Letter on public worship in Catholic Churches in England & Wales in light of COVID-19

In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, so many aspects of our lives must change. This includes the ways in which we publicly express our faith. It is very clear that, following official advice and in order to keep each other safe, save lives and support the NHS, at this time we must not gather for public acts of worship in our churches. This will begin from Friday evening, 20th March 2020, until further notice.

Our churches will remain open. They are not closing. They will be a focal point of prayer, where you will find solace and strength. In visiting our churches at this time, we will observe with great care the practices of hygiene and the guidance on social distancing.

However, the celebration of Mass, Sunday by Sunday and day by day, will take place without a public congregation.

Knowing that the Mass is being celebrated; joining in spiritually in that celebration; watching the live-streaming of the Mass; following its prayers at home; making an act of spiritual communion: this is how we share in the Sacrifice of Christ in these days. These are the ways in which we will sanctify Sunday, and indeed every day.

We want everyone to understand that in these emergency circumstances, and for as long as they last, the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days is removed. This is, without doubt, the teaching of the Church (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2181). This pandemic is the ‘serious reason’ why this obligation does not apply at this time.

You will find more details about the pathway of prayer and sacramental life we are now to take in the accompanying document and on the Bishops’ Conference website (www.cbcew.org.uk). Your own bishop and parish priest will provide further support, encouragement and information about our way of prayer together in the coming weeks.

The second vital aspect of these challenging times is our care for each other. There are so many ways in which we are to do this: being attentive to the needs of our neighbour, especially the elderly and vulnerable; contributing to our local food banks; volunteering for charitable initiatives and organisations; simply keeping in touch by all the means open to us.

During these disturbing and threatening times, the rhythm of the prayer of the Church will continue. Please play your part in it. The effort of daily kindness and mutual support for all will continue and increase. Please play your part in this too. For your commitment to this, we thank you.

“The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.”

May God bless us all.

Vincent Cardinal Nichols President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales

Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP Vice-President

From Bishop Paul Swarbrick:

You are already aware through statement issued from the Bishops’ Conference that we live in exceptional times and much is being asked of us. Whatever restrictions are imposed on us cannot restrict the Grace of God, rather we are invited to grow more confident and trustful of his abiding presence. The witness we give as Catholics in such circumstances is priceless. A major opportunity here is to encourage and develop practices of personal and family devotion in the home. This is not the first time in Lancashire or Cumbria that this has been the case, we have a rich and heroic heritage on which to reflect and draw strength. Having said that, we resist any temptation to withdraw into ourselves. We remain part of the Catholic Church, and daily we commend the World Community not just the Diocese of Lancaster to God’s loving mercy. 

It is highly likely that I will be celebrating the Holy Week Liturgies in the Cathedral in relative physical isolation. Do rest assured that the Liturgies will take place and the Liturgical actions will benefit all. 

With my prayers and blessing, keep well.”

Rt Rev Paul Swarbrick, Bishop of Lancaster

From Fr David: During this difficult and challenging time, we turn to our faith in the Lord, who has conquered all things, and who promises to be with us always, even to the end of the ages. Although there will not be access to Mass and the Eucharist, we can stay close to the Lord in prayer – and to one another – and He will be close to us. He is the light at the end of the tunnel, the light that the darkness cannot overcome. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. We will stay together through our love and our prayers for one another.