Category: Parish Priest

Coronavirus restrictions for S:t Henry's from November 23

22/11/2020

The coronavirus situation in metropolitan Helsinki has worsened, which means the coronavirus instructions for St Henry's Cathedral Parish must also change. From November 23rd, a maximum of 20 people can attend any one Mass and you must register ahead. All hygien instructions must be followed. Using face coverings is mandatory.

The Introduction to Catholicism course continues and is held in the Cathedral, not the Parish Hall. Sacrament classes for children and youth continue in groups of less than 20. Teenagers and teachers must use face coverings.

It is important to not take part in any communal events with any symptoms of Covid-19 or if you have recently been in contact with anyone who has been exposed to the novel coronavirus.

These additional restrictions are in place in St Henry's Cathedral Parish from November 23 through December 13, 2020.

In prayer,
Father Jean Claude Kabeza

Coronavirus Instructions from September

31/8/2020

The Catholic Diocese of Helsinki follows the general instructions of the Finnish government to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

In the Cathedral Parish we have the following regulations in place:

We diligently ensure participation in church events only takes place when people are symptom-free. We take great care to ensure good hygiene and safe distances; if safe distances cannot be kept, people are asked to wear a face mask.
In the parish we return to the regular autumn schedule, but we continue to register for Mass.
Religious events, courses and meetings of communities as well as group meetings can go ahead again.
Holy Communion is still only given under the species of bread.
It is not yet recommended to have church coffees.

The conditions for participating are therefore: absence of symptoms – hygiene – safe distance – (face mask)

The faithful are still freed from the Sunday obligation, but it is important to keep the day of rest holy for example by following the mass on the Internet, by praying, reading the Bible or in some other way.

Instructions for Mass attendance from June 1st

24/5/2020

General Instructions concerning Mass Attendance in the Diocese of Helsinki, as of June 1st

General instructions

At this point, the faithful must register for Sunday Masses on the internet, or by calling the parish. When registering, please take into consideration parishioners who are unable to register online by leaving some vacancies for those persons. Your understanding during these circumstances is requested, as there are unfortunately no other options for the time being.

These instructions are general, and they may change or become more specific, should the government provide new directions. These instructions are also put into practice and modified in each parish in a manner that best corresponds to the realities of that parish. Thus, it may be beneficial to let the parish know about any suggestions for improvement.

Click for instructions in pdf format

How may I participate at Mass?

According to the decision made by the government on May 6, 2020 there may even be over 50 faithful present at Mass (in addition to clergy, altar servers, an organist and a small choir) as long as proper distancing is followed. The precise number allowed depends on the size of the Church, and is declared by each parish.
In order to attend Mass, all faithful must first register with the parish. Information about registering is given out by each parish.
Only those without any symptoms of a cold or of Coronavirus may attend Mass. Those at higher risk are asked to remain at home.

How do I implement proper safety measures in church?

Social distancing of at least 1 meter must be maintained at all times while in church.
Only the marked seats may be used. However, members of the same household may sit together in the same row.
One may use a mask in church. When sneezing or coughing, the faithful must cover their mouths with a handkerchief or sleeve.
When entering church and before Communion all faithful must sanitize their hands, just as the priest does before distributing Communion.
Holy Water is not available in church, and the Sign of the Peace by shaking hands is left out. There are no hymnals in use at this time.
The collection is taken at the door at the end of Mass.
After Mass has ended, it is not permitted to stay in the sanctuary in order to socialize.

How do I receive the Eucharist?

Holy Communion is given only under the species of bread.
After having sanitized his hands, the priest will give Communion first to those wishing to receive in the hand, and only after that to those receiving on the tongue. During this unusual time, receiving in the hand is recommended.
Social distancing must take place while in line to receive the Eucharist.
When receiving the Eucharist, the faithful must remain still and remain in place in front of the priest.
There is no obligation to receive Communion at Mass. Those worried about contracting the virus may request to have Communion given to them outside of Mass.

How do I receive other Sacraments?

For all other Sacraments (Baptism, Confession, and Matrimony) as well as to arrange a hospital visit or a funeral, please contact your closest Catholic parish.

Open the Mass reservations page for St Henry's Cathedral

Click here to read the Instructions on this page in pdf format

Announcement from the Parish Priest on March 21, 2020

21/3/2020

Father Jean Claude Cabeza, parish priest of St Henry's Cathedral Parish, has made an announcement regarding the extraordinary situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Dear parishioners,

In this particular time, it is very important to follow strictly the official instructions and regulations, that is, to avoid all unnecessary human contacts. Accordingly, there will be no public Holy Masses during this period. The Holy Father has himself given the first example for this, cancelling all his public appearances, including the Holy Masses. However, St. Henry’s Cathedral remains open for personal prayer daily between 7.3 a.m. and 5 p.m. A priest will celebrate the Holy Mass alo daily at 6 p.m., and this Mass can be viewed on the parish website. The Sunday Mass will be available for viewing online at 11 a.m.

It is certainly a hard challenge for us not to be able to unite physically in prayer in the church; but let us all be the more united in spirit and especially remember those most in need!

With prayers,
Father Jean Claude

Further reading:
Cathedral remains open, but Mass no longer said publicly
Updated: Guidelines during the corona epidemic
Schools and the coronavirus

Parish News

Coronavirus restrictions for S:t Henry's from November 23

Coronavirus Instructions from September

Instructions for Mass attendance from June 1st

Announcement from the Parish Priest on March 21, 2020

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