As we are now entering Phase 2 and lockdown restrictions are being gradually eased, St Bernadette’s Church will now be open for private prayer at certain timeslots: the first two being Wednesday 24th and Friday 26th of June between 12pm and 2pm. Please see our website for future dates. We have produced the following guidance to help everyone stay safe while they come in to pray.
Who can come to church?
Everyone is welcome at St Bernadette’s, but you should consider your own health before deciding to attend. Those who are shielding should continue to follow the Scottish Government's advice. Please do not come to church if you are feeling unwell, and if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you should continue to isolate at home. The obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains dispensed with until further notice, and parishioners should feel free to pray at home or watch masses online if it is safer or more convenient for them to do so.
How should I prepare to go to church?
The diocese has created a video on how the reopening will be managed and how to prepare to go to church, which can be found here.
For your safety and the safety of others, we would advise you to wear a face covering. Covering your face with a mask, scarf or bandana will help keep everyone safe from the virus. You should bring your own face covering with you. If you have a health condition or disability which prevents you from wearing a mask, you are not required to wear one. Young children under the age of 5 are also exempt from this requirement.
You may bring your own hand sanitiser if you wish, but hand sanitiser will be provided at the entrance and exit.
You do not need to make an appointment beforehand. Simply turn up within the allotted time and you will be allowed in.
What will happen when I get there?
You should enter through the main entrance from the car park. If it is very busy inside the church, you may have to wait outside for a short period of time so that everyone inside the church is able to practice safe physical distancing. Please sanitise your hands upon entering and wait for a volunteer to assist you. The volunteer will guide you to an appropriate seat.
Once you are ready to leave you should head towards the car park exit via the aisle which is on your left when you face the altar. Please follow the signs posted around the church and remain two metres apart from the other parishioners and volunteers as you exit. You should sanitise your hands as you leave.
Volunteers will sanitise the seating area when parishioners leave.