Internet access, issuing daily prayers that could help give structure to the days for those who are housebound with more time for thinking and reflecting. Online resources are available here.
Other ways of worship resources include prayer times and using the church bell to sound the times of prayer, use of online conferencing facilities such as Skype, Facetime, Zoom, telephone prayer partners, could positively help to establish a sense of corporate prayer and the strengthening of the praying community.
The guidance is that those over 70 years of age should adhere to government guidance concerning self– isolation and should inform a neighbouring member of the clergy or supervising member of clergy of their availability / unavailability in order to enable the continuation of pastoral ministry in the parish.
Clergy have been asked to co–ordinate the provision of pastoral care in their parishes in cooperation with neighbouring clergy.
The guidance also results in the cancellation of all Home Communions and visitations from 17th March 2020 until further notice but that instead Clergy and/or Diocesan Pastoral Assistants will be making contact with those needing pastoral care in parishes by telephone.
Hospital visits are also severely restricted for clergy and in line with hospital policy.
The Diocese is recommending a plan for pastoral and practical support for those who are vulnerable or housebound in the parish such as:
– developing a ‘Love thy Neighbour’ scheme for those in self–isolation with a team of volunteers to: Regularly contact by phone to alleviate loneliness;
– Report concerns as to their health;
– Collect urgent supplies and shopping;
– Post mail with individual’s consent;
For those who need to self–isolate, the Diocese has recommended a support service with phone calls and via social media, and help with the delivery of shopping and / or medication but that those church members involved in such support adhere to the Government’s isolation and general hygiene advice.
On guidance for funerals, the Diocese said these should ideally be attended by family members and close friends only in order to keep numbers in attendance low but with those attending following the Government protocols. Copies of prayers for the sick and the dying and also a copy of the funeral service could be helpfully sent to those unable to attend the funeral of a friend or relative. Thanksgiving Services could be considered appropriate by those bereaved at a future date when possible.
Weddings should be postponed in the current circumstances.
In terms of mental health and hardship efforts should be made to support those who may be struggling with mental health issues and/or hardship. It will be important to take measures, such as regular phone communication, to help alleviate loneliness and despair.
Churches will also be asked to provide volunteer support where requested by local authorities.
Clergy are seen as a trusted voice in a community and help with the distribution of government advice ensuring isolated members of the community are aware of the precautions they can take.
In terms of parish facilities, all public parish premises were closed from 17th March 2020 until further notice, including churches and church halls with all Easter Vestry and Select Vestry meetings deferred until further notice and existing officers should remain in post until circumstances allow with only urgent decisions made by electronic means.
The closure of halls and facilities has resulted in all parish organisations and external groups using the facilities also ceasing until further notice.
All Diocesan staff are working remotely as the Diocesan Office has been closed until further notice. Staff can be contacted by email and telephone as outlined on the Diocesan Website.
The Diocesan website and Facebook Page will be the communication channels for information to parishioners and worshippers and parish representatives can contact the Diocesan Communication Officer on clogherdco@btinternet.com
All Diocesan events have been cancelled for the foreseeable future.
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Clogher
07708 869823
Mr Brian Donaldson
clogherdco@btinternet.com