Covid closure

Fr John has concluded, after reflection, prayer and discussion, that, given the national situation, it would be right for St William’s church to close for the time being (except for funerals). There are two factors that contribute.

1. There has been a clear message that we should ‘Stay at Home’ and do everything to minimise contacts outside our household for the next couple of months. The primary reason for the ‘Stay at Home’ message is not for our own benefit, but to play our part in relieving pressure on the NHS. Closing St William’s reinforces this message, places us in solidarity with the lockdown across the country, and contributes to the nationwide effort to lessen contacts.

2. Also, there are the stewards to consider as the situation becomes more serious. Some may have their own anxieties; others may believe we should not be opening in a National Lockdown. Most are in the 60-69 age group, and so have some vulnerability on that ground should they contract Covid, and their risk of that is certainly greater than if they do not have to steward and clean.

It is true that opening is legal, but that does not make it wise, or necessarily practicable, in our circumstances.

Of course this will be difficult and sad for those who come regularly, but please do not just go somewhere else: that would undermine the collective effort to minimise our contacts. Instead, join St William’s Mass via Zoom; there is also Morning and Evening Prayer of the Church by Zoom and there will be Mass via Zoom on some weekdays, with details going out to the parish email list, so if you aren’t on that list then ask to join.

The situation will be kept under review and the Church will open again as soon as this seems wise, but it is hard to see this being before the end of February.