Reopening of St. Joseph's Cathedral

(Abu Dhabi).

St. Joseph’s Cathedral Abu Dhabi is ready to reopen for worship on Monday 20 July 2020. The required precautionary measures are implemented in the premises to ensure the safety of the faithful. 

The Government Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi has issued a set of guidelines in view of the reopening of worship places in the UAE from 01 July 2020.

The parish draws an estimated 15000 members on the weekend services with several hundreds participating daily. To counter an expected rush, and to ensure the necessary physical distancing of a minimum of two metres, an online system is set in place for the faithful to choose their preferred service through the parish website. With reduced capacity, an average of 80 people can be accommodated within a service. 

The automated online system gives preference to the first time participants. An Emirates ID and a mobile number is required to gain access into the system. A text message will be sent 24 hours prior to the service. Only confirmed participants will be allowed entry into the church and they will be asked to present their Emirates ID to validate their identity. 

The church gates will be open 30 minutes before each service. While coming to the church, the faithful must wear face masks and gloves. An automatic temperature scanning system will check the temperature of all visitors. 

Safety markers guide the faithful around the church premises. Inside the church, seats which are permitted for use are clearly indicated. Alternate pews are kept vacant and only two people are allowed per pew to maintain physical distancing.

The faithful must leave the church premises as soon as the services conclude as disinfection of the premises are carried out after each service. Exits within the church and the compound are clearly marked. Rest rooms and water dispensers are closed to the public.

Children below 12 years of age, those above 60, pregnant women, the immunocompromised and those with chronic diseases and respiratory illnesses are requested to remain home and to join the services online.

The church will be open only for services and will remain closed at all other times. The schedule of services is published on the parish website.

A video message demonstrating the safety guidelines and precautionary measures has been released by the parish.

The Catholic Church in the UAE under the leadership of Bishop Paul Hinder, expresses its appreciation and gratitude for the proactive measures taken by the UAE Government to support worshippers during the covid-19 pandemic. The Church is committed to follow all the concerned guidelines issued in the interest of the safety of our faithful.