Face Coverings 

Everyone needs to wear a mask in church (apart from the priest, reader, etc. and apart from those who are exempt). This includes at celebrations such as baptisms, weddings, and first holy communions, and includes the time before and after Mass and includes when photographs are being taken after celebrations.  

Singing in Church 

It is permissible for one person to sing during Mass or other prayers, but this must be done from behind a screen (even if it’s the priest that’s singing). The congregation must not join in the singing, and singing should be stopped if people are joining in. The priest must not sing during the entrance or exit processions, since he will not be behind a screen at that time.

 Communion 

Communion is to be given in the hand. If this is not possible (e.g. a person with disabilities) then they can receive Communion on the tongue, but only after everyone else has received and only if the priest sanitises his hands immediately before and immediately after giving them Communion.   

 The Approach of Winter 

As winter approaches people have begun asking about heating in church. Normal radiators can be used, but blower systems must not be used whilst the church is occupied. It is permissible to turn blowers on to heat the church before people arrive, as long as they are turned off once the church is opened. During the winter it is not thought necessary to keep doors and windows open, but it is still important to ventilate the church, perhaps by opening them for a time after everyone leaves.  

Compliance 

Thankfully most parishes are very good at complying with the rules set down by the Government, the Bishops, and the Archdiocese. It is not easy to do so – almost all priests will dislike some aspects of the guidance, and some will object to all of it, and even keeping track of it all can be a challenge.  It can also be annoying when we are trying so hard and yet we visit cafes or shops and often find few attempts to comply. Nonetheless it is essential for the health of our parishioners, and our own health, that we do comply. It is also important that we are seen to comply for the spiritual good of our parishioners – there are people (albeit thankfully few) who tell us that they feel unsafe at Mass or unwilling to receive Communion because they see their priest or fellow parishioners not complying. As time passes we do not want to get complacent, so please keep attentive to the Guidance and keep our parishes safe places to be.