January 18, 2022
Dear brothers and sisters in the Niigata, Shibata and Nagaoka Districts
As you know, the semi-emergency coronavirus measures have taken effect in Niigata Prefecture today. This is the first time that this has been applied to Niigata Prefecture since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, so some of you may be concerned about your church activities.
I do not ask parishes to cancel public masses at this stage. I would like to ask you to take the basic measures which I sent yesterday. Although it is a very cold season, please make sure that there is adequate ventilation. Also, if you are worried about social distancing due to the size of the chapel or the distance between the participants, please take measures you deem appropriate, such as only the presiding priest and the leader praying aloud during mass, while the other participants pray in silence.
Let us live out the gospel while looking out for each other during this difficult time. I thank you for your cooperation. May God bless our journey.
Paul Daisuke Narui, SVD
Bishop of Niigata