The Diocesan Coordinator Canon Paul Gargaro has supplied an update on the current restrictions in place across the Archdiocese.

Dear All,

Glasgow – Level 3

As you may have seen the City of Glasgow is to remain at Level 3 for the time being. This means that parishes in Glasgow need to continue to observe the Level 3 restrictions that we are currently observing.

As regards worship, this means that parishes in the City cannot take advantage of the relaxation allowing for small group singing. In the City only a single cantor is permitted.

As regards halls, alcohol cannot be served indoors (except for funerals/wedding receptions) and social activities like bingo cannot take place.

Since numbers are going in the wrong direction we should be particular careful in the City.

Other Areas – Level 2

Parishes in the Archdiocese outside of the City of Glasgow will move to Level 2 on Monday. My previous email set out what this might mean. (Please See the Latest News Options to view this information)

Small Group Singing (Level 2 only)

We now have some clarification about singing – in Level 2 a small choir or instrumental group can provide music at worship. There is no definition of “small” and how many can be involved will depend on the church building and the space used by the musicians. There should be a risk assessment considering the individual situation of each church. Appropriate mitigation needs to be in place, but there do not need to be screens between the singers or between the singers and the congregation. If the singers are 2m apart from each other they do not need to wear masks whilst singing. Singers should be a good distance away from the congregation, priest, etc. In level 2 brass, woodwind, and other breath-operated instruments are permitted.

Best wishes

Canon Paul Gargaro

Diocesan Coordinator