Updates for the Malacca Johore Diocese | Bishop’s Circular No: BP/2021/055

Bishop's Circular

7th May 2021

To all the Lay Faithful of the Malacca Johore Diocese.

Re: Updates for the Malacca Johore Diocese

  1. Malacca and Johor are classified as Red Zones, with 3 districts (Johor Bahru, Kulai & Kota Tinggi) under MCO (Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan).
    1. SOPs for RlBls (Rumah Ibadat Bukan Islam) under MCO:
      1. All activities permitted except contact greetings, religious processions; inter-district and state travel restrictions.
      2. Permitted activities (masses, prayer services)
        • Limited to 30 persons at a time (multiple masses permitted)
        • Limited to the given hours: 6.00 am — 2.00 pm / 4.00 pm — 10.00 pm.
        • Sanitisation work must be carried out 30 mins before and after prayer services.
        • The preventive measures before, during, and after prayer services must be strictly followed. The SOPs and health teams are reminded to continue the good work.
        • Those above the age of 60 and below 12 are discouraged from attending the religious services for now.
      3. Be reminded that the parishes in Malacca and Johor will remain open to the faithful during
        the above-mentioned hours, for private or community prayer (signages must be displayed/
        health teams to be on duty.)
      4. Be patient with parish registration systems with the 30 persons maximum rule.
        (Update SOP/KPN/3.5.2021)
  2. The Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur and the Dioceses of Penang and Malacca Johore have jointly sent
    RM 180,000.00 through the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) to help India’s Covid situation.
  3. From Ascension Day to Pentecost, we have 10 days of novenas and vigils. Do not forsake nor give
    low priority to this feast. No Pentecost, no church. Easter is over. But Pentecost and the work of
    the Holy Spirit must be highlighted

Together Building His Kingdom

+ Rt. Rev. Bernard Paul, D.D.
Bishop of Malacca Johore Diocese