Private Prayer and Mass
IMPORTANT INFORMATION 23/10/20
At our Masses last weekend our churches were at full capacity - both Sunday Masses were fully booked by midweek and the Vigil Mass had spaces to start with but became full when 17 people who had not booked a place arrived. While it is fantastic to see so many of you, we do now face the prospect of turning away people who have not made a booking. If the church reaches full capacity, we will have to ask anyone who turns up without a booked place to wait outside, to see if we have any no-shows. We can only offer a seat to these people at the last minute.
For the safety of everyone, please: -
book a place at the Saturday/Sunday Masses, do not rely on there being a place for you if you have not booked
aim to be seated a few minutes before Mass starts so that your place is not given away at the last minute.
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.
A further Risk Assessment has reduced our maximum number to 59 for St. Joseph's and we expect St. Godric's to be reduced to 44. We are continually reviewing the ways to keep you all safely distanced, so please observe the signs on the benches.
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. For Saturday and Sunday Masses, the deadline for requesting a place at Mass is 2.00pm on Friday. You no longer need to book a place at the weekday Masses, but will have to give your contact details to the stewards on arrival. In accordance with Government Guidelines, and each time you reserve a place, she will need your name and a contact number for track and trace purposes, should this become necessary.If you leave a voicemail message, please leave your number as well.
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.
Please note:In line with the launch of the Government's NHS Covid-19 Track and Trace App, we have posters with the QR code at the entrances to both of our churches. Parishioners can scan the QR code using their mobile phones to help with contract tracing. This system will work alongside our booking in process.Also, we need to keep the church doors open to help withfresh air circulation ,so as the weather gets colder, people may wish to dress warmly.
The dates and times are listed below:
Mass and Service times sometimes change. Please check the Bulletin for the weekly Masses and Services.