England has entered a new national lockdown. On 4th November, Parliament passed into law The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions), the following guidance is the latest to be issued by the Bishops' Conference:
'The Regulations preclude gatherings for communal worship, including the celebration of Mass, baptisms and most weddings. However, it is important to stress that this does not represent a return to the previous lockdown earlier in the year. In the current Regulations, places of worship are permitted to remain open for certain purposes, and to attend a place of worship is listed as a reasonable excuse to leave home. The purposes for which a place of worship may remain open are listed in Paragraph 18(8) of the Regulations. Most notably, the Regulations allow places of worship to remain open for “individual prayer” which is defined as “prayer by individuals which does not form part of communal worship.”
Churches Open
It is important that a generous provision is made to open our churches for substantial amounts of time. Priests are encouraged to maintain a presence in their open churches, making themselves available to talk with those who attend for individual prayer.
Churches may be used for Mass and other services to be streamed, without a congregation present. Musicians and singers may participate in online services, as long as they usually form part of the service that is being broadcast and are essential to its delivery.
Churches are permitted to continue to be open to offer support and charitable outreach, including the provision of food banks or other support for the homeless or the vulnerable. It is so important that this response to the pandemic, which has been such a significant part of parish life over these past months in so many places, continues and develops.
Funeral Masses and funeral services may continue to be celebrated, with an attendance of up to 30 people (not including those who are required for the celebration). Weddings are only permitted when one of those getting married is seriously ill and is not expected to recover. Such weddings are limited to 6 people excluding the priest or deacon celebrant.
Covid Secure
It is important that the routines of cleanliness, stewarding and social distancing to which we have become accustomed, and which have made our churches places of real Covid security, are maintained. Face coverings should continue to be worn in churches, unless individuals are exempt. The maximum number of people allowed in a church for prayer will be determined by its size, seating arrangements and the requirements for social distancing.
Sacramental Preparation
In the light of the broad aim to minimise gatherings of those from different households, and to focus resources on keeping churches open for individual prayer, it is recommended that catechism classes and sacramental preparation sessions are suspended, or held online, whilst these Regulations are in force.
Clergy and parishioners are encouraged to read the Regulations and Guidance and make mature judgments about how best they are to be applied in particular contexts. Some priests may have heightened vulnerability owing to age or medical condition: in making their judgements, they should consider their own circumstances and wellbeing, as well as the safety of others. These days are not easy, but during the time the Regulations are in force it is vital that the best and effective use of our churches is made, for the good of the faithful and wider society.' Rev. Canon Christopher Thomas 5th November 2020
Previously released information:
Face coverings must be worn in places of worship.
All those attending church are required to wear a face covering or mask unless they are exempt from doing so. This measure was introduced in August to help keep our church family safe.
Our welcomers and stewards should never be in a position where they are required to enforce the wearing of face coverings, instead, anyone unable to wear a face covering should be guided to a section of church where it is possible to maintain a distance of two metres from others.
To find out more about Covid-19 guidance for parishes including the Celebration of the Sacraments and the Pastoral Care of the Sick visit the Bishops' Conference website.