Church leaders urge worshippers to wear face coverings to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

Press Release - Feast of Saint John Eudes, Wednesday 19 August 2020

The following statement has been issued by the Roman Catholic and Church of Ireland Primates of All Ireland, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, and the President of the Methodist Church in Ireland:

At this time, both in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland, the governments have not formally made mandatory the wearing of face coverings at services of worship. This is, in part, due to the fact that as churches we are committed to maintaining 2 metre physical distancing between household groups and strict adherence to all government guidance on hand hygiene, cleaning, ventilation etc.

It, however, remains our responsibility to ensure that our services of worship are safe places for all who join with us. It has become increasingly clear that the wearing of face coverings, in conjunction with hand washing etc., is likely to reduce the spread of coronavirus, thus helping to protect others. Their use is therefore one way in which we can evidence protection for the most vulnerable, support for our health workers, and practical love for our neighbours.

Following further recent consultations with public health authorities, we join with Christian church leaders all over this island in formally recommending and encouraging the use of face coverings at all services of worship, along with the ongoing maintenance of 2 metre physical distancing, from Sunday 30 August 2020, and earlier if practicable.

We understand that some people are exempted from the wearing of face coverings, as outlined in the two jurisdictions.

We also recognise that whilst it may not be appropriate for those who are leading from the front during worship, including preaching, to wear face coverings, they should at all times continue to maintain at least 2 metre physical distancing from one another, and 4 metre physical distancing from the front row of the congregation.

• On Sunday, July 5th, Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 am in Fanore and 11:00 am in Ballyvaughan. For the moment there will be no Saturday evening vigil Mass. To reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19, public health advice emphasises the importance of strict adherence to physical distancing, good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette and regular cleaning and sanitising of shared spaces.
• In order to prepare the two churches for a return to the celebration of Mass, could we have volunteers to clean the respective churches on Wednesday, July 1st at 3:30 pm? Before any cleaning is done we will have to go through some specifics. Surfaces do not just need to be cleaned, but they also need to be disinfected. Cleaning with warm water and household detergents (warm soapy water) and use of common disinfectant products should be sufficient for general precautionary cleaning.
Specific areas will need tone cleaned — porch and entrance areas; pews and benches; aisles; door handles; shrine and candle areas; light switches; microphones; lectern; Tabernacle door and key; sanctuary area; sacristy Plastic gloves/aprons will be provided for the cleaning
• In order to maintain social distancing, we will be only using very other pew in the churches. Pews not in use will be marked accordingly. While members of one family can sit together, each pew will be limited to three/four people.
• While it would be preferable to manage expectations in advance, and given that we may be limited to only 50 people at each Mass, I do not, at the same time, want to be turning anyone away. With common sense, and keeping in mind good practice, all should be well.
• For the foreseeable future we will not be using the regular Missalettes, nor will we be distributing the ‘church notices bulletin’.
• Readers: For the moment there will be only one Reader at each Mass and the Readings will be read from the Lectionary. Material will be available for the disinfection of the microphone after use.
• Holy Communion should only be received on the hand. To manage social distancing during the distribution of Holy Communion, those wishing to receive should come up the centre aisle of the church, seat by seat, and return to their seats by the side aisles. The Priest and Minister of Holy Communion will visibly sanitise their hands, both before and after the distribution of Holy Communion. For those who cannot approach the Priest or Eucharistic Minister, Communion will be brought to them in their seats. A mask will be used by those distributing Holy Communion
• Some music may be provided during the celebration. In the interests of physical distancing, for the time being, it is better not to have a full choir. Music, if we have it, will be limited to one singer and an instrumentalist.
• In each of the churches, one door will be used for entering and another for exiting. These doors will be clearly marked and procedures must be followed. We will need volunteer stewards to man these doors before and after Mass. It will be necessary to maintain good social distancing while entering and leaving the Church, and this can be done with patience and courtesy
• Hand sanitisers will be available at the entrances and exits
• There will be a basket at the entrance to the Church for your contribution to the collection — this will avoid the need for people to pass collection baskets during the Mass
• It is clear that the COVID-19 Virus will remain present at some level in the community for the foreseeable future. Just as human behaviour has been very successful in reducing the level of community contagion, human behaviour will also determine what happens in the weeks and months ahead. The guidance provided in this notice is in continuity with good practice - physical distancing and hand hygiene - that has been with us sine the pandemic began. If properly and sensitively implemented and carefully managed, these measures will help all of us to re-engage with the public life of the Church with confidence, energy and joy. I also recognise that some of our parishioners my feel that they would be better advised to stay at home for the time being, but we are all united in prayer. It is certainly most important that people who are unwell — and especially those with any symptoms that might suggest COVID-19 infection — should say at home and, if possible, participate in the Eucharist via TV, radio or Web Streaming.
• The restrictions we have experienced in recent weeks have separated us from one another in all sorts of ways but, as St. Paul assures us, ‘nothing can separate us from the love of God’ (Romans 8:39). The guidance contained in this communication will be reviewed regularly based on current public health advice.