Prelate discourages Christmas parties among parishes but encourages traditional gift-giving to the poor

Palo Archbishop Johh Du has discouraged parishes in his archdiocese from holding Christmas parties this year amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 2019) pandemic.
 
The prelate, however, said that the traditional gift-giving to the poor should continue. 
 
"The parish and parish organizations’ traditional Christmas parties are discouraged, but not the traditional gift-giving to the poor sections of our society," Du said in a circular letter dated November 13.
 
"In the latter case, Christmas gifts may be given to pre-identified families, and gifts will be sent directly to their respective homes," added the prelate. 
 
Du stressed that proper health protocol should be strictly observed.
 
To note, Archdiocese of Manila apostolic administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo also discouraged parishes from holding Christmas parties so as not to spread the virus and also as an expression of "solidarity" with those who are suffering during the pandemic.
 
In the circular letter, Du also reminded parishes that the traditional kissing of the image of the Infant Jesus brought to homes is not allowed due to the pandemic. 
 
In its place, he said, the parish may introduce creative ways to emphasize the spirit of Christmas. 
 
"For example, we can encourage the parishioners to put up altars or the Christmas crib in their gates or porches and place their offerings (even mass intentions) and other gifts for the apostolate (or gift-giving to the poor) of the parish," said Du.
 
"A small procession of church ministers may go from one house to another either to bless their images or to say a prayer before the house or to simply offer a gift from the parish and to get whatever offering the household has prepared to be shared to the less fortunate," he added.
 
Archbishop Du said such activities must be coordinated with the barangay and local authorities and the local health protocol should also be strictly followed.