IMPORTANT NOTE

The obligation to attend Sunday Mass is still suspended

The key thing to reflect on is whether you feel comfortable and safe and are not in one of the government risk categories. The Bishops have asked that those who wish to return do so in accordance with the infection control measures in each parish, mindful of the need to protect themselves and others

Volunteers

More volunteers are also needed to deal with the welcoming and movement of people who do come to Mass. If you wish to help, please contact Ben Malone or Tony Allen. This does not imply an ongoing commitment (which would be welcome) but will help in the temporary situations in which we find ourselves.

Registration

The Bishops have complied with Government restrictions and decreed that a maximum of 50 people can be present at any one Mass. This obviously means a reduction in places at each Mass. It also means that you will need to reserve a place. The online booking is limited to 40 to enable reservation for parishioners without internet access.

Tickets are available from 8 am on Monday morning. Please note that registration for all the Masses closes on Saturday at 6 pm.

You do not need to book for weekday Masses but you will still have to give the relevant information indicating that you have been to Mass.

Please note: If you decide to come to Mass there will be differences and I would ask you to be patient and respectful to those who will be trying to help you. Please follow the directions of the Passkeepers to ensure your safety and each others. This may mean

• You may not be able to sit in your ‘usual’ seat and you may be directed to a different part of the Church (even the front row)
• You will have to indicate which Mass you intend coming to remembering that any health issues should be taken on board before you decide in line with Government instructions
• You should only book for one Mass on any given Sunday
• You will be asked to give contact details of names and contact information in case trace and track process is required by the government
• You will be asked to sanitise your hands on entering the Church and on leaving
• You will be asked to wear a face covering from the time you enter the Church until the time you leave unless you have a health reason for not doing so or are under five.

Please do not leave it until the last minute to arrive for Mass. This is due to the time it will take to complete the check in procedure and also the sanitisation process.

A one-way system is in operation.

On arrival, your name will be checked off the list for those attending Mass. If you are not on the list, we may have to turn you away. You will be reminded of the correct procedure to be followed in booking a place for future Masses.

Some Changes to Sunday Mass (will be shorter than usual)

1. There will be no altar servers or sacristans
2. Only priests will be allowed in the sacristy and on the sanctuary
3. Mass will be celebrated without singing

• without the Gloria
• with only one reading before the Gospel
• without the Creed
• without the Bidding Prayers
• without the Offertory Collection
• without the collection (please note that a collecting basket for offerings and envelopes will be available in the porch before you exit the church)
• without exchanging the sign of peace

After the Priest has said “Behold the Lamb of God… Lord I am not worthy”, he will hold up the Host to the Congregation and say audibly “The Body of Christ” to which the people should respond together “Amen”. In the same way, he will elevate the chalice and say “The Blood of Christ” and again the people should respond “Amen”.

Holy Communion (in the form of bread only) will be distributed into the hands of the recipient in silence after the final blessing.

When you have received the Host in your hand, you should step away from the priest, remove your mask to consume the Host then replace your mask before leaving using the one-way system to exit the church.

In the porch you will again use the hand sanitizer.

I am also conscious that a number of parishioners do not have internet access and so will not see this information direct. If there is someone you know who falls into this category please pass on any information by word of mouth so they are aware of what is happening.

God Bless you all.

Monsignor Tony