Questions and concerns that emerged
as part of the Lockdown Liturgy Survey
Many thanks for all the rich comments that were kindly offered as part of the Lockdown Liturgy Survey. In the following we will address the questions and concerns that were raised.
1. During lockdown I felt there wasn’t enough contact from the Parish – i.e. a phone call, text or email would have been appreciated & I’m sure many others would feel the same especially those living on their own.
After the onset the first lockdown in March 2020, we tried to identify as many parishioners as possible who might welcome this type of contact from the parish. When doing this, we built on contacts that were already in place in the parishes.
Unfortunately, there will be a small number of people whom we didn't identify who would have welcomed this. We continue to offer a phone call in the newsletter that is sent by email every week.
To receive regular communications from the parish, we need to have your details on the Parish Register. If you have not already registered your details, please email southedclust@btinternet.com for details of how to do so, or phone Gerry Mulvenna – 07586 275 575 – to request a paper copy of the Registration Form.
2. I prefer to attend the Mass in St Gregory's but must use the traditional seating and would prefer the return of the routine of sitting, standing and kneeling. I do not agree with the present situation of using chairs while the kneelers are unused.
Over the past few weeks, we have reintroduced the normal routines of standing and sitting at Mass, in as far as is possible.
At this point in time, it isn’t possible to reintroduce kneeling. This is because not everybody is able (or would choose) to kneel. If one person knelt, but the person in the row in front of them was unable to kneel, this would bring people too close together. We will keep this under review.
3. Apart from having enjoyed seeing people from the Cluster who are reading the liturgy it has been a wonderful source of information about things going on in the Cluster, much more information than we ever got with the Newsletter handed out in Church before lockdown.
On Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 October we reintroduced the weekly paper newsletter at Mass. It is aimed at parishioners without internet access and is a revamped version of what was produced prior to lockdown. We will try to incorporate as much as possible of the type of news people have been enjoying, and continue to enjoy, in the online version of the newsletter.
4. I am wary of joining big crowds.
The survey has highlighted that several people do not yet feel comfortable returning to Mass, for example, because they are wary of crowds. This is also evident from the numbers currently participating in Mass in each of our parishes.
It is important to state that no-one should feel pressurised to return to Mass if they are concerned about the Covid situation.
5. I would like to receive holy communion when someone can visit me at home.
We are currently looking at how we might re-start visits by Eucharistic Ministers. This will clearly be dependent on how both a particular Eucharistic Minister and the person welcoming them into their home feel about this.
We hope to start conversations shortly in each of the parishes with Eucharistic Ministers and those to whom they take communion.
6. I feel we got to know so many people we never met before when delivering the newsletter and they have loved meeting us and chatting (again a community connection). My concern is that we don't lose that connection with those elderly/housebound people we presently visit?
One of the pastoral priorities that we are currently working on is how we maintain all the positive developments that were introduced during lockdown.
We are hoping to start a conversation soon with those who have so generously given of their time to deliver newsletters and visit parishioners. This is clearly valued both by those who visit and those who are visited.
7. When the numbers were limited and the social distancing of 2m was in place, I felt very safe at church. However, since the numbers have increased substantially, I don’t feel as safe. Now that all seating is available, I do feel that people do not follow the 1m distancing when sitting in front of someone. Also, a lot of people are not distancing 1m when queuing for holy communion. If the numbers increase, I do feel that vulnerable people will use the online liturgy, however this would mean that they would not receive holy communion. I do feel that COVID 19 is going to be with us for some time.
When the latest changes were announced by the Scottish Government, we had said the following in the newsletter: “Social distancing is no longer legally required. However, many people are still concerned about coronavirus. We would therefore ask everybody, where space allows, to maintain a respectful distance from one another.”
It is important that all those who wish, and are able, can come to and participate in the celebration of Mass. It is very important that we are aware of those around us and that some of our fellow parishioners may feel more comfortable if those around them maintain a respectful distance.
The PPC Chairs (or their representatives), Pastoral Coordinators and Leadership Team
(Fr Alex, Anthea Donaghue, Stuart Holden, Gordon Jackson, Susanne Lackie, Fred McConnell, Gerry Mulvenna, Margareta Tan, Monica Thompson, Maureen Wallbanks)