The government is set to announce that churches and other places of worship may re-open for private prayer, starting from 15 June. The prime minister is set to outline measures on Tuesday, but these are expected not to include weddings or full Mass services which will come at a later date.
Ministers have been working with faith leaders, including Cardinal Vincent Nichols, on guidance for how places of worship can re-open safely with social distancing measures in place.
It is likely that we will only re-open St Teresa’s and that Ss John Fisher and Thomas More will remain close until further notice. We will announce soon the times St Teresa’s will be open on the website, Facebook page and front of the church.
For the meantime, we are appealing for more volunteer stewards and cleaners to help us ensure that the re-opening of St Teresa’s will be safe for everyone. More information on how to sign up here.
Below is Cardinal Vincent’s full statement
I am grateful to the Prime Minister for his decision that our churches may now open again for individual prayer. I thank the Secretary of State for Communities, Mr Robert Jenrick and the Minister of State, Lord Stephen Greenhalgh, for their leadership of the Task Force which helped bring about this important step.
This is a first, measured step in restoring the more normal practice of our faith and will be welcomed by so many, who have waited with great patience since 23 March when our churches were closed, by Government decision, as part of the fight against this pandemic.
I thank everyone for that patience. It is important that every care is taken to ensure that the Guidance given for this limited opening is fully observed, not least by those entering our churches. Our preparation is taking place with thoroughness. Visiting a church for individual prayer, benefitting from the sacredness of that space, can be done safely and confidently.
Not every Catholic Church will be open on 15 June. Local decisions and provision have to lead this process. But it is a great blessing, for individuals and for the benefit of all in society, that church doors will again be open to all who long to pray there for the peace and grace we need today.
This first step enables us to learn and prepare for those that will take us to a fuller use of our churches, for the celebration of Mass and other sacraments. We await that time with deep longing but patient understanding that the protection of the health of our society, especially of the most vulnerable, is a proper cause for caution and care.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols
President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales