Worship during the coronavirus infection
Update: 18 July 2020
During the current health risks of spreading the Coronavirus (Covid-19), public worship is suspended with the exception of funerals and the church building locked. The Government has stated that legally churches can open from Monday 15 June for private prayer. As a result, the parish churches in Eccleston and Charnock Ricahrd will be open during the morning on four weekdays between the two churches. Funerals can take place in church, although singing is not yet permijtted and we are making preparations to welcome back wedding couples when the time is right. Please read Fr Andrew's letter below giving more details about the ongoing discussion about making the church ready for welcoming people back.
This does not mean that the church is retreating from the community. Quite the opposite: we are exploring new ways to bring church in to your life, whether you are fully self isolating or refusing your contact with others. As a United Benefice of the parishes of Eccleston, St Mary the Virgin and Charnock Richard, Christ Church, we will continue to pray for you daily and will provide an online eucharist each Wednesday and Sunday in line with our regular service patterns. Both parish churches have been closed from Tueday 24 March in line with the government's restrictions on leaving home; however, from Sunday 12 July there will be a parish eucharist at Charnock Richard Christ Church at 09:00 and from Sunday 19 July at Eccleston, St Mary the Virgin for those who feel able to come to church. There will be social distancing measures in place, sanitizing of hands before entering church and distribution in one kind (the host or consecrated bread) with infection reduction measures in place. If you are not ready to join us in church at the moment, please tune in to the Facebook page or parish website to watch the streamed service at 11:30 each Wednesday and 10:15 each Sunday/ We also have a dial-a-sermon number, 01257 447380 which gives you access to the Sunday reflection and is changed each week.
Most importantly, if you are concerned and anxious please contact Father Andrew on 01257 452777 or by email at rector@ecclestonstmaryschurch.org so he can discuss the most appropriate support for you. We have received offers from parishioners to undertake shopping for those unable to get out and in need. Please contact us if you require this help.
The following resources are here for your use.
