St Michael's and St Bernadette's Parish, Whitefield, Manchester

PARISH OF ST MICHAEL & ST BERNADETTE

WHITEFIELD

FROM JULY 2020

GUIDELINES FOR MASS AT THIS PRESENT TIME

• We are reminded that there remains no obligation to attend Mass at this time. Anyone with any COVID type symptoms should not attend any public gathering.
• We have organised our buildings with a 2 metre distance, so that we do not need to sign “Track and Tracing” paperwork, nor wear face coverings.
• Unfortunately in these circumstances, we are not in a position to have our much appreciated sacristans and servers.
• Please come in “households” arriving by the ramp door at St Bernadette’s and the main door at St Michael’s. Social distancing needs to be observed whilst entering the church.
• The seating capacity in each building is limited. Peoples’ “usual seats” are not available. If you would prefer, you will be able to remain outside and hear Mass relayed through the outdoor loud-speakers. Bring a garden chair if you would rather be outside (or for when the church is filled to capacity).
• We will rely upon stewards to guide our arrival and seating, both our churches will be open half an hour before Mass to enable the stewards to begin their guiding.
• For the duration of Mass we will stand and sit as appropriate, please refrain from using the kneelers.
• We are unable to have singing, please make spoken responses softly to limit the vapour transmitted in the air. There will be no bidding prayers and no offertory procession. Offertory donations can be left in the basket by the exit.
• Holy Communion will be distributed under one kind and in the hand only, at the end of Mass as people then depart. Please outstretch your arms fully to receive Holy Communion which will be offered and received without speaking.
• Please ensure you have not left anything where you were seated, leaving via the side entrance at St Bernadette’s and the Arch-Angel room at St Michael’s.
• Once the departing congregation has received Holy Communion, it will be brought outside to anyone wishing to receive.
• In our delight at seeing parishioners and friends – socially distanced – please do not congregate around the exits!