In the light of recent government announcements, we will be making a number of changes to the arrangements for public worship over the next few weeks. Given that the infection rate in central Oxford remains relatively high, we are going to proceed cautiously. 

Track and Trace The first change you will notice is that there will be no need to book online for our services. The NHS QR code will remain displayed at the entrance to the Church, and we will ask people to continue to use it at their own discretion. We will not be taking contact details at the door. 

Seating Arrangements We will no longer impose seating restrictions in the nave, although we will retain social distancing in the north aisle (this will include the choir pews under the Martyrs’ Memorial. This will ensure that spaces are reserved for anyone who is anxious about going back to being in close proximity to others. The rest of the church will be available for people to sit where they please (although there will be certain places close to aisles where we may place some restrictions).

Face Coverings  We will continue to ask people to wear masks when entering the Church. Although this is no longer a legal requirement, we encourage you to wear a mask over the next few weeks. The infection rate in Oxford remains high and we want to keep everyone safe and healthy. 

Hand Sanitiser We will continue encourage people to use the hand sanitiser when entering the Church and when they receive communion during the service. The hand sanitiser stations will remain in place and will be kept full, at the entrance to the Church, the tower and into the Chancel and in the centre aisle during Sunday services. 

Communion Communion will remain in one kind for the time being. We will await further guidance about the restoration of the common cup. We will start to reuse the De Brome Chapel for distributing communion in August.

After Service Coffee We will continue to have coffee outside following the 10.30am service, to enjoy the weather while it lasts, and to spend time together in a place where we don’t have to worry too much about ventilation. As the autumn approaches, we will move inside. It will also be possible to serve sherry along with tea and coffee.  

Singing The government guidance permits the return of congregational singing. We are planning to proceed cautiously with this for the time being. This Sunday there will be a hymn at the offertory, and we will gradually increase the amount of congregational singing as the months progress. In September, we plan to have a voluntary choir to sing parts of the service. The choir will remain in the Chancel when singing for services. 

Finally, I want to thank all of you for your patience. It has not been easy to negotiate government guidance in the last 18 months. We want to ensure that everyone remains safe in the next few weeks and months and we hope to see you all again soon at St Mary’s.