Opening our Doors for Private Prayer

Our churches are now open on Sunday for Sunday Worship as well as for private prayer every Tuesday 11-1 and Saturday, from 10-2.

When you attend for private prayer, we must ask you to follow a series of strict guidelines for the safety of yourself and others; 

• People will be asked to queue outside the church and the doors will open at 11:00 am. We have a capacity number and, once that is reached, we will not be permitted to allow anyone else into the building.
• Social distancing measures will be in place in relation to seating;
  • Upon arrival, people will be welcomed and asked to wait to be shown to specific seats. Seats will be allocated to individuals or household groups and support bubbles seated together and on alternative pews. 
  • A system to ensure the best use of space within social distancing guidelines will be in place. 
• Hand sanitizer will be made available when entering and exiting the building.
• When exiting the building people will be asked to follow guidance from stewards to ensure we exit in a socially distanced manner. 
• No gathering in groups (outside of household groups and support bubbles) is permitted before or after prayer, you must vacate the building as quickly (but as safely) as possible.
  • Social interaction within the church with people outside of your bubble is not permitted.
• We will be asking for contact details from those who come to pray so that we can help with the 'track and trace' programme. This is a requirement.
• Surfaces within the Minster are being regularly cleaned and sanitized after private prayer during the week and will be wiped down after each prayer session. 
• It is a requirement to wear face-coverings to attend private prayer unless you are medically exempt. 
• Certain areas of the Minster will be closed to public access, these areas will be clearly marked. 
  • The Jesus chapel will not be open at this time.
  • The children’s area will not be open at this time.
• We would ask that any cash donations are deposited into the cash donation box or you make use of our contactless donation box; the Goodbox.