Dear Parishioner,
On behalf of the Parish Pastoral Council we are delighted to be able to welcome you back to the Church. While the Church has been closed we do hope you were able to join us in the celebration the Masses and Evening Prayer via our webcam service. Our webcam service has also, hopefully provided some comfort to those grieving loved ones lost to Covid-19.
Some of our Parishioners will continue to use this vital service for the time being.
The Covid-19 new normal is now taking shape across all of our lives including our Church life. This leaflet has been drawn up to support the safe reopening of our Church. We ask you to follow all the guidelines whilst attending Mass to ensure we are providing as safe a place to worship as possible. The Parish Pastoral Council is committed to our new normal so that we can continue to allow us to gather as a Faith Community. We have met regularly, and will continue to do so, in order to ensure that we as a Parish can operate in these times. In time we will make some changes based on your feedback and always following Public Health advice.
We hope that all who wish to come for Mass will be able to do so during July, whether on Sunday or on a Weekday.
Before attending Mass please note:
⦁ For health safety, the number of people present for Mass is restricted. It is not possible to have all at the one time.
⦁ For this reason, we have an online booking service available through our website (www.balallyparish.ie) or you can call the parish office (01 2954296) and they will book your mass for you.
⦁ Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow for staggered entry into the church. You may need to queue for a few minutes to allow for social distancing
⦁ Upon entry to the porch, you will be welcomed by one of our stewards who will give you hand sanitiser.
⦁ The doors of the Church will remain open to ensure good ventilation, you may wish to bring a coat with you – even on warmer days.
While attending Mass please note:
⦁ We would kindly ask you, where possible, to wear a face covering.
⦁ When you enter the church another steward will show you to your assigned seating.
⦁ Please follow the one-way system that is clearly marked out for your safety. This applies to entry and exit.
⦁ We ask that you (and your children) remain in your seat until the end of mass.
⦁ The Priest or Eucharistic Minister will bring Holy Communion to you in your seat
⦁ Please note that the toilets are closed due to health and safety guidelines
Departing after Mass please note:
⦁ A one way phased exit will take place to allow social distancing, this is via the side doors, not the main door.
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⦁ Hand sanitizer stations will be available at the exists also.
⦁ We ask you to depart as quickly as possible to allow the Church to be prepared for the next Mass and the distribution of Holy Communion for those who viewed online.
Receiving Holy Communion for those who have not been in the church for Mass:
⦁ This will take place strictly from 11am-11:40am after the 10am Mass and 13:00-13:40 after the 12 noon Mass on Sundays only.
⦁ There will be a one way system in place, arriving via the main porch, from the Pastoral Centre side, with exit via a side door.
⦁ There will be stewards to assist in approaching for Communion
⦁ Unfortunately we cannot facilitate you to pray in the church after receiving at this time.
⦁ Hand Sanitizer will be available on arrival and departure.
Times of Mass
Sundays: 10am; 12 noon.
Weekdays:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday: 10am.
Tuesday and Thursday: 7pm.
Evening Mass on Tuesday and Thursday is to facilitate those at work during the day.
