Churches May Open For Limited Public Worship
In the ever changing guidelines, we have now been informed Churches may (where appropriate) begin to open for Public Worship. It has been made clear that this is not compulsory and may not be right for every church. Some churches will not yet be doing so.
. What About Us Here At S. James’?
After a detailed meeting with the Standing Committee we felt our church to bewell positioned to take some initial steps at beginning to open up.
When Can I Come To Church?
It was agreed that from Sunday 05th July we can start. It will be the usual time of 10am and will last about 30 minutes.
What Service Will It Be?
We’ll be able to gather together for a Said Mass. This will be very familiar to those who attend Low Mass on Wednesdays & Saints Days. We will use the Green Mass Book which you’ll be invited to take home with you and keep as your personal copy to bring along each week.
Can I receive the Sacraments?
You will receive the Sacred Body in the usual way but we are not yet able to partake of the Precious Blood.
Can We Sing?
Though we can’t have any hymns or sing any of the service there will be music played and there will be a lovely ambience for the setting of our service. The worship will be different in the sense that it will be quieter and more reflective as opposed to the more celebratory atmosphere of our usual Church Family Gathering.
Can I Light A Candle?
Yes - You can still light a candle & leave a Gift offering
Can I sit In My Usual Seat?
Probably, but because of Social Distancing you may need to move to another pew. People who live together can of course sit together. We are a fairly small Sunday Morning Congregation so there shouldn’t be too much disruption. Everything is clearly marked out to guide you without confusion.
Is It Safe?
We’ve taken great care here at S. James’ to ensure that all procedures are strictly followed. All measures regarding Hygiene are strictly adhered to also and you’ll probably be safer coming to church than the supermarket. If you’d like to wear a face mask please do, though it’s not compulsory. We can safely chat afterwards but no refreshments - sorry. The main thing is to use Common Sense: Clean your Hands & Keep Your Distance. But...
If You Feel You Are Vulnerable Or Have Any Symptoms Or Don’t Yet Feel Ready - Regardless Of Your Age Please Do Not Feel Obliged To Attend We Need To Look After You & Keep Each Other Safe & Feel Comfortable.
What About Any Other Services?
We’ve made the decision to take this very slowly with Small Baby Steps so for now we’ll only gather for the Sunday Morning Mass - Not Wednesday or Holy Days yet. Small Funerals will take place along with restricted Baptisms & Weddings if desired & by agreement with the P.C.C & Warden’s.
Additionally The Church Will Continue To Open For Private Prayer On Sunday & Wednesday Mornings For Those Who Want To Pop In Then
Opening Times - Public Worship:
Sunday’s 10am - Said Mass
Opening Times - Private Prayer:
Sunday Between 11am - 12 Noon
& Wednesday Between 10am - 11am
For Private Devotion On A Sunday The Holy Sacrament will be Exposed On The Altar.
That is The Consecrated Sacred Body Of Our Lord - The Host
This is an opportunity to sit quietly & reverently before Our Lord & spend some time with Him in The Real Presence.