The government has issued guidance for the safe use of places of worship from July 4th and the following advice reflects current best practice.
- Social distancing. To comply with the 2 metre rule, alternate rows of pews have been taken out of use. Stewards will guide members of the congregation to their seat(s) with the pews nearest the Sanctuary filled first. Further movement within the church will not be permitted. Standing is not permitted either in the church or porch area. At the end of Mass the congregation will be asked to remain seated until a steward indicates they can leave, starting with the back rows first (at OL&SJ this will be after Communion). When entering and exiting the church, ensure social distancing is maintained at all times, and in particular, do not stop for any reason in the aisles. Gathering in groups outside the church is only permitted as long as social distancing is maintained.
- Face coverings are mandatory in enclosed public spaces where there are people they do not normally meet, such as a church. People should not see their use disrespectful to prayer or the sacred space.
- Limit on numbers in church – booking system. Limits on the number of people permitted to enter the church for communal worship have been decided locally on the basis of the capacity of the church following a risk assessment. To ensure the capacity is not exceeded, a booking system has been implemented. This booking system will be both online (http://catholicbarnsley.co.uk) and by phone (01226 205589 or 07981 867933). If you know anyone who does not have access to the internet and might wish to attend a Sunday Mass, please pass on the telephone contact numbers.
- Fairness in Mass attendance. When the ‘lockdown’ began, the Catholic Bishops of England & Wales removed the Sunday obligation of attending Mass. This still applies – there is no obligation upon Catholics to attend Church on a Sunday in these current circumstances. In order for as many people as possible to attend a Sunday Mass, please only reserve a space at one Mass in the first instance. Once you have booked a ticket you will receive a confirmation email, Please note: if you use the online booking system your name and email address will be stored for 21 days and a register of those present will be kept for the purposes of the government’s Track and Trace system. This is to aid any response to Covid-19 infection.
- Masses will be streamed from Holy Rood on Sunday at 10 am.
- Hand washing with alcoholic gel, using the dispensers in the porch, is necessary before entry to and exit from the church..
- Toilet facilities will not be available in order to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission.
- Singing, chanting and the playing of musical instruments by the congregation is not permitted.
- Masses will be shorter than usual; there will be no offertory procession; there will be no exchange of the sign of peace; Communion will be distributed by a Eucharistic Minister and given silently in the hand only, with the communicant standing, and avoiding any physical contact.
- Donations should be placed in the collection baskets at the rear of the church.
YouTube Live-stream
We have a YouTube live-stream feed with a camera in the church. The image on the left shows the area of the church that is being streamed. If you are within this area, then it will be possible to see you over the internet.
If you do not wish to be at risk of being filmed, please inform
Fr. Damian or one of the stewards on visiting the church.