Churchgoers Reminded To Give Donations Amid Covid-19 Pandemic

• An organization accredited by the Catholic Church has reminded followers to give their donations.
• Members have been told not to “forget and neglect” this fundamental duty.

Just like other countries, the Philippines has implemented strict lockdowns in many areas to prevent the spread of coronavirus. This started in March 17 and the order has since led to the closure of many non-essential businesses. Even churches have been encouraged to shut their doors to avoid mass gatherings amid the global pandemic.

Despite this, an organization accredited by the Catholic Church has told followers to still give their donations. Rouquel Ponte, president of the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas, has called on the faithful not to “forget and neglect” their responsibility.

In a PhilippineStar report, we read that Ponte said:

“As members of the Church, we know that all the services and duties (of) our parishes and diocese require our continued contributions. Therefore, we must not forget and neglect this important and fundamental duty.”

Ponte has also pointed out that the church accepts donations through bank deposits, money delivery, and other services.

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo has told archdiocese priests to inform donors about the church’s relief efforts amid the coronavirus outbreak, pointing out that they should “maintain good relationships” with community leaders.

“We expect our revenues to fall. People have no money and we have to do a lot of charitable work. Thus, let us minimize our expenses, especially our capital expenses,” Pabillo likewise reminded.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has announced guidelines for the “new normal” as the country has recently started relaxing restrictions.

Churches will continue to implement physical distancing among attendees plus body temperature will be taken using thermal body scanner and hand sanitizers will be made available.

“Ushers and collectors would guide the assembly where to sit, when to come to the communion line, and when and where to enter and exit the church,” the Inquirer reported.

As of May 18, the Philippines already has 12,718 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 831 deaths and 2,729 recoveries.