The Catholic Church in Singapore has decided to allow each of its 32 churches to reopen on its own for private worship in phase 1 of Singapore's post-circuit breaker period starting June 2, its spokesperson said.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese’s communications director Andre Ahchak told CNA that the decision was made after the Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth (MCCY) allowed for the use of volunteers in permitted church activities.

This was subsequently confirmed by the Catholic Archdiocese Telegram announcement at 11pm on June 2:

"We are pleased to announce that MCCY has, in its latest communication with the Church authorities, dated 1 June 2020, agreed to allow the churches to engage their pool of volunteers to assist in the provision of essential services...

With this change, churches that are able to put in place the necessary protocols for safe management will open for private worship as and when they are ready. The Catholic faithful are encouraged to check with the respective parishes on their readiness to open, and the operating hours for private worship."

Allowing each individual parish that is ready to go it on their own

Ahchak told CNA that churches can reopen for private worship "on a parish by parish basis", with "the necessary infrastructure and the support services and staff in place", if they are able to fulfil the requirements set out by the MCCY.

Such requirements include putting in place safe management measures and ensuring a regulated entry system for prayer.

This is a reversal of its decision on May 27 for churches to remain closed during phase 1.

In a letter to his congregation at the end of May, Archbishop William Goh said that "because we are not allowed to engage the help of volunteers, it will be very difficult to fully comply with the strict conditions set by MCCY for Phase 1".

On a question whether it is each Catholic church's responsibility to ensure that safe measures are in place, Ahchak explained that "it will still be a collective approach, but for the Phase 1 approach, we are allowing each individual parish that is ready to go it on their own".

Cautious in initial approach

Ahchak said that the church was "cautious in our initial approach" towards Phase 1 as they sought clarification from MCCY.

He said that church volunteers would now be mobilised on an "essential needs basis" and be kept to a minimum to support private worship.

Ahchak added that its Covid-19 task force is in discussions with MCCY on Phase 2.

This is so that its Taskforce could give the priests and parishes some direction on how they can reopen in Phase 2, "which can be in late June".

Ahchak also clarified that mass services -- congregational worship -- will only be allowed in Phase 3.

As part of MCCY's Phase 1 measures, places of worship can only accommodate up to five households for private worship at any one time, subject to adequate safe distancing measures.

Each household can have up to five members praying together at any one time in the place of worship.

Top photo from Cathedral of the Good Shepherd Facebook page.