The Welsh Government have raised the lockdown to Tier 4, the highest level. Advice to churches has been limited and is as follows: “Places of worship are allowed to be open to the public. However, wherever possible we still advise that people avoid congregating with people they do not live with. For example faith leaders may still choose to broadcast (without a congregation) an act of worship whether over the internet or as part of a radio or television broadcast. Weddings and funerals may also be broadcast from places of worship. Ceremonies for weddings, funerals and other life events such as bar mitzvahs and baptisms are permitted in places of worship. People are able to attend at the invitation of the organiser”.

Our church can open, and will open, at times which will soon be advertised. One interpretation of this guidance is that prayer is possible, albeit with people avoiding forming a congregation (i.e. private prayer). Additionally, broadcasts of the Mass (public worship) may take place, but with no congregation.

As such, our church will close for public worship with Mass being broadcast on our YouTube page. Times for private prayer will be made public soon. If and when more guidance is issued which gives greater clarity, so then we will update our position accordingly. In the meantime, it is right to err on the side of caution. Fr Liam