Benefice of Meir Heath and Normacot

What to Expect on Sunday

We extend a warm welcome to all those able to attend either of our churches for Low (Said) Mass on Sunday. The masses will be at the normal times of 9.30am at St Francis’ and 11.15am at Holy Evangelists’. Unfortunately, due to regulations on cleaning the building, we are unable to offer the usual 8am service. Please note that the following measures will be in place for your health and safety:

1. If you have symptoms of the virus, please do not come to church.

a. Those who are ‘extremely clinically vulnerable’, as defined by government, are advised not to attend.

b. Those who are over 70 and/or clinically vulnerable, should take particular care to minimise contact with others outside of their household/‘bubble’.

2. If arriving by car, we ask that you park in alternate spaces, where possible, leaving the adjacent space empty.

3. Please do not attempt to park beside the church (unless for disabled access) as people may be queuing. The barrier may be in place.

4. If queuing is necessary, please observe 2 metres distancing.

5. Please wait outside the building until a steward guides you in and accompanies you to your seat. Please remain in your seat until invited forward to receive Holy Communion.

6. Please use the hand sanitizer available inside the church.

7. Under the latest Church of England guidance, the Church is operating a policy of 2 metres’ social distance. Please observe this on the way into the church, when taking a seat for the service, and on exit.

8. Owing to Church of England guidance, there will unfortunately be no votive candles available in church.

9. Mass booklets will be provided on your seat. Please leave them there at the end of the service.

10. There will be the opportunity to provide your contact details, which are to be used only for the purposes of the NHS Test and Trace service, in case of necessity. If you wish to complete this, please use your own pen and hand the form to a steward on your way out. If you provide your consent your attendance will be noted on a register. Records will be stored and we will keep your details safely and in compliance with GDPR legislation for 21 days before securely disposing of or deleting them. This is entirely voluntary, and you are free not to participate. It is your choice.

11. Members of the congregation are welcome to wear face-coverings if they wish; this is not mandatory.

12. There will be no singing in the service, nor will the Peace be shared.

13. Communion will be received standing at the chancel step, in the hand. Please use the hand sanitizer provided before receiving communion. Communion will be given in one kind only (the Host).

14. The mobility challenged may prefer to receive Communion in their seat. Please speak to a steward before.

15. The service is expected to last around 45 minutes. Only the disabled toilet will be available.

16. At the end of service, you may be asked to stay in your seat until directed to leave, in order that exit from the church can proceed in a socially distanced manner. Please follow the direction of the stewards.

17. As you leave the church, a plate will be available for your offerings.

18. Outside the building, after the service, will be the moment to greet other members of the congregation in a socially distanced manner. Refreshments will not be served.

Please note that these measures are in place for your and others’ safety. We warmly thank you for your support and co-operation.