Latest COVID-19 News and what we will be doing at St Augustine’s.
The Government has just announced today, 19th December 2020, a new tier (Tier 4) of serious measures to combat the spread of the Virus. Kent is one area where this has been imposed. Places of Worship are allowed to open provided that various strict measures are in place.
At St Augustine’s we have already reduced our usual round of Christmas services to a single Mass at 6pm on Christmas Eve. This service will go ahead, however social distancing requirements are in place and there is limited seating. The Meeting Room and Toilet Facilities will only be available if the need is urgent.
We regret that if you intend attending our service at 6pm, you send us a private message before Christmas Eve or email Bishop Damien to inform him dmead@anglicancatholic.org – we have an obligation of noting those attending should anyone develop symptoms after Christmas Eve.
There will be no congregational singing in Church and masks are required to be worn – except by the clergy in the sanctuary engaged in the Liturgy.
Holy Communion will continue to be distributed in One Kind only – The Sacred Host will be placed directly into the hand of communicants who will remain standing so there is no contact with the Altar Rail.
We hope, after the Mass, to hold a short period of socially distant Christmas Carol Singing on the forecourt of the Church. We request no-one parks in front of Church on Christmas Eve. There is plenty of on street parking around the Church BUT please be respectful of our neighbours and local residents.
Bishop Damien is currently awaiting the results of a Covid-19 test. If this is negative he will be back in circulation on 22nd December and Dv will be the celebrant and preacher on Christmas Eve. Fr Ray Thompson will cover for him if necessary.
UPDATE: Bishop Damien’s test was thankfully negative.