In May 2020 the Bishops' Conference of Scotland established four working groups to advise them on various aspects of how Church life would be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
An Infection Control group was asked to develop a protocol which would enable churches to re-open safely for public worship in accordance with legislation and the current Scottish Government guidelines on social distancing and hygiene.
A Pastoral Ministry group was asked to develop advice on how best to meet the long-term pastoral needs - liturgical, spiritual and welfare - of the Catholic community during the pandemic, anticipating that there may be extended restrictions on the operation of parishes.
A Seminary Formation group was established to plan alternative provision for the ongoing formation of men who would normally be resident in Scots College Rome if travel to Rome is not viable at the start of the academic year 2020/21.
The Episcopal Finance Committee was asked to provide guidance for parishes on ways of coping with the anticipated shortfall on parish income and its impact on church activities.