Mandatory Guidelines for Attending Mass
Celebrating Mass
The Mass will be shortened for example:
No singing
No bidding prayers
No offertory procession
No exchange of the peace
Receiving Holy Communion
The Blessed Sacrament will be distributed only by the Priest and parishioners will receive Holy Communion in their hands. The steward will guide you when to come forward.
Track and Trace
When you enter the church, you will need to put your name, contact telephone number, the date and time of the Mass you are attending. The steward will be there to help. The information collected at the direction of the Government will be kept secure and will be destroyed 21 days after the said act of worship. If you refuse to complete this track and trace information you will not be allowed to go into the church for Mass.
The maximum seating capacity in the church, based on the distancing guidelines, is 45. Consequently, it will be on a “first come first served” basis.
The obligation for a Sunday Mass has been suspended until further notice. Consequently, you are invited to consider the possibility of attending Mass on a week-day. This will give the opportunity for more parishioners to receive Holy Communion. Please note, that those who attend Mass MUST comply with the following mandatory requirements.
Sanitising hands
There will be hand gel at the entrance of the church. Please sanitise your hands when you first enter and when you leave the church building.
Face Masks
It is mandatory to wear a face covering at all times. If anyone objects then you cannot attend Mass. Please bring, if possible, your own face covering.
Safe distancing
Please observe the distancing rules in the church, The steward will show you to your seat.
When it comes to receiving Holy Communion the steward will tell you when to come forward.
Please remain in your place until the final blessing. A steward will tell you when you can leave, row by row. Immediately after Mass the church will need to be cleaned and sanitised, so it is important you leave promptly.
No toilet facilities
The Hall has to be kept locked at all times and there are no toilet facilities available.
Votive candles and statues
Votive candles can only be lit from another lighted candle on the votive stand. You must not use matches or share a lighter.
The touching of Statues is not allowed under any circumstances.
Feeling unwell
If you feel unwell or have a high temperature, it is best to stay at home, just in case.
The obligation to attend a Sunday Mass has been suspended until further notice. Those who attend Mass in church must comply with these mandatory requirements issued by the Government and the Archdiocese of Southwark.
These regulations have been put into place to keep us all safe and well.
Let us then be joyful and thankful as we once again receive the real presence of Jesus in the most Holy Eucharist.
