Guidance for the Celebration of Mass

Dear Parishioners,

We have received, from the Diocese, instructions on how Parishes may once again celebrate Mass.

The full document is listed below and we would urge you to read it; as it explains every single step.

To offer a paraphrase or synopsis of this, here are the main points covered:

SOCIAL DISTANCING – IMPORTANT

2m Social Distancing where possible or a minimum of 1m+ with compulsory face Masks
Eucharistic Ministers of 70+, vulnerable to infection or with underlying health conditions are asked not to distribute Holy Communion or Altar Serve currently.

BEFORE MASS

Priest, Sacristan and Servers to wear single use gloves whilst preparing everything for the celebration of Mass.
Sufficient Altar breads for distribution to the people will be place into a clean covered ciborium.
A separate ciborium/paten will be prepared for each person distributing Holy Communion.
No shared Hymnbooks, Missals or other publications (other than those which are single use, and brought with/taken away with the user at the end of Mass).
No Holy Water in the stoup.
No Congregational Singing

DURING THE MASS

Priest and Server to remain socially distanced at all times.
Readers to wear single use gloves and refrain from touching microphone.
No Bidding Prayers.
No Offertory procession
There will be no sharing of the collection plate/bag.
Collection plates for cash offerings will be placed at the entrance and exits of Church, and will be over seen by stewards
No Sign of the Peace.

COMMUNION RITE

People to wait in their pews until instructed to move forward, by Stewards, to receive Communion
A Physical barrier (e.g. a small table) must be between Priest and recipient. To maintain Social Distancing arms must be at ‘Full Stretch’ (Palms upwards, one on top of the other)
Communion given silently and recipient to move back to their pew (first option) or

Communion given silently and recipient to immediately leave Church (second option).

AFTER THE CELEBRATION OF MASS

Please leave immediately and not remain in Church.
Church to be closed after Mass

A guideline for Confessions is also available.

NEW Mass-Guidance for Acts of Worship – Mass
NEW Guidance for Acts of Worship – Confession

Mass for the Sick & their families, NHS Front-Line workers & those working in Social Care – Dates & Locations.National Masses – Timetable 2

Online directory of churches in England and Wales streaming Catholic Mass live online.

2020.03.18 – PUBLIC LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENCY – CBCEW

COVID-19 Decree from the CDW

Special Indulgence for the COVID-19 Pandemic

Offertory Collection During Church Closure – July 2020

OFFERTORY – Supporting Your Parish Church http://www.justgiving.com/campaign/parishoffertory

Many of us are really missing our community, friends and being at Church Whilst we continue to keep each other safe rest assured masses are being said here at St Mary’s and some Churches are even streaming live masses….. See Online Directory Link above.

During this challenging time the Diocese has come up with a way of helping us support our Church by launching an online parish offertory support campaign. The money will come in centrally and then be sent to the parishes accordingly.

In general churches depend on cash offerings for 50-90% of their income, so it is a difficult time for St Mary’s.

It is very easy to donate and we would be most grateful for any offerings.

Just follow this link : http://www.justgiving.com/campaign/parishoffertory When making your donation, please leave a message to indicate the name of your church For example: “I would like my donation to go to St Mary’s, Preston Park in Brighton”. This will ensure your donation is given to the correct parish as there are several St Mary’s.

If you are already signed up for Gift Aid with the Parish – please add your number to your message.

Thank you for all your support and prayers at this time.

COVID-19 Coronavirus

Guidance for the Celebration of Mass

Offertory Collection During Church Closure – July 2020