Religious rituals (holy masses, devotions and other worship and religious practice) within religious buildings (churches, chapels) continue to be performed by the Ordinance on temporary restriction on implementation of freedom of religion in the Republic of Slovenia and Instructions of Slovenian bishops for the prevention of the COVID-19 epidemic (of December 18, 2020).
It, therefore, follows that the number of participants is limited to one person or members of the same household to 30 m2 of an interior of a religious building. Singing is prohibited. Hygiene instructions or the Institute of Public Health recommendations must be observed (especially the use of masks, maintaining a personal distance of at least 1.5 meters, disinfecting hands, sneezing and coughing into a sleeve, the participation of only healthy people).
Religious rituals outdoors and pastoral events outdoors or indoors (e.g. meetings of Parish Pastoral Councils, conjugal and prayer groups, etc.) may be carried out according to the Ordinance on the temporary partial restriction of movement of people and on the prohibition of gathering of people to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, Nos. 193/20, 196/20, 204/20, 2/21, 5/21, 9/21, 12/21 and 15/21). It follows that the number of participants is limited to ten people or members of the same household. It also follows that The National Institute of Public Health's instructions must be observed (especially the use of masks, maintaining a personal distance of at least 1.5 m, disinfecting hands, sneezing and coughing into a sleeve, the participation of healthy people).
Catechesis of children and youth (religious education) is regularly performed at a distance until further notice. According to a decision of a priest, it can also be performed "live" but with reasonable consideration of the Ordinance on temporary prohibiting gatherings of people in educational institutions and universities and independent higher educational institutions (OfficialGazette of the Republic of Slovenia, No. 20/21) and the proper observance of the Recommendations of the Slovenian Bishops' Conference for the implementation of parish catechesis (religious instruction) in the catechetical year 2020/21. It follows that the number of participants is limited to ten (10) religious students, catechist are weekly tested, and hygiene instructions of The National Institute of Public Health observed (especially the use of masks, maintaining a physical distance of at least 1.5 m, disinfecting hands, sneezing and coughing into a sleeve, the participation of healthy people).
Spiritual retreats may be organized for up to ten (10) people or members of the same household, following the hygiene instructions of The Institute of Public Health (especially the use of masks, maintaining a physical distance of at least 1.5 m, disinfecting hands, sneezing and coughing into a sleeve, participation of healthy people), without sleepover and joint meals.
Additional information: [email protected]
Dr Tadej Strehovec
Secretary-General of SBC
