COVID19 NEWS

 


INFORMATION FROM THE BISHOP

Dear All,

From today, 12th April, there are two significant changes permitted by the government:

–          the change in the number of people attending a wedding is raised to 15 (excluding the minister and those working)

–          the resumption of indoor children’s activities which includes children’s catechesis.

This is outlined in the guidance dated 7 April to be found at the website

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protective-measures-for-holiday-or-after-school-clubs-and-other-out-of-school-settings-for-children-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/protective-measures-for-out-of-school-settings-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak

The guidance states the following for indoor activities:

Indoor provision

If you normally run sessions indoors, you should consider whether you can run them safely outside instead, as the risk of transmission is lower outdoors.

To reduce the risk of transmission, you should also aim to minimise mixing between children as far as possible. This can be achieved by keeping children in consistent groups or ‘bubbles’. Therefore, where the activity is taking place indoors, you should first consider whether children can be kept in the same bubble as they are in during the school day in order to minimise mixing between different children. For more information, read the actions for schools during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Where it is not possible to group children in the same bubble as they are in during the school day, you should keep them in small groups of no more than 15 children and at least one staff member; and where possible, with the same children each time they attend. Further steps that can be taken to minimise the risk of mixing between children would include keeping children from the same school together, or working with parents and carers to keep siblings from the same household together.

The Guidance also reiterates the need for

–          good ventilation,

–          for those in Year 7 and above, face-coverings for moving about or when they cannot be socially distanced,

–          the need of a risk assessment for all participating,

–          and the need for record keeping.

Whilst opening up new activities requires a lot of planning, it is a hopeful sign of moving forward and moving beyond the pandemic.  I know that the Deans and Auxiliary Bishops are willing to help you at this time. If specific advice is needed about Health & Safety matters, please email Louise Mahon on louisemahon@rcdow.org.uk I also attach a summary provided by Louise.

I assure you of my prayers.

With every good wish

+John

______________________________________________________________________________

INFORMATION FROM THE BISHOP

Clarifications have been sought about the celebration of sacraments. The opening up after the lockdown will follow four steps with indications, yet to be confirmed, of the numbers permitted in different forms of gatherings.

 

For Marriages:

 

Not earlier than 8 March               6 people (not including anyone who is working)

Not earlier than 12 April                15 people (not including anyone who is working)

Not earlier than 17 May                30 people (not including anyone who is working)

Not earlier than 21 June                                no restrictions on numbers

 

For Funerals:

 

Not earlier than 8 March               30 people (not including anyone who is working)

Not earlier than 12 April                30 people (not including anyone who is working)

Not earlier than 17 May                30 people (not including anyone who is working)

Not earlier than 21 June                                no restrictions on numbers

 

For Baptisms (“stand-alone” liturgy):    

 

Not earlier than 17 May                30 people (not including anyone who is working)

Not earlier than 21 June                                no restrictions on numbers

 

Baptisms are still permitted within a scheduled service. However, care must be taken that Mass is not overly extended in length.

 

Easter Vigil and baptisms.

The guidance states that baptisms are ‘not recommended’. This is based on the grounds of lengthening of the Vigil and the use of water. A baptism is not excluded and may take place in which case the scriptures could be reduced in length. It is permitted to celebrate the Vigil in these extraordinary circumstances with one OT reading (Exodus), the NT reading and the Gospel. Great care would to be taken with the baptism water so that the water is not passed from one person to another. The Chancery continues to process the papers for those adults to be baptised or received into the Church. Sadly, no sprinkling of the people is permitted at either the Vigil or on Easter Sunday.

 

Catechesis

It is expected that this will be permitted after 12 April.

 

As we approach Step 4, the government will review the means by which the spread of the virus is controlled and so we await guidance concerning any continuation of social distancing and the use of face-coverings.

May Laetare Sunday be a Day of Great Rejoicing.

 

With prayers and every good wish

Bishop John Sherrington

_____________________________________________________________________________

 

Here are the guidelines when lockdown ease