On Wednesday 2nd December we are going to resume our usual schedule of Masses and other functions. Owing to the continued possibility of infection with the coronavirus, various precautions will remain in place for the time being. These are aimed at ensuring maximum safety and peace of mind among those who come to the Shrine to worship and to pray. It is not necessary to reserve seats before attending Sunday Masses.
Until 2nd December the church is open for private prayer, Monday, Wednesday – Friday 12 – 1:30pm, and Monday, Wednesday – Sunday 5pm – 6pm.
Face coverings in church
Face coverings are required by law to be worn in places of worship. Members of the public who are attending churches must wear a face covering unless they are exempt from doing so (for a list of exemptions, see the Government’s guidance).
For Holy Communion, please take care in removing your face covering before receiving the Sacred Host and in replacing the covering afterwards.
Coming to Mass
The Bishops of England & Wales have still suspended the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and designated Holy Days. If we do not attend Holy Mass, however, we are to keep the Lord’s Day holy by some other means (abstaining from unnecessary manual labour, spiritual reading and/or prayers at home, etc.). Mass will continue to be live streamed on our website at maidenlane.org.uk/live
Those who are suffering from the coronavirus or who show likely symptoms should not come to the church, please, until they are well in the clear.
In order to ensure social distancing, we ask those who are planning to come to Holy Mass to be mindful of the markings on the floor and the spacing between pews. Please keep a minimum distance from those not in your household.
When arriving at and leaving the church please do not congregate in the porch or outside. On entering the church there will be instructions about hand-sanitisation. Please respect the personal space of others so that everyone feels safe.
During Holy Mass
Seating has been arranged in the church in such a manner that social distancing may be observed at all times, and so that families who live under the same roof may sit together. Volunteer stewards will be on hand to answer any queries.
Congregational singing is not presently permitted.
After Mass, please do not congregate in the porch or outside. Take any printed newsletters, notices, etc. with you, or deposit them in the dustbins in the street.
Holy Communion
Because other mitigating measures are now in place (especially face coverings), Holy Communion will be administered again at its normal place within Holy Mass. Please maintain the rules of social distancing when approaching the Altar Rails.
Please take care in removing your face covering before receiving the Sacred Host and in replacing the covering afterwards.
Catholics are only obliged to receive Holy Communion once a year, and so if anyone is apprehensive about the danger of contagion at Holy Communion, they are advised not to receive until the present risk has subsided, and to make an Act of Spiritual Communion (cards available at the back of the church).
To receive Holy Communion, we must be in a state of grace (any mortal sins must have been absolved in the Sacrament of Penance), and to have fasted for a minimum of one hour before reception.
Confessions
Confession will be heard in the Lady Chapel with appropriate social distancing in place. You may make your confession before Mass, or whilst the church is open for prayer, or by making an appointment directly with Fr Alan. Either telephone 020 7836 4700, or email a.i.p.robinson@btinernet.com
Collections
Collections will not be taken during Mass, but there will be an opportunity to give as you leave. There is a device for you to make contactless donations using a debit or credit card, and a bucket for cash donations. You can also make a donation on our website through Virgin Money Giving. Click here for more information.
Unlike many parishes in London, we have no investments and no property from which we collect rents. We receive no money from the Diocese – in fact, the Diocese collects money from us each month – and, contrary to opinion you may see in the press, we receive no money from the Vatican. We rely 100% on what you give us each week to survive and keep our doors open.
Mass is offered once a month for Benefactors of the Shrine, and as such, you will be remembered at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
Without your support, the Shrine will not be able to stay open. Please be as generous as you are able. Thank you!
Schedule until 1st December
Monday, Wednesday – Friday:
Church open for private prayer: 12noon – 1:30pm; 5pm – 6pm.
Live streamed Mass at 8am
Tuesday:
Church closed all day.
Live streamed Mass at 8am
Saturday:
Church open for private prayer: 5pm – 6pm
Live streamed Mass at 6pm
Sunday:
Church open for private prayer 5pm – 6pm.
Live streamed Mass at 9:30am (English), and 11:30am (Sung Latin)
Schedule from 2nd December
Monday, Wednesday – Friday:
12noon: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
1.05pm: Mass
5pm: Holy Hour with Vespers, Exposition, Rosary and Benediction
Church open 12noon – 2pm; 5pm – 6pm.
Extraordinary Form Mass on Mondays at 6:30pm
Tuesday:
8am: Mass
Church open from 7:45am – 8:45am
Saturday:
5pm: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
6pm: Vigil Mass
Church open 4:45pm – 7pm
Sunday:
9:30am: Said Mass in English
11:30am: Sung Mass in Latin
5pm: Holy Hour with Vespers, Exposition, Rosary and Benediction
Church open 9am – 1pm; 5pm – 6pm
