Manchester Cathedral Opens for Worship

  • News
  • 2 July 2020

On Sunday 5 July 2020 we shall be re-opening the Cathedral for public worship beginning with the Eucharist at 10.30am.  Worshippers are being asked to register their attendance in advance using Eventbrite to gain entrance to the Cathedral, since we will  be unable to admit more than 70 persons (including children) because of the 2-metre social distancing requirement. 

Communion will be offered to the congregation in one kind (bread) only and we will need to observe strict rules about distribution of communion.  No singing will be permitted although we hope to play some recorded music for devotional purposes.  Please note that we are unable to provide refreshments after our services and the congregation will be encouraged to exit the Cathedral as soon as the service has ended.

You will also be allowed to attend Morning Prayer at 9am from Monday to Saturday and Evening Prayer at 4.30pm daily but due to lower numbers you do not need to register your attendance in advance of these services. 

The Cathedral nave will remain open for private prayer as follows:

  • Monday to Friday from 10am to 12.30pm and then from 2pm to 4pm
  • Saturday to Sunday from 12pm to 4pm


What to expect from us on Sunday

Everyone who wishes to join us for worship is welcome. You can enter on your own or with members of your family but numbers will be limited to allow for social distancing and necessary hygiene measures.

We confirm we have read and complied with the Government's guidance on the safe use of places of worship from 4 July to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. We have also been accredited by Visit England's 'We're Good To Go' scheme.

Unisex toilet facilities will be available immediately before and after the service.

Please note all acts of worship in Manchester Cathedral are now live streamed. Although cameras are focused on those leading worship, please be aware that your image may be inadvertently captured and streamed. If you would like further information on the position of the camera on Sunday, please ask Cathedral staff upon arrival.
 

What we expect of you

  • You must not attend if you are feeling unwell or have experienced any COVID-19 symptoms in the past seven days.
  • You are advised to stay at home if you are over 70 or fall into the NHS shielded category but you will still be able to join us online via Facebook Live.
  • Take responsibility for your own safety, that of your household, and all other people by maintaining social distancing and observing all hygiene measures.
  • Help us to protect everyone by not moving chairs on the nave floor. We will be asking adult members of the same household to sit two metres apart at all times but children will be able to sit with parents.
  • Ensure children are supervised at all times.
  • Please use the automatic hand sanitisers.
  • Follow instructions of staff.
     

Why do I need a ticket to attend the Sunday Eucharist?

The opening up of public places of worship is being supported by the NHS Test and Trace service. In line with Government guidance we are being asked to assist this service by keeping an accurate temporary record of visitors to assist NHS Test and Trace if needed for contact tracing. Attendance at the Sunday Eucharist will therefore be facilitated by Eventbrite ticketing. The ticket is free of charge. You will need a ticket for each adult and child attending so that we can monitor the numbers of worshippers in attendance. Your data will be fully managed in accordance with data protection regulations and a copy of our Privacy Notice is available on our website.

 

More information: