So, where are we now in relation to churches being able to re-open fully?
Short answer – for the first time since Covid related restrictions came into force, we will be able to admit a larger number of people to the church. Indeed , for the first time since the beginning of our use of the new-look St. Matthew’s, we are no longer bound by a maximum number of people who can attend, and can now utilise our total capacity. We will no longer need to take bookings for Mass.
This does not mean that we can forget about measures to keep ourselves and each other safe, and although there are few rules imposed, we must continue to be careful not to let COVID take hold again. So here are some guidelines.
We will no longer take bookings for Masses or other celebrations in the church
When you enter the church, you will still need to leave track & trace details as at present (mobile phone number appears to be the best for most people
There is no longer a 2 metre separation required between people, but please be aware of other peoples’ needs, and especially if people show signs of being uncomfortable if they think you are too close to them
HAND SANITISING and MASKS (except for those who are exempt from wearing masks for medical or other reasons.
We have done extremely well in keeping infection from our church. Keeping our guard up and following sanitising and other instructions will enable us to keep Covid from us.
We could not have done this without the faithful and long term commitment from our stewards and sanitisers, who have been constantly on duty throughout the pandemic.
We could always do with additional stewards/sanitisers/cleaners. If you feel you could give help as any of these , even for a single slot, Please contact Fr. Hill or one of the Stewards at Mass
LET’S MAKE OUR CHURCH AND HALL COVID FREE WELL INTO THE FUTURE. IF YOU CAN HELP, ASK FR.HILL FOR MORE DETAILS or see one of the stewards on duty for more information.
IF WE HAD MORE STEWARDS/SANITISERS, WE COULD…..
Re- Instate the 5.30 pm Saturday Vigil Mass
Open the church for visits and private prayer:
prayer activities e.g. Stations of the Cross During Lent
Wouldn’t it be marvellous to have proper Celebrations of EASTER AND CHRISTMAS, using the space and potential of the Church to really celebrate the greatest Feasts of the Year
Make Forty Hours Adoration an event to remember (this will take place in November, so we’re getting close!)
Public recital of the Rosary
Re-open the Hall for parish activities:
Children’s Liturgy
Parish Coffee mornings
Parish Social Activities – for all ages?
BUT these can only take place if there is adequate stewarding and sanitation provision
ABOVE ALL – WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE CONSECRATION OF OUR NEW-LOOK CHURCH ONCE WE LEARN WHO WILL BE OUR NEW ARCHBISHOP
We have a lot to dream about. Any one can dream, but only an active Parish Community can turn dreams into reality
AND HOW ABOUT A PRAYER OR PRAYERS (competition?) TO OUR BLESSED LORD, OUR BLESSED LADY, ST MATTHEW and other important protectors of our parish and parishioners
BAPTISMS, WEDDINGS, FUNERALS, CONFIRMATIONS, FIRST COMMUNONS are all being celebrated now, and confessions are available on request, so we are getting back to something near to normal.
We’ve already had lovely First Communion celebrations in May, and soon we will have the Sacrament of Confirmation being administered to the p 7 young people of St. Matthew’s Primary school. Please keep all the young people receiving sacraments, their parents/guardians/sponsors and teachers and catechists in your prayers.