Following the relaxation of the Covid 19 restrictions the Bishops of England and Wales have issued a Guidance notice for Churches over Lent, Easter and beyond.

The full document can be downloaded by clicking here. but the main points are summarised below.

• Hand sanitiser should be available for all to use at places of entry and exit to our churches.
• The necessity for social distancing is removed so churches should operate up to their normal
capacity figures.
• Those who wish to wear a face covering may do so during the celebration of Mass.
• The use of hymn books and other worship aids are permitted as part of the liturgy. Servers
and their various ministries (acolyte, book-bearer, incense) are to be encouraged to return.
• The vessels containing the altar breads for consecration at Mass should remain covered until
the moment of distribution of Holy Communion to the faithful.
• Holy Communion is to be distributed to the faithful under one kind only (i.e. the Sacred
Host). At concelebrations involving a number of priests, communion for them should be by
intinction of the Sacred Host in the Precious Blood.
• Those who distribute Holy Communion should wear a face covering and sanitise their hands
before doing so.
• Singing can occur and there is a general encouragement to wear face coverings while singing.
However, it is recognised that not everyone will feel able to do this.
• Contact tracing ended on 24th February and so there is no need for track and trace QR codes
or other means (e.g. Mass booking systems) in our churches from now on.