Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

The churches of All Saints and St Thomas, the worship we offer in these places, and our ministry in Houghton Regis are signs of God’s presence – they witness of his enduring love in our town and the communities we serve.
 
Following directives from HM Government and national Church authorities about Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we are able to reopen our church buildings for worship from Saturday 4 July. However, we will still offer a reduced schedule for worship; public celebration of Mass will be offered three times a week until further notice.

Mass (Public Celebration)
Mass will be celebrated publicly on

• Sundays, at All Saints' Parish Church, at 10:00am
• Wednesdays, at St Thomas' Church, at 9:30am
• Saturdays (Vigil Mass for Sunday), at St Thomas' Church at 6:00pm

Please note that there hygiene, social distancing, and additional safety measures in place for these celebrations.
Wearing face coverings is compulsory - disposable face masks will be available at the door.
In line with Church of England guidelines Holy Communion will be distributed in one kind only, under the form of Bread. The Precious Blood (the chalice) will not be distributed among the faithful.
There will not be congregational singing at these celebrations. On Sundays few members of All Saints' Choir will sing the ordinary parts of the Mass.

Mass (online), Worship, and Teaching
During lockdown we have taken Mass, other forms of worship, and Christian teaching online - on Facebook Live and YouTube. Mass will continue to be live streamed from St Thomas' Church at the following times:

• Sundays and Holy Days at 6:00pm
• Weekdays at 8:30am

Opening of church buildings
According to Government advice churches across England can open for private prayer.

• All Saints' Parish Church will be open to the public on certain days and with a few safety requirements put in place by the Church of England. Check our Facebook page for opening times.
• St Thomas' Church on Lowry Drive remains closed to the public except for Mass and for meetings of community groups.

Baptisms
Baptisms can take place in church. The same hygiene and social distancing regulations used for Mass (above) still apply, and we have to limit the numbers of people attending to 30.

Weddings
Weddings can take place in church. The same hygiene and social distancing regulations used for Mass (above) still apply.
The Government strongly advises that the number of people attending the ceremony is restricted to 15. This maximum number includes all those at the ceremony; meaning the couple, witnesses, officiant and guests. It also includes any workers who are not employed by the church such as photographers. It does not include staff or volunteers employed by the church such as vergers or churchwardens.
The service should be kept concise while still consistent with the nature of the occasion, focusing on those parts of the marriage that are required in order to be legally binding under the law of England and Wales.

Funerals and Memorial Services
Funerals can take place in church. The same hygiene and social distancing regulations used for Mass (above) still apply.
Only immediate family members can participate to the funeral service to facilitate social distancing - up to a maximum of 30.
Alternatively, funerals services can take place at Crematoria or at the graveside - where local restriction may apply.
 
Worship in Care Homes and Hospital Visits

• Worship in care homes is suspended as this would usually see a group of up to 10 church volunteers entering places of care and increasing the risk of spreading the virus.
• Hospital visits are suspended. Please, contact the Hospital Chaplaincy Team or hospital staff to arrange Pastoral Care on-site. The Luton and Dunstable University Hospital Chaplaincy team cah be reached by calling 01582497370, or via email chaplaincy@ldh.nhs.uk

 
Home Visits by the Parish Priest

• Home visits by the Parish Priest (or a designated lay minister) are suspended according to Church of England guidance.

 
Ministry to the dying

• Visits to those who are dying will continue wherever possible and allowed. Please, contact the Parish Office on 01582867246 without delay if you wish to request or discuss a visit.
  

 
As time progresses, these directives may be altered in accordance with advice from the Diocese of St Albans, HM Government, and Church of England guidelines.
Thank you for your co-operation.

Updated 29 September 2020
Created 18 March 2020