MASS AND PRIVATE PRAYER DURING COVID LOCKDOWN

The following operational practices will apply for both private prayer and the Mass.

• The maximum number of people allowed in the church for private prayer is 24.
• Mass is likely to be limited to 30 people – including stewards.
• There will be at least 2 stewards who are there to ensure your safety. Please follow any instructions they provide you with. They will be happy to help or assist (within parameters)
• On entering the church please use the hand gel in the entrance.
• When ready, you will be asked to sit in a permitted seat. These have yellow markers and are at least 1 metre apart. The recommended distance is 2 metres, unless wearing a mask. Family groups can sit together but please be guided by the stewards.
• Children under 16 will need to be with a parent or guardian and will need to follow the strict distancing rules.
• There is a clearly marked one-way system. You should enter the pews by the main aisle. Do not pass anyone sitting in the same row when entering or leaving. If the church is full you may have to wait outside, while still following the socially distance guidelines.
• The church facilities will not be available except in emergency. No-one should feel obliged to come to Mass. Personal safety and security are to be prioritised. The obligation to attend Mass remains suspended.

BEFORE MASS

• Only Father Jerry and either the Deacon, sacristan or a server will be in the sacristy and on the altar, before, during and after Mass. No-one else will enter. Initially, no children.
• Father Jerry will prepare and purify his own chalice and paten. Single use gloves will be worn
• The sacristan will prepare the elements for the people. Single use gloves will be worn.
• The guidance notes will be followed exactly.
• No mass sheets, hymn books will be available. Water stoups empty.

DURING MASS

• The priest, deacon and server should remain socially distant at all times, particularly at the Gospel, the Preparation of the Gifts and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
• Readers will be supplied with single use gloves and avoid touching the microphones or Lectionary. The prayers of the Faithful will be omitted.
• There will be no offertory procession.
• Collection boxes for cash and envelope offerings will be at the church entrance. No collection will take place during Mass. Special arrangements are made for the handling of this.

THE COMMUNION RITE

• There will be no sign of the peace.
• After “Behold the Lamb of God….” The priest will hold up the Host and say, “The body of Christ” The people respond with “Amen” In the same way he will hold up the chalice. The priest will receive Holy Communion under both kinds, using his own Host and Chalice.  After cleansing his own paten and chalice and keeping a reverent silence before the Prayer after Communion he will give the Blessing and dismissal.
• Ministers of Communion move to distribute the hosts, communicants, guided by the stewards, receive Holy Communion and then immediately leave the church.
• The Blessed Sacrament is placed in the Tabernacle and the vessels cleansed in the usual way.

Readers and Eucharistic Ministers will be contacted prior to the mass from the names attending through the booking system.  Safety requirements will be passed to them.