February 5, 2021
Guidelines on Church Activities in the Time of Covid-19 in the Diocese of Niigata
Dear brothers and sisters in the Diocese of Niigata,
It has been almost a month since I announced the guidelines on Church activities in the time of Covid-19 in the Diocese of Niigata on January 8. However, as you know well, the infection situation has not improved much. The Japanese government has extended the state of emergency for 10 prefectures until March 7, and the three prefectures in the Diocese of Niigata are under the same alert as of one month ago.
In view of this situation, the Diocese of Niigata will continue to take measures against Covid-19 as stated in the guidelines of January 8, 2021, for the time being. On Ash Wednesday, please conduct Mass according to the measures already sent to you by fax.
Let us continue to cooperate with our neighbors to prevent spreading the virus. And above all, let us trust in God in prayer and give thanks for the essential workers.
Paul Daisuke Narui, SVD
Bishop of Niigata
For your reference: Guidelines on Church activities in the time of Covid-19 in the Diocese of Niigata (January 8, 2021)