Diocese of Parañaque Announcements

DOP CIRCULAR NO. 2023 – 066

5 July 2023

ATTENTION: ALL PARISH PRIESTS, PAROCHIAL VICARS, RECTORS OF SHRINES, PARISH CLPR COORDINATORS, COORDINATORS OF THE MINISTRY OF ALTAR SERVERS

SUBJECT:    THE USE OF BELLS IN THE EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION

The Diocesan CLPR has recently been receiving reports of parishes in the diocese which have adopted the practice of ringing the bells during the singing of the Gloria and other parts of the Mass other than the usual times. As a matter of clarification, the following guidelines may help in understanding such elements.

On the Value of Bells in the Church

The primary use of bells in the liturgy is to signify the gathering of the community and serves as a call to prayer. In the Book of Blessings, under the title: Order for the Blessing of Bells, it states the following:

“It is an ancient practice to summon the Christian people to the liturgical assembly by means of some sign or signal and also to alert them to important happenings in the local community. The peal of bells, then, is in a way the expression of the sentiments of the people of God as they rejoice or grieve, offer thanks or petition, gather together and show outwardly the mystery of their oneness in Christ.” (1305)

The Use of Bells in the Celebration of Mass

1.     The traditional use of the bells in the celebration of Mass originated in the Tridentine Rite, wherein the assembly’s attention is called to turn towards the Altar when the Bread and Chalice are raised during the Institution Narrative and Consecration. This practice has been adopted and retained in the New Order of the Mass and is observed even during the present time.

2.     In the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, the only time that any indication of the use of bells is found in #150:

“A little before the consecration, when appropriate, a server rings a bell as a signal to the faithful. According to local custom, the server also rings the bell as the priest shows the host and then the chalice.”

On the Use of the Bells during the Gloria

1. The rubrics of Roman Missal does not give instructions on the ringing of the bells during the   singing of the Gloria.

2. The only indication of the use of bells during the singing of the Gloria is found in the circular letter “Paschale Solemnitatis: the Preparation and Celebration of the Easter Feasts.”

• Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper: During the singing of the hymn “Gloria in excelsis” in accordance with local custom, the bells may be rung, and should thereafter remain silent until the “Gloria in excelsis” of the Easter Vigil, unless the Conference of Bishops or the local Ordinary, for a suitable reason, has decided otherwise. (#50)
• The Easter Vigil: After the readings from the Old Testament, the hymn “Gloria in excelsis” is sung, the bells are rung in accordance with local custom, the collect is recited, and the celebration moves on to the readings from the New Testament. (#87)

In view of these principles, we remind our pastors of the following:

 1.          In the celebration of the Mass, the bells are rung in these parts:

1.1.      A call for the faithful to gather in the church for the Eucharistic Celebration

1.2.      The entrance procession to indicate the beginning of the celebration

1.3.      Briefly, before the start of the Institution Narrative and Consecration.

1.4.      After the words of Consecration, as the presider raises the Bread for the assembly to   see.

1.5.      After the words of Consecration, as the presider raises the Chalice with Wine for the assembly to see.

• There is no need for the bells to be rung at the Final Doxology, or any parts other than those indicated above.

3.         The bells are rung while the Gloria is sung only in the following celebrations:

3.1.      The Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper

3.2.      The Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday Masses

Thank you and we are hoping that these guidelines can help our parishes in the proper use of bells in the celebration of the liturgy.

(Sgd.) REV. FR. RODERICK S. PACOMA

            Chairperson

Attested by:

(Sgd.) REV. FR. CARMELO O. ESTORES

            Chancellor

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DOP CIRCULAR NO. 2022-102

5 December 2022

TO:	ALL PARISH PRIESTS, PARISH ADMINISTRATORS, RECTORS, CHAPLAINS, RELIGIOUS PRIESTS IN THE DIOCESE OF PARAÑAQUE, PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL, PARISH FINANCE COUNCIL, PARISH COMMISSION HEADS
RE:	20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DIOCESE

Reverend Monsignori and Fathers,

On December 7, 2002, the Diocese of Parañaque was officially established under the guidance of His Excellency, the Most Rev. Jesse E. Mercado as its first Local Ordinary. Despite the challenges that we faced as a local Church including our recent crisis with COVID 19 pandemic, we continue to be grateful for the countless blessings that God has bestowed on us over the past 20 years.

Let us join our beloved bishop to celebrate this momentous occasion by offering special prayers for the whole diocese. Thus, we are inviting our clergy and some of their parish leaders, specifically 2 members of the Parish Pastoral Council, 2 members of the Parish Finance Council and the 6 Parish Commission heads of to be present on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2022 at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. for a short and simple program and fellowship. This will also be streamed live on FB Page of DOP, https: //www.facebook.com/romancatholicdop.

Our program will be as simple as celebrating the Holy Eucharist together and listening to the results of our Diocesan Synodal Consultation.

Let us celebrate together and glorify God for the blessing of one diocesan community.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

(Sgd.) REV. FR. CARMELO O. ESTORES
Chancellor

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DOP CIRCULAR NO. 2022 – 006

8 January 2022

ATTENTION:          ALL PARISH PRIESTS, PAROCHIAL VICARS, RECTORS OF SHRINES, PARISH CLPR COORDINATORS IN THE DIOCESE OF PARAÑAQUE

SUBJECT:                PASTORAL RECOMMENDATIONS AND GUIDELINES IN VIEW OF ALERT LEVEL 3

Your Reverence, brothers and sisters:

Peace!

In view of the rising cases of coronavirus infections, the government, through the IATF has recently placed the NCR into Alert Level 3. This development has resulted in the intensification of restrictions and health and safety protocols.

In this regard, we turn to the pastors of the church to be moral guardians and prudent shepherds of the faithful in our parish communities. As we adhere to the decisions of the IATF, we cannot at the same time discount the serious threats which can jeopardize the safety and security of the people.

We continue to appeal to our pastors and lay leaders to always be on the side of caution and to prioritize the safety not only of the community, but the parish servants as well.

In view of this situation, the DOP CLPR is presenting the following recommendations and guidelines for the implementation on the parishes of the diocese while Alert Level 3 is in effect.

For the greater glory of God, I remain

Sincerely yours,

                                                                                                            Attested by:

(Sgd.) Rev. Fr. RODERICK PACOMA                            (Sgd.) REV. FR. CARMELO O. ESTORES

           Chairperson                                                                            Chancellor

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For the General Population of the Parish Community

1. As alert level 3 is still in effect, the seating capacity of churches is at 30%, while outdoor limit is up to 50% occupancy.
2. Only vaccinated individuals are allowed access to in-person religious gatherings. Health protocols shall include the inspection of vaccination cards.
3. The minimum public health standards and protocols must be strictly observed and implemented, namely:
   1. Contact tracing
   2. Disinfection
   3. Wearing of facemasks
   4. Physical Distancing
   5. Only the faithful who are above 18 years of age and fully vaccinated shall be allowed access to in-person religious gatherings.
   6. Wearing of face shields is optional.

For Lay Liturgical Ministers

1. General guidelines for the Lay liturgical ministers.
   1. Lay liturgical ministers who are above the age of 65 may be allowed to serve under the following conditions:
      1. They must be fully vaccinated.
      2. They must be free from any comorbidities.
      3. They must be free from any other conditions that may render them to be immuno-compromised.
   2. Lay liturgical Ministers must follow the Minimum Public Health standards and protocols mandated by the IATF and must abide with other specific conditions set by their respective parish priests.
   3. Ministers must avoid any unnecessary gathering apart from the times they are rendering service in the celebration of Masses. They must return to their homes as soon as the Mass is over, unless they are in charge of the upkeep of the materials used for the celebration.

• Ministry of Altar Servers
  • Altar servers who are above the age of 18 and fully vaccinated shall be allowed to serve.
  • A maximum of 2 ministers for weekday masses and 3 for Sunday Masses. This will also depend on the size of the sanctuary, to ensure that proper distancing is always observed.  

• Ministry of Liturgical Music
  • The number of choir members remain to be 3-4 and one instrumentalist.
  • Choir members must wear the facemask at all times, even when they are singing.
  • They must observe sufficient physical distancing from each other.
  • There must be no sharing of microphones. At this time, each singer is allowed to make individual use of a microphone.
  • Proper disinfection of materials used for singing must be done before and after each celebration.
  • The use of the face-shield is optional.

• Ministry of Lectors, Commentators, and Psalmists
  • The recommended number of servers for each mass, either on Sundays or weekdays is still the following:
    • One commentator
    • One Lector

• The sharing of microphones is still strongly discouraged. If possible, the priest presider, or a deacon who proclaims the Gospel or delivers the homily must be provided with a separate microphone.

On Devotional Practices

1. Processions involving the images of Saints or the Blessed Sacrament are still not recommended since the risk of infection is still present.
2. Motorcades of the same nature are to be carried out under the following conditions:
   1. Careful planning of routes, safety and security.
   2. Proper coordination with local government units, such as the Barangay Council or PNP stations.
3. In the light of the new developments in the quarantine status, and considering that a greater number of the faithful are able to participate physically in religious activities, we recommend that pastors consider holding motorcades, especially of the Blessed Sacrament, with less regularity, and maintain the practice only during occasions when this is warranted, such as the Solemnity of the Most Holy and Body and Blood of the Lord.

Some general recommendations

1. The recommendations and guidelines mentioned above shall be implemented until such time that the quarantine status shifts from the current level to another. We are bound to adhere to the mandate of the IATF and the respective local government units. However, certain guidelines, especially those concerning the safety of the church ministers, shall take their direction from the Chancery and the Office of the Bishop, through its pastoral arm, the Commission on Liturgy and Popular Religiosity.
2. All the faithful, namely the priests, religious men and women, and the laity, are strongly encouraged to take every precaution necessary to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus.

Approved by:

(Sgd.) + JESSE E. MERCADO, D.D.

                Bishop of Parañaque

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DOP CIRCULAR NO. 2021-128

21 December 2021

TO:     ALL PARISH PRIESTS, PARISH ADMINISTRATORS, RECTORS, CHAPLAINS, GUEST PRIESTS, RELIGIOUS PARISH PRIEST, COORDINATORS OF COMMISSION ON LITURGY AND POPULAR RELIGIOSITY (CLPR) IN THE DIOCESE OF PARAÑAQUE

RE:     THE CHRISTMAS CYCLE 2021

Dear Monsignori and Fathers,

Brothers and Sisters,  

Peace in Christ Jesus!

Please be informed that the following guidelines are to be observed in the celebration of

the Christmas Cycle for the year 2021:

1. On December 24 (Friday), masses celebrated in the evening follow the Vigil Mass of the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord. From 9:00 p.m. onwards, the liturgy of the Mass during the Night (midnight) is used.

2. Christmas Day (December 25) falls on Saturday and the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph on Sunday, December 26

3. All Masses celebrated on Saturday, December 25, shall follow the Liturgy for the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord. This includes Masses celebrated in the evening, beginning at 6:00. Those who participate in this mass fulfill their Sunday obligation as well.

4. The Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God which is a Holy Day of Obligation,     January 1, falls on Saturday, and the Solemnity of the Lord’s Epiphany on Sunday, January 2.

5. Masses celebrated in the morning and afternoon of Saturday, January 1, shall follow           the Liturgy of the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God. However, in Masses celebrated in the evening, starting at 6:00, the liturgy for the Solemnity of the Lord’s Epiphany shall be used. Those who participate in this Mass fulfill their observance of the Holy Day of Obligation as well.

Thank you and please be guided accordingly.

In Christ,

+ JESSE E. MERCADO, D.D.

Bishop of Parañaque                  

Attested by:

REV. FR. CARMELO O. ESTORES  

Chancellor

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DOP CIRCULAR NO. 2021 – 041

26 April 2021

ATTENTION:          All Parish Priests, Parochial Vicars, Rectors of Shrines, Parish Administrators, Parish Coordinators of CLPR and Parish Sacristan Mayor

SUBJECT:                FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER
NATIONAL CONSECRATION TO ST. JOSEPH

Dear Fathers, Monsignori, Brothers, and Sisters:

Peace!

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has recently announced the National Consecration to St. Joseph on Saturday, May 1, 2021. All dioceses are invited to witness the livestreamed telecast of this event at the National Shrine of St. Joseph in Mandaue, Cebu City, 9:00 in the morning, preceded by the recitation of the Holy Rosary. The Eucharistic celebration follows at 10:00 a.m., to be presided by His Excellency the Most Rev. Jose S. Palma, DD, Archbishop of Cebu. This event may be seen through the Facebook page of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Parañaque.

Parishes, through the SOCCOM Ministry, may post a voiced-over recitation of the Prayer of Consecration in their respective facebook pages at 9:00 a.m. Attached with this letter is the English and Filipino versions of the prayer.

Moreover, in the celebration of Masses on this day, parishes may use the Proper of St. Joseph the Worker, including the readings and formularies, and may sing the Gloria. However, in Masses celebrated at 6:00 p.m. and beyond, the liturgy of the 5^th Sunday of Easter is used.

Please be guided accordingly.

Sincerely yours,

(Sgd.) REV. FR. RODERICK S. PACOMA

          Chairperson

Attested by:

(Sgd.) REV. FR. CARMELO O. ESTORES

          Chancellor

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DOP CIRCULAR NO. 2021-027
21 March 2021

TO:     ALL PARISH PRIESTS, PASTORS, PARISH ADMINISTRATORS, RECTORS OF SHRINES, GUEST PRIESTS, RELIGIOUS PRIESTS, and LAY FAITHFUL IN THE DIOCESE OF PARAÑAQUE

RE:     CANCELLATION OF PUBLIC MASSES IN THE DIOCESE 

My dear people, brother priests, and the faithful of the Diocese of Paranaque,

Greetings of peace in the Lord!

We are fully aware that at this point in time, there has been a rapid increase in the number of active COVID19 cases especially in the National Capital Region, and in particular, the cities under our Diocese.

This kind of development is very unwelcoming and risky, especially that some of our areas are also much affected. Hence, utmost prudence and prayerful discernment should be regarded in order to safeguard the safety of our communities.

Therefore, it is with deep sadness that in view of the present condition, I am officially announcing that The Diocese of Paranaque declares a cancellation of our public masses from March 22 to April 4, 2021. I enjoin everyone to engage into a “prayerful lockdown”.

It is a turn of events we have dreaded all along, especially since the Holy Week is coming and our Christian communities have awaited so eagerly to be able to celebrate the Paschal Triduum in our churches, albeit limited in number.  However, prudence and social responsibility dictate that we do our part in the effort to lessen the risk of infection among our priests, the faithful, and their families and loved ones.

I am encouraging all of you to pray to the best of your ability for the resolution of this crisis.  Let us always remember that where two or three are gathered in his name, Christ is there in the midst of them and that the Lord always listens to the yearnings of those who remain faithful to him.

Moreover, I am instructing all parish priests and their councils, with the help of their respective Social Communications ministry and the Commission on Liturgy and Popular Religiosity to continue preparing for the Holy Week Liturgy in the absence of the faithful.  The celebrations must be made available to the faithful through live streaming telecasts via the parish’s social media account.

May God continue to guide you in all your actions and see you through this difficult time by his love and Grace.

Sincerely yours,

(Sgd.) + JESSE E. MERCADO, D.D.
Bishop of Parañaque

Attested:

(Sgd.) REV. FR. CARMELO O. ESTORES

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RECOMMENDATIONS AND GUIDELINES ON THE
CELEBRATION OF HOLY WEEK AND THE PASCHAL TRIDUUM
OF THE LORD’S PASSION, DEATH, AND RESURRECTION
DOP CIRCULAR NO. 2021-019 

Christ redeemed us all and gave perfect glory to God principally through his
paschal mystery: dying he destroyed our death and rising he restored our life. Therefore the Easter triduum of the passion and resurrection of Christ is the culmination of the entire liturgical year. Thus the solemnity of Easter has the same kind of preeminence in the liturgical year that Sunday has in the week. [General Norms on the Liturgical Year and the Calendar #18]

As we approach the culmination of the liturgical year with Holy Week and the Paschal Triduum of the Lord’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection, we would like to present the following recommendations on the manner of its observance and celebration in our parish communities. The current situation of the coronavirus pandemic has been taken into serious consideration, given the particular context of the general community quarantine in place around the NCR.

In our desire to commemorate the highest point of Christian spirituality, we continue to keep vigilant and take the course of utmost caution in terms of the health and safety of the faithful, the lay liturgical ministers, and the clergy of our diocese.

HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS

In the celebration of the Holy Week Liturgy, the government mandated minimum public health and safety standards must always be strictly observed inside the church and in its immediate vicinity.

1. Facemasks and face-shields are mandatory for the clergy, lay liturgical ministers, and the faithful who are in attendance.
2. 30% of the seating capacity of the church is to be maintained. The immediate vicinity of the church may be occupied, provided that safety protocols are kept in place.
3. Only the faithful who are above 18 years of age and below 65, in good health, and free from any comorbidities and the symptoms of any illness may participate in the liturgical celebrations and selected devotional practices.
4. Parishes must ensure that the liturgical celebrations are made available through livestream telecast for the benefit of the faithful in their homes.
5. Physical distancing must always be observed. (1 meter apart)
6. The church must have sufficient ventilation in order to maximize air circulation.
7. This will aid greatly in the prevention of viral transmission. Air conditioning units are advised to be turned off.
8. Electric fans are turned on and windows are left open.
9. Contact tracing is essential and indispensable. Parishes must ensure that ministers are assigned to handle the registration of the faithful who desire to participate in the celebrations.
10. Parishes may ask the faithful to come with their own already filled out Contact tracing forms and submit them to the ministers in charge of registration. The only data to be indicated in the church is the temperature of each individual.
11. Contact tracing forms must include the following details: name, complete address, contact number, and time of Mass.
12. This provision on contact tracing should apply to all, including the Lay Liturgical Ministers and the faithful who intend to stay for a short period of time to pray in the church or in its immediate vicinity.
13. The parish must ensure that the church, especially areas occupied by the faithful, are periodically disinfected and sanitized.
14. The parish must assign lay liturgical ministers to constantly monitor the observance of public health and safety standards. In cases of necessity, the help of the local government units, i.e., the barangay council or police personnel may be requested for reinforcement.
15. Holy water fonts are still to be kept empty, and the touching or wiping of sacred images must be prohibited to reduce the risk of viral transmission.

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR ALL LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS AND
DEVOTIONAL PRACTICES

1. All lay liturgical ministers must wear facemasks and face-shields. Liturgical music ministers and lectors and commentators may remove the face-shield only when performing their particular tasks, that is, singing, proclaiming the Word or various prayers. After which, they must wear their face-shields again.
2. The number of lay liturgical ministers must be kept to the minimum.
3. 2 lectors for the readings and general intercessions, 1 commentator
4. 2-3 lectors for the readings of Easter Vigil.
5. A maximum of 5 altar servers for more complex celebrations
6. The general rule of 3-4 choir members, 1 instrumentalist is highly recommended.
7. The number of extraordinary ministers of holy communion will depend on the size of the assembly.
8. The only exception is the ministry of ushers, greeters, and collectors. Additional ministers are required to fulfill their particular tasks.
9. The sharing of microphones is strongly discouraged. In cases where necessary equipment are lacking, ministers must carry containers with disinfectant, or keep them close to their person, and sanitize as often as needed.
10. Processions are to be avoided during this time of the pandemic, especially those accompanied by the faithful who walk together, as these are occasions where people tend to gather in close proximity with each other.

HOLY WEEK 2021 RECOMMENDATIONS

I. PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD’S PASSION: Commemoration of the Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem and the Blessing of Palm Branches

1. The Second Form (Solemn Entrance) is to used in all Masses: the prescribed rite is carried out at the door of the Church only by the priest and ministers.
2. The faithful will be seated in designated areas inside the church while carrying palm branches and will face the door when the celebration begins.
3. In place of the aspergilium, plastic holy water bottles will be used for the sprinkling of palm branches in order to lessen the risk of aerosol transmission.
4. There will be no blessing of palms outside of the Mass to prevent the faithful from congregating in certain areas.

Liturgy of the Word and the Proclamation of the Lord’s Passion
5. Two (2) lectors will be assigned for the Readings and a commentator for certain parts of the Mass.
6. The lector proclaims the verses of the Responsorial Psalm, while the choir leads the chanting of the response.
7. The same two lectors will also read the Passion Narrative: as the Narrator (at the Ambo), and the second lector as other characters (at a separate lectern). The part of Jesus Christ is read by the presider, and he stays at his chair.
8. The Liturgy of the Eucharist is celebrated in the usual manner.

II. HOLY THURSDAY: Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper

The Rite of Foot-washing may be omitted entirely. However, should the presider decide to proceed with the rite, the following guidelines are to be observed:

1. The priest and those whose feet shall be washed must wear their facemask and shield.
2. The number of the faithful whose feet will be washed may be less than usual.
3. One towel must be used for each person.
4. The priest may pour water upon the candidate’s feet, without touching them, spray with alcohol and then wipe them immediately using a towel.
5. The kissing of the feet is omitted.
6. At the end of the rite, the presider must wash his hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds, afterwich he further disinfects his hands with alcohol.
7. The Offering of the gifts for the poor may be held, together with the presentation of the Sacred Oils, and the bread and wine.
8. The offerors may place their gifts directly upon a table near the sanctuary but away from the altar table.
9. The same procedure may apply for the presentation of the sacred oils.
10. The bread and wine may be carried by offerors using a tray and upon reaching the sanctuary, the priest takes the vessels for preparation at the altar.
11. For Holy Communion, only the Lord’s Body will be given, and as usual, the faithful shall receive it by hand.
12. The Solemn Transfer of the Blessed Sacrament is carried out in the usual manner.
13. The church will remain open for the faithful who wish to pray and will be closed before curfew hours. Minimum public health standards (wearing of face mask and shield and physical distancing) must always be strictly observed, for which ministers may be assigned to monitor.

III. GOOD FRIDAY: Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion and the Adoration of the Holy Cross

1. The traditional Community Way of the Cross around parish neighborhood is omitted. It may however be replaced by other devotional prayers or more laudably the Liturgy of the Hours in the church either by the priest and a few ministers only, or with the faithful at 30% capacity of the church.
2. These may be aired through livestreaming telecast over the parish’s social media accounts for the benefit of the faithful in their homes.
3. Liturgy of the Word and the Proclamation of the Lord’s Passion
4. The Readings, including the Passion Narrative, are carried out in the same manner as on Palm Sunday.
5. The announcement of the General Intercessions is done in the usual manner by only one lector.
   Adoration of the Cross
6. The preparation of the Cross follows the first form, that is, with the ministers carrying the cross from the Sacristy.
7. There will be no individual adoration.
8. The priest, after having uncovered and displayed the Cross for the faithful using the prescribed rite, may walk around the Church carrying it aloft, accompanied by two (2) candle bearers. The people, meanwhile, kneel in silent adoration.
9. The procession of the Santo Intierro is omitted this year.
10. In place of the procession, either the cross used for the liturgy or the image of the Santo Intierro may be displayed inside the church for adoration up to a time to be determined by each parish. Health and safety protocols must be strictly observed.

IV. HOLY SATURDAY: Easter Vigil
1. The time of the Vigil depends on the curfew hours in place, which in the NCR, is from 12 midnight to 4 am
2. The recommended earliest time for the Easter Vigil to be celebrated is 7:30 p.m.
3. The people are in designated seats inside the church carrying unlighted candles before the celebration begins
4. The faithful may be advised to wear white clothes as a reminder of their baptismal dignity and the renewal of baptismal vows.
5. The faithful may be advised to bring candles for the celebration of the light, and the renewal of baptismal promises.
6. The parish may make an announcement instructing the faithful on the manner by which the lit candles are put off without blowing, e.g.. Pressing the wick using a folded tissue.
7. Celebration of the Light and the Preparation of the Paschal Candle
8. The entire ritual may be held at the door of the Church and done in the usual manner as prescribed in the Roman Missal.
Liturgy of the Word
9. The full set of readings is to be proclaimed: Seven (7) from the Old Testament, by two (2) or three (3) Lectors.
10. The same lector proclaims the verses of the Responsorial Psalm, while the choir leads in chanting the response.
11. A commissioned lector and psalmist is to proclaim the Epistle (NT) and chant the Alleluia and verse before the Gospel.
12. The Gospel is proclaimed by a deacon, a priest-concelebrant, or the presiding priest himself.
Liturgy of Baptism
13. Only one (1) adult candidate may be selected to receive the Sacraments.
14. The Rite of Baptism is done in the usual manner.
15. The sprinkling with baptismal water upon the faithful after the renewal of baptismal promises will be done using a plastic holy water bottle as in the blessing of the palms.
16. In the case of an adult baptism, the presider also administers the rite of confirmation. Cotton is used in the anointing with Chrism Oil.
Liturgy of the Eucharist
17. Done in the usual manner.

V. EASTER SUNDAY
1. The Ritual of Salubong is omitted this year.
2. The sprinkling with baptismal water upon the faithful after the renewal of baptismal promises will be done using a plastic holy water bottle as in the Easter Vigil Mass. This will be done in all Masses of Easter Sunday
3. The faithful may be advised to wear white clothes as a reminder of their baptismal dignity and the renewal of baptismal vows.
4. The faithful may be advised to bring candles for the celebration of the light, and the renewal of baptismal promises.

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