Bishop’s Circular No: BP/2020/042

Date: 31st July 2020

To All Clergy, Religious and Lay Faithful of the MJD.

Good afternoon, Dear faithful of the Malacca Johore Diocese.

Beginning from today, 31“ July 2020, l hope to be in link with you every Friday at 12noon. My official  statements will be seen and heard on the F12 MJD’s News Update; managed by the Social Communication (SocCom) Office. Today, we begin this official channel with 4 important announcements:

FIRST: Re: The Recent Covid-19 Scare in MJD
After initiating inspection and investigation of all the Roman Catholic churches in Melaka and Johor, having all Clergy undergo Covid-19 test, after imposing quarantine and conducting ”sampling tests” on all staff and church workers, the Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM) has lifted the 14-day quarantine order. All the clergy, staff and church workers were declared negative and safe. Sanitisation of the church facilities will take place next. The Parish Response Team will continue to ensure all the proper procedures and correct practices are complied with.

With this clearance, as the Bishop of MJD, I announce that all churches, chapels and mass centres can re-open for worship and approved gatherings (weddings, funerals) with effect from 15th August 2020, (Saturday), Feast of the Assumption of Our Blessed Virgin Mary.

Please adhere to the SOPs strictly. Prevention is better than cure.

SECOND: Re: Seminary & Seminarians
The College General, Penang was expected to be re-opened on the 4″‘ August 2020. With the pandemic still being active, the students will continue with on-line studies at MAJODI Centre, under the direction of Fr Lionel Thomas, till further notice.

THIRD: Re: Bishop’s Communications and Directives
After discussion with the MJD’s Social Communication Ministry, a protocol for Bishop’s Communication has been set:

Level 1 via F12 MJD News Update Channel: The Bishop Speaks.

Level 2 via MJD Webpage & Facebook: Official Statement Uploaded.

Level 3 via Clergy & Religious Houses: PDF file Emailed for follow through.

All news will be released simultaneously at the appointed day and time.

FOURTH: Re: F12 MJD’s News Update:
A channel managed by MJD SocCom Office… a channel for the Bishop to speak… a channel for the latest, the newest and the truest a Friday @ 12 noon Bulletin channel where we will meet.

Wishing you and all Muslims a Selamat Hari Raya Haji.

God bless you. Have a good weekend.

Together Building His Kingdom,

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

BBP_Circular_No_BP-2020-042