The Sunday obligation remains suspended ‘for the foreseeable future’.
Please do not come to Mass if you have any symptoms of Covid-19, even if they are very mild. The Church recommends that people with some underlying conditions should not come to Mass.
The pews and chairs have been placed so that we are seated 2m apart. Do wear a mask or face covering if you wish.
The maximum number of people who may be admitted for Mass is 40 at Hunstanton and 42 at Dersingham.
For the moment the only public Masses are on Sundays.
COMING INTO THE CHURCH
The holy water stoup is empty, and covered
There may be a delay getting into church. Please be prepared to wait for a few minutes in a socially distanced queue – that is 2m apart.
Once you enter the church, please use the hand sanitizer and follow the directions of the Stewards on duty – don’t stay to chat in the porch.
There are no hymn books, Mass books or Mass cards. You will be handed a sheet giving the main prayers of the day’s Mass. Please take this home with you after Mass. You are, of course, welcome to use your own missal.
DURING MASS
There will be no singing during Mass
The Bidding Prayers, Offertory procession and Collection are all omitted. There will baskets for your offerings at the exits after Mass.
There will be no sign of peace.
After “Behold the Lamb of God…Lord I am not worthy,” the priest will hold up the Host to the Congregation and say “The Body of Christ” to which the people respond “Amen.” In the same way, he elevates the chalice and says, “The Blood of Christ” and again the people respond “Amen.” (A reminder of this will be in the service sheet.)
Please follow the stewards’ directions on going up to Communion, to maintain a safe distance
The priest will distribute Holy Communion alone, and in silence. Communion must be received on the hand only. Please stand on one side of the kneeler and hold your arms outstretched towards the Priest. If you normally come for a blessing at Communion, you are still very welcome to do so. The blessing will be silent. Please then return to your seat in a safe way.
AFTER MASS
Please check around where you are sitting and take all belongings and paper away with you. Do not leave anything in the church or in the porch.
A Collection basket will be available at each exit for your offering.
Leave the building as quickly as possible with those nearest any exit first. Fire exits will be opened to facilitate this. Please don’t gather around the doors, and remember as you move away to maintain a safe distance between yourself and those you are talking to. Remember to wash your hands when you get home!
After Mass the church will be thoroughly cleaned by our kind volunteers so that it remains safe for the next Mass.
All very daunting, but the Mass is still the same, and if we take care of each other we hope it won’t be long until restrictions can be eased further.
