ST. PAUL’S RC CHURCH, CRAMLINGTON
COVID-19 MASS ATTENDANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Amended 12th March 2021
PLEASE READ DUE TO IMPORTANT CHANGES.
The celebration of Mass at St. Paul's is on a Tuesday & Friday at 10:00am, with a congregation, on Saturday at 6:00pm and Sunday at 11:00am, with a congregation, and all services will be streamed live on line.
Test and Trace Information from the Diocese Health & Safety Rep regarding Churches
The Government Test and Trace Program is only interested in people who have been in close contact with the infected individual. This means that they are closer than 2 metres for a period of longer than 15 minutes. Just to put this into context: here in St Paul’s Cramlington we maintain church pew distancing at 2 metres throughout Mass, insist that everyone on entry and exit of the church sanitises their hands. Likewise, we implement the government guidance on face covering. Therefore, the ‘tracing people’ should not be interested. Hope this helps.
We now have our own NHS QR Code Poster displayed in church for you to scan using the NHS COVID 19 app on mobiles to try and help control the spread of COVID 19 / Coronavirus, should you wish to use it.
The Diocese has outlined the following which should be followed for the safety of our Priest and fellow worshipers, WITHOUT EXCEPTION.
If we do not follow these instructions we risk the possibility of being closed down immediately.
1) To attend Mass, you just need to turn up and give your name & contact telephone number
2) Please try and avoid Public Transport
3) If you have either a Cold or Flu symptoms – DO NOT ATTEND
4) Wear warm clothing as doors and windows will be open for ventilation throughout the service
5) Wait outside to be greeted by a STEWARD and maintain SOCIAL DISTANCE at all times
6) Due to Government instructions you must now wear a mask whilst in church to help control the spread of COVID 19. Please DO NOT KNEEL whilst in church (to assist in the sanitising after Mass) and wait in your seat at the end of Mass until you are ushered out.
7) Apply Hand Sanitiser as you come into church
8) An USHER will show you to a seat. (those LIVING in the same household can sit together). You may not get your usual seat in church. Please remain in your seat throughout the service unless otherwise advised
9) Hymn Books are not required as NO CONGREGATIONAL SINGING is allowed
10) Missal Sheets / Bulletins / Instruction Leaflet; if these are available please take them home - DO NOT leave them in church
11) Collection – please use the Baskets at the back of church
12) An Offertory Procession will NOT take place
13) There will NOT be a Sign Of Peace
14) The Blood Of Christ will NOT be given out
15) The Central Aisle will be used for Communion only
16) The 5 blocks of pews will fill up in turn as advised by an USHER as shown below.
BLOCK 1 – Pews to the left of the centre aisle Front to Back
BLOCK 2 – Pews to the right of the centre aisle Front to Back
BLOCK 3 – Pews behind the musicians Front to Back
BLOCK 4 – Pews adjacent to Baptismal Font Front to Back
BLOCK 5 – Old choir Pews Front to Back
17) An Altar Server will bring you out for Communion and will direct you down a Side Aisle then up the centre Aisle in turn – please ensure you maintain Social Distancing throughout. You MUST come out of the pew whether or not you intend to receive Communion to ensure Social Distancing can be maintained. You can only receive Communion in your hand by extending your arms as far as possible. After receiving Communion, you may either return to your pew OR leave the church.
18) The TOILETS and PIETY STALL will NOT be open
19) Votive Candles may be lit, but only by using an existing lit candle
20) You must remain in your pew after Mass until advised by an USHER to leave the church on a row by row basis 1st - BLOCK 1; 2nd - BLOCK 3; 3rd - BLOCK 2; 4th - BLOCK 5; 5th - BLOCK 4 and you must maintain Social distancing whilst leaving. Please sanitise your hands as you leave the church.