The Churches of St Mary's and St Matthew's

are open for public worship and Pastoral offices

following government guidelines

response to COVID-19 update 12th of July 2021

COVID – 19 Update from Standing Committee

It is important to reiterate that as Step 4 is reached, the general principles of continuing to create a safe environment in places of worship and their ancillary buildings are not abandoned. Indeed, the way forward must be a collective endeavour of all involved in the daily life of the Church. Recognition of the presence of the virus in the population means that certain preventative practices will still be required, and this is important to ensure that trustees are seen to be discharging their Health and Safety duties.

The Health and Safety Executive have issued new guidance for employers and organisations, and this makes clear that a duty to keep premises safe continues beyond the removal of any COVID-19 legislation.

Indeed, the Government has stated that changes moving forward would be on a risk-based approach for all organisations with the responsibility to ensure appropriate measures to safeguard public health sitting with the management of the organisation. There remains a strong emphasis on common sense and risk-averse activities to continue to mitigate against the transmission of the virus which is still prevalent in society.  All places of worship will have to consider the prevailing local conditions for the virus.

Standing Committee wishes to reassert that access to God’s grace through the sacraments is of paramount importance.  However, this does not negate the fact that the sanctity of life is one of the primary beliefs of Christianity.  Therefore, in line with the guidance above and the prevailing conditions, we have decided to carry on with our present mitigation and this will be reviewed after the 16^th of August. 

This means that attendance remains restricted due to social distancing at 1m+, hand sanitiser is to be used when entering buildings, temperatures will be taken, masks are to be worn and tickets are required for attendance at mass, these can be found here.

There are many devotions on this website for those who do not feel it is wise for them to travel to church, these can be found here.

Morning and Evening Prayer are streamed each day, and you can find the links for these here.