Update- Covid Changes.
As you will have seen, the First Minister announced this afternoon that social distancing indoors will end from Monday 9thAugust. This means that after this date there will be no obligation to keep 1m distance between household groups and so our church and halls can return to their normal capacity.
Face coverings - There is no change to the requirement to wear masks.
Cleaning and sanitising - The careful cleaning of the church and sanitising of hands will need to continue as before.
Ventilation - The Bishops’ experts highlight the importance of ventilation. Where possible, we will continue with windows and doors being open whilst the church is in use, and the doors will be open both before and after Mass.
Use of holy water fonts There is still a risk that the virus can be transmitted through the use of holy water fonts. The use of fonts is not advised until further notice.
Distribution of hymn books for Mass and newsletters is now allowed as normal.
Use of confessionals The use of enclosed confessionals should continue to be avoided.
Test and Protect - Parishes need to continue the Test and Protect regime by the collection and temporary retention of parishioner information. However, if this is unduly burdensome parishes may collect information for just one person per family group. Or alternatively, parishes may invite people to register for their usual Mass as a one-off and ask them to inform the parish if they are not going to attend. Most congregations tend to be fairly stable, especially as we now have greater numbers attending Mass.
As you will have seen, the First Minister announced this afternoon that social distancing indoors will end from Monday 9thAugust. This means that after this date there will be no obligation to keep 1m distance between household groups and so our church and halls can return to their normal capacity.
Face coverings - There is no change to the requirement to wear masks.
Cleaning and sanitising - The careful cleaning of the church and sanitising of hands will need to continue as before.
Ventilation - The Bishops’ experts highlight the importance of ventilation. Where possible, we will continue with windows and doors being open whilst the church is in use, and the doors will be open both before and after Mass.
Use of holy water fonts There is still a risk that the virus can be transmitted through the use of holy water fonts. The use of fonts is not advised until further notice.
Distribution of hymn books for Mass and newsletters is now allowed as normal.
Use of confessionals The use of enclosed confessionals should continue to be avoided.
Test and Protect - Parishes need to continue the Test and Protect regime by the collection and temporary retention of parishioner information. However, if this is unduly burdensome parishes may collect information for just one person per family group. Or alternatively, parishes may invite people to register for their usual Mass as a one-off and ask them to inform the parish if they are not going to attend. Most congregations tend to be fairly stable, especially as we now have greater numbers attending Mass.
