Sunday services at 11.00 am and 4.00 pm
Service of Holy Communion Tuesday mornings at 10.30 am

Sunday 15th May 2022 

The Fifth Sunday of Easter

Choral Eucharist (Order One)

11.00 am

(The Book of Common Prayer, pages 180-191)

CHURCH OF IRELAND COVID-19 UPDATE – MARCH 2022

Information about the easing of restrictions in Northern Ireland

Bishop Andrew Forster spoke with the clergy of The Diocese of Derry on Zoom on Friday 18th February 2022.

The following is part of the guidance that he offered.

COVID symptoms. Anyone who has (or think they may have) any of the symptoms of COVID-19, or are just generally feeling unwell, should be encouraged not to come to church services or other meetings to avoid the risk of spreading the virus to others.

Hand sanitisers should continue to be available at the entrance to buildings and used by everyone entering and leaving the premises.

Contact Tracing is no longer required.

Social Distancing is no longer a requirement but some spacing is still encouraged in church buildings when people are seated together with others with whom they are not in regular contact, particularly in the early stages of the easing of restrictions.

While face coverings are no longer a requirement, it is recommended that they continue to be worn, for the time being, when people are in close contact with others inside.

When entering and exiting, and moving around inside a building, and particularly during congregational singing, face coverings should be worn. Face coverings may be removed when people are seated and not singing but that is a matter of personal preference.

This guidance applies to services and meetings.

Pastoral visitation - It is possible for clergy and lay visitors to visit in both care homes and hospitals, subject to the local situation and current regulations as stipulated on each site.

Clergy are advised to contact hospitals and care homes in advance of visiting to confirm local arrangements. Visits to parishioners in their own homes is also possible subject to a sensitive awareness that not everyone will be comfortable with others visiting in their home just yet. It may be useful to ring ahead to arrange visits.

Sunday Schools and Parish organisations can meet in Church premises provided that some thought is given to careful management of groups and their planned activities.

Holy Communion – the current protocol from The House of Bishops should still be followed until further advised.

Baptisms – clergy should consult with families regarding arrangements for baptisms.

Plate Collections – where vestries feel it is appropriate collection plates can once again be used during the offertory hymn.

Thank you for your understanding and co-operation.