Activity | Tier 3 – Very High | Tier 4 – Stay at Home |
Mass/public acts of worship | Mass, communal worship or prayer can be attended by as many people as the place of worship can safely accommodate, in a way which complies with COVID-19 secure guidance which includes the requirements of social distancing, the wearing of face coverings and cleaning requirements. | Mass, communal worship or prayer can be attended by as many people as the place of worship can safely accommodate, in a way which complies with COVID-19 secure guidance which includes the requirements of social distancing, the wearing of face coverings and cleaning requirements. |
Mixing with Parishioners | Clergy must not mix socially with parishioners before or after mass. | Clergy must not mix socially with parishioners before or after mass. |
Attending Mass | People must not attend Mass in groups of more than 6 nor with people from outside of their household or support bubble. Those attending mass must not mix with people, even family members and friends, from outside of their household or support bubble while inside or outside the church building. | People must not attend Mass in groups of more than 6 nor with people from outside of their household or support bubble. Those attending mass must not mix with people, even family members and friends, from outside of their household or support bubble while inside or outside the church building. |
Singing in Church | There is to be no congregational singing. A cantor or a choir may sing during mass. When there is a choir, singers are to be spaced at least 2 meters apart in all directions. Musicians must adhere to social distancing requirements. | There is to be no congregational singing. A cantor or a choir may sing during mass. When there is a choir, singers are to be spaced at least 2 meters apart in all directions. Musicians must adhere to social distancing requirements. |
Baptisms | Baptisms can take place. When taking place outside of Mass the number attending is limited to 6, which includes the person being baptised but not the priest/deacon. Those attending can only be from the household or support bubble of the person being baptised When a baptism takes place in a Mass which must be part of the normal pattern of parish Masses, the number of attending will be determined by the secure capacity for the church building. Those attending can only be from the same household or support bubble | Baptisms can take place. When taking place outside of Mass the number attending is limited to 6, which includes the person being baptised but not the priest/deacon. Those attending can only be from the household or support bubble of the person being baptised When a baptism takes place in a Mass which must be part of the normal pattern of parish Masses, the number of attending will be determined by the secure capacity for the church building. Those attending can only be from the same household or support bubble |
Weddings | A Nuptial Mass or Wedding Service can take place but must have no more than 15 people attending. Anyone working is not included as part of the limit on those attending. Wedding receptions are not permitted. | A Nuptial Mass or Wedding Service should only take place in exceptional circumstances, for example urgent marriages where one of those getting married is seriously ill and not expected to recover, or due to undergo debilitating treatment or life-changing surgery. In such cases weddings must only take place with up to 6 people. Anyone working is not included. Wedding receptions are not permitted. |
Funerals | Requiem Mass or Funeral Service can take place with a maximum of 30 attendees. If the secure capacity determined by the COVID-19 risk assessment for the church building or Crematorium Chapel is less than 30, then the secure capacity number applies. The maximum number of 30 or the safe capacity number if lower does not include the priest/deacon or funeral staff. Wakes can take place with a maximum of 15 attendees. | Requiem Mass or Funeral Service can take place with a maximum of 30 attendees. If the secure capacity determined by the COVID-19 risk assessment for the church building or Crematorium Chapel is less than 30, then the secure capacity number applies. The maximum number of 30 or the safe capacity number if lower does not include the priest/deacon or funeral staff. Wakes can take place with a maximum of 6 attendees. |
Pastoral Visits | Cannot take place except in the case of terminal illness or end of life care. | Cannot take place except in the case of terminal illness or end of life care. |
Travel | Avoid travelling out of area except to attend Weddings or Funerals. A priest may travel out of area to cover a Mass supply. A deacon may travel out of area to officiate at a Wedding, Funeral or Baptism service. | Avoid travelling out of area except to attend Weddings or Funerals. A priest may travel out of area to cover a Mass supply. A deacon may travel out of area to officiate at a Wedding, Funeral or Baptism service. |
Small Prayer & Study Groups | Limits for prayer and study groups should be decided on the basis of the capacity of the place of worship or meeting room following an appropriate assessment of risk. | These cannot take place in person. |