Special Message concerning Covid-19

HM Government has updated legal requirements with regard to Covid-19 measures. The Church of England has issued updated guidance for what this means in relation to churches. A  further message from Rector Justin Parker together with a summary of this guidance is shown below;

The new statutory regulations require those who are not otherwise exempt, or reading or singing in Church, to wear face masks once more following the recent rise in cases of the Omicron variant of COVID.

I therefore update my recommendations as follows;

• Sanitising/washing of hands remains strongly encouraged; it works, is simple to do and an excellent protective measure
• The wearing of face masks is once more required, if neither exempt nor singing/reading.
• Congregational singing remains permissible and is a joy!
• I recommend that hymn books are placed in the churches in the pews, with an order of service or prayer book if possible, so that people may speedily and safely take their place in church without causing unnecessary bottlenecks at the door
• I will continue to wear a face mask for the administration of the Blessed Sacrament because I will be in close proximity to communicants. I encourage other clergy so to do. We have started to administer the Blessed Sacrament in both kinds, under the species of bread but intincted by the Priest.
• None of you should feel in any way pressured to change your own personal practices beyond that which makes you feel safe and secure in Church.
• I invite each church to place the/a collection plate at the entrance to the church before the beginning of the service so that the alms and offerings of the people may be made before the service and brought up and offered at the altar during the service although I recommend that the plate is not passed around for obvious reasons
• Bellringing, in full, has recommenced, and I continue to recommend that as far as reasonably possible hands are sanitised, sensible distancing is maintained, and if in very close proximity the wearing of masks is considered and ventilation be increased by the opening of doors and/or windows

Please continue to keep in your prayers all those in our health and care professions who minister to the sick and the suffering, those who are sick with COVID or long COVID and those who are fearful, and give hearty thanks to God for the scientists and vaccinators who have helped to bring us to this point so speedily

Kind regards and every blessing

Justin

 

If you have any queries or concerns about attending St Peter’s do not hesitate to contact the Rector who will do his best to assist.