St Godric's will be reopening on Monday 20th July for private prayer. Here is a short video to familiarise yourself with what to expect when you visit. The beginning is subtitled due to the wind.
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Good news! After so many months our churches are opening, in the first instance for personal prayer quickly followed by Mass.
For information on the most recent dates and times for Mass and Private prayer
During the first few months you will notice a number of differences when attending church. The experience, although welcomed, will certainly not be what we have enjoyed for many years. Please bear with us during this period.
For example: Face masks are to be worn at all services in St. Godric’s and St. Joseph’s.
Social distancing determines that the number attending any service is restricted.
To accommodate the maximum number of worshippers it will be necessary to contact Marjorie, our parish secretary, either by telephone 07391 529 827 or email secretary.stjandstg@btconnect.com requesting a place. She will need your name and a contact number. For Mass the capacity of our churches is limited to about 30% of the norm. The deadline for requesting a place at Mass is Friday for Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday Masses. For Masses on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, you can make your request up to the day before.
If you are unable to get a place at a weekend Mass, remember there is Mass during the week. Our obligation to attend Sunday mass is waived at present.
Every effort will be made to ensure that all who ask to go to either the vigil at St. Joseph’s or Sunday morning mass at St. Godric’s will be accommodated as soon as possible.
May we take this opportunity of asking those who are vulnerable not to come to mass at present.
The reception of Holy Communion will by necessity have to be controlled and our volunteer stewards will guide you. In order to reduce the risk of Covid 19 following the reception of the Blessed Sacrament, which will be received only in the hand, you will be expected to leave the church immediately. Whilst many will not have seen their friends and fellow parishioners for a number of months, you will be encouraged to leave the church surrounds immediately.
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Jul 10, 2020
As you know we have for some time been looking at the re-opening of our churches whilst bearing in mind Cardinal Nichols’ stipulation that it should only be done when it is safe to do so. After a great deal of hard work by a number of groups in the Parish we plan to re-open St. Godric's for private prayer on Monday 20th July, Wednesday 22nd July and Saturday 25th July. Provided there are no problems we will be open on subsequent Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays until further notice. Church will be open on each occasion for one hour, 2.00 – 3.00 pm. The arrangements have been risk assessed by a Diocesan Health and Safety expert. It is hoped that St. Joseph's will be able to re-open quite soon afterwards.
When you approach the church there may be a queue, so please observe social distancing while queuing. Doors and windows will be open so you may wish to dress accordingly. When you enter the church please use the hand sanitisation station, even if you are wearing gloves and wait to be directed by the steward to a pew, following the directional arrows at all times.
Please do not touch any statues and only light votive candles from the one already lit. Please bring your own prayer materials as there will be none available in church. Toilets and all other areas will be closed. In case of emergency or illness please contact a member of the stewarding team for assistance. Stewards will be wearing masks, gloves and aprons where necessary, and visitors are also strongly encouraged to wear a mask.
When coming to church you are advised not to share lifts and to avoid public transport wherever possible. Only come to church if you are fit and well and please protect yourself by staying away if you are in the clinically extremely vulnerable category”. I would like to thank all those involved in the re-opening process, particularly those who have volunteered and been trained to act as stewards. Please give them your support and follow their directions so that, with God's help, we will all remain safe as we start to return to the new 'normal'.
Fr. Colm
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