Lifting Restrictions

As you will be aware, the government are planning to lift most remaining Covid19 related restrictions on the 19th July. This will open up new options for our worship and fellowship. However, due to particularly high cases in East Lancashire we need to proceed with caution. Below is an outline of how we intend to ease restrictions over the next two months. 

From the 19th July:

- Communion will be distributed in both kinds (bread and wine) but reassurance given that it's OK to choose to only  receive in one kind 
- Words of administration reintroduced at the distribution of Communion
- People can choose to stand or kneel when receiving Communion
- The rows of chairs that have been removed will be put back in
- Congregational singing reintroduced including the singing of the Gloria and Angus Dei
- Collection of details for Track and Trace will continue
- People invited to share a sign of God's peace in a way that they and those around them feel comfortable with
- People can choose where to sit and who to sit with
- For Parish Eucharists the St Paul's Chapel Chairs are a designated 'Social Distancing' zone where people are asked to remain 2m from those not in their household or bubble and to wear face coverings. People are invited to sit here if they would find that reassuring or more comfortable
- Everyone will be encouraged to wear face coverings entering and leaving church and when moving around but can take them off when seated 

During August:

- At the 9am Parish Mass on the first Sunday of the month people will be invited to receive Communion at the high altar once more
- Servers will be reintroduced including processing in and out and processing the Gospel, but the choir will not process in or out. Only clergy will distribute the chalice.
- People are invited to exit by either the main door or the Lady Chapel door. Clergy will greet people at the main door after services but won't shake hands
- Refreshments will be shared outside after the weekly Parish Eucharist (Family Service on the 1st Sunday) weather permitting
- The Social Distancing Zone will stay in place for Parish Eucharists

From 1st September onwards:

- Eucharistic ministers begin distributing the chalice again
- Refreshments will be shared inside after the weekly Parish Eucharist (Family Service on the 1st Sunday)
- The choir will recommence processing in and out
- The Holy Water stoops will be put back into church and filled
- The collection plate will be passed around and the collection and elements will be processed forwards during the service
- Holy Eucharist on Friday will take place in the Lady Chapel (this may be possible sooner that September)
- The Social Distancing Zone will be reviewed 

Please feel free to speak to Father Alex or Rev Kat if you have any worries or concerns about the lifting of restrictions.