We want to you feel safe when you come and join us in worship, so we have the current guidelines in place for after 1st May 2022
Following advice from the Archdeacons and the National Advisors to the Church of England. This may change in the light of further advice and guidance.
Our Churches are Open
S. Mary the Virgin and S. Edward Shaugh Prior are now open each day during daylight hours for access for private prayer. However, you should be aware that the Churches are not cleaned on a daily basis and you should exercise personal caution when in contact with surfaces. We do not accept liability if you use the Church for private prayer or to light a candle.
Facemasks
The wearing of facemasks is not mandatory, but if you feel the need to wear one, then of course you may.
Communion in both kinds
Both the Host and the Chalice are available for Communion. However, if you are uneasy then you may opt to receive only in one kind (ie the host). The Holy Church teaches that Jesus Christ is fully present in both kinds, so if you only receive the host then you have received no less than anyone who receives in both kinds.
However, the practice of dipping the host into the chalice (‘Intinction’) places everyone at a considerable risk of contamination from everyone’s fingers and the Church and the NHS strongly advise against this. You will not be permitted to dip your host into the chalice, and must consume the host and then receive the common cup, or receive in one kind only.
Although the rules suggest we could repurpose the old Anglican adage to say: “All may, none must, should you?” Individual Communion Cups are unlawful in the Church of England and theologically suspect and we would resist them on theological grounds should they ever become lawful. Jesus Christ is fully present in both kinds of the Eucharist, so even if you only receive the host bread, you still have fully partaken in Communion.
Sharing the Peace
The Makaton Peace will still be encouraged. The peace in more physical forms is a matter of choice, but must not be forced upon anyone.
If you prefer to keep your distance, then share the peace like this:
