GOOD NEWS! SACRED HEART PARISH IS MOVING CAUTIOUSLY BACK TO NORMAL!
As shops, pubs, theatres etc are now opening up to near full capacity, it has been decided that it is now timely for our parish to make some gradual changes towards getting back to where we were before March 2020!
Whilst acknowledging that Covid is still present in our local community, it is important that everyone feels safe enough to gather to worship. Therefore, please rest assured that any changes made will be reviewed regularly with the safety of all in mind.
SO WHAT WILL THE CHANGES LOOK LIKE?
Well, from the weekend of 28th / 29th August
- Holy Communion will return to its normal place in the Mass and be served from the front of church. Post Communion prayers will be said and the final blessing be given.
From the weekend of 4th / 5th September
- You will NOT need to book to come to Mass!
- You will, though, be expected to use the hand sanitiser on entry into church
- Wearing a face covering will be strongly encouraged for all but those who have been exempt
- Stewards will still be in attendance to show you to your seat and usher at Holy Communion
- All pews will be available to sit in; they will no longer be taped off
- Should you wish to keep socially distant, you will be able to place a sign next to you advising others to leave a space
- Unless a family group, no more than 4 people will be placed on each bench
- There will be no need to leave immediately after Communion
- Stewards will continue to sanitise pews after Mass
These are just the first steps forward and the whole process will be kept under review and, in the not too distant future, it is expected that we will begin to introduce singing; rotas for Readers and Eucharistic Ministers will be re-established; the Offertory Procession will be re-introduced and Fr Michael and Deacon Tony will be present at the back of church after Mass to chat to people.
The priority is that we want to keep everyone in our community safe so we still want to convey that serious message that if you are feeling unwell or have COVID ot FLU symptoms you shouldn’t come to Mass.
The Sunday obligation is currently suspended until the beginning of Advent.