Mass will be celebrated each Sunday at 10am St Columba’s and 11:30am at IHM.
Following the Diocesan guidance we will observe a 1.5m + SOCIAL DISTANCING POLICY, and observe a strict cleaning and hand sanitising regime. The new arrangements limit the capacity inside the Church and prior booking is essential.
If you are in any doubt, concerned or are worried, please do continue to celebrate Mass using the livestream facility available.
You must book in advance via email massbookingatihmandstc@gmail.com or by telephoning the relevant parish office or Keyna at 07866823803. Bookings must be done by each Thursday 9am to enable the maximum attendance in line with the new social distance arrangements and also enable communication to confirm your place.
We will temporarily retain contact details of who is present in case of a localised outbreak and to ensure we adhere to the ‘Government Track & Trace scheme”
If you wish to attend Mass please do book - places will be allocated on a first-come- first-served basis but we will manage the process for fairness so everyone who wishes gets a chance to attend Mass. Please note you will not be able to make a “block booking”.
If you have a requirement for access for prams/wheelchairs etc or other accessibility requirements, please advise at the time of booking so we can allocate car parking and make arrangements for you to access/leave the Church minimising stairs.
If you have not booked and the church is at full capacity, then unfortunately you will not be able to attend. We do not want people to have wasted journeys if the Church is at capacity and to help the volunteer stewards to manage the process easily.
Face Coverings Next Sunday September 6, Mass will be celebrated inside our churches. Face masks are now mandatory inside church for the good of everyone else attending.
Please do not come to church if you have a high temperature and/or feel unwell. The church doors will open 20 minutes before Mass is due to begin. A socially distanced queuing system will be in operation and there will be signs in place to manage the one-way direction/people flow. 1. Wearing a face mask enter the Church, where you will be welcomed by a steward who will ask you to sanitise your hands and will check your name off the list. You may also have your temperature checked prior to entrance. 2. A steward will show you to your seat and we ask you to remain there until the conclusion of Mass when you will be directed by the steward to Holy Communion or to the exit route, which is via the side door. 3. Holy Communion will be distributed at the end of Mass in the PALM of the HAND ONLY 4. Please sanitise your hands as you leave the church.
Please note that following guidance there will be no access to the toilets. If access is required in an emergency please speak to a steward who will be wearing yellow tabards.
Two readers will be required each Mass. They will be contacted directly. If you would like to read at Mass please contact the relevant parish secretary. Space will be reserved at the front of the Church for the readers & any family members.
Please note that the Sunday Mass obligation is still suspended, so if you wish to attend Mass & can go during the week, that will free up the Sunday Mass for those who are working or who have families. You may find also that it is quieter. More information on weekday Mass will be provided in the newsletter on 6th September 2020. We recognise that the arrangements for Mass are new with booking and limited numbers. These are to minimise risk and ensure a safe environment for everyone and we hope to welcome some members of the community to Mass inside the Church and be in communion with those who are watching the live stream at home.
St Columba’s - Space in the car park is very limited and as such to manage social distancing and ensure safety, the car park will only be available to those who have special needs for access and mobility. A car parking space will be confirmed at the time of booking.
IHM - Please use the Link Road car park.