Our church will soon be open for Mass
We are pleased that the Scottish Government has announced that churches can open for services. However, there are restrictions which will affect us for some time yet. The main restrictions are: a maximum number of 50 people being permitted to attend each Mass; we are required to collect and retain contact details for each person attending Mass (to support NHS Test and Protect). The Bishops of Scotland have reminded us that that “the obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains suspended” until further notice and that we should remain “mindful always of the need to protect ourselves and others.” We ask those who come out to Mass in our church for their co-operation with these measures which will be kept under review as we go on.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUNDAY MASSES: Starting on 18th/19th July, there will be 5 Masses available: 5.30pm Vigil, 9am, 10.30am, 12 Noon & 4pm. (12 Noon livestreamed.) Each week, places at Sunday Mass MUST be booked by 10am on a Saturday. Please use our online booking system www.st-columbkilles-sunday-mass.eventbrite.com (links on parish Facebook and website). It will confirm if places have been reserved. You can book for others; only book the places you need (maximum of 4 place); each person attending must be named.
Only those who cannot go online should PHONE or TEXT 07783 340539. You can leave a message or text to tell us: 1) which Mass you wish to attend (offer 1st, 2nd & 3rd choice); the NUMBER of places to be reserved; the NAME of each person attending; a PHONE NUMBER so that we can confirm. Bookings will only be taken by phone until 10am on a Saturday. While tickets are NOT required to enter, all names will need to be checked at the church door so that we have an accurate record of who has attended which Mass. This will be required in the event of a local COVID-19 outbreak. No-one can be admitted to church if their place has not been reserved.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR WEEKDAY MASSES: STARTING on 19th July, from Monday to Friday Masses will be at 10am and 1pm. (1pm Mass will be livestreamed.) The Church will be open from 9.45 to 10.30am and from 12.45 to 1.30pm. Saturday Mass will be at 10am and will be livestreamed. For now, it will NOT BE NECESSARY to book places in advance at weekday Masses; places will be allocated on a first-come basis. (This will be kept under review.) Names & contact numbers must be given at the church door. If a Funeral is scheduled on any day, only family mourners (20 max.) can attend Mass. Advance notice will be given of Funerals.
TO RESERVE A PLACE AT MASS FOR NEXT SUNDAY, SEE BELOW