After a lot of hard work and preparation, we are delighted that the cathedral will re-open for private, individual prayer from Tuesday 16th June 1.30pm- 4.30pm.
From Tuesday the Cathedral will be open Monday – Saturday 1.30pm-4.30pm. Please remember that the Cathedral will look and feel different during this period. These changes are essential to ensure the safety of all our people.
Liturgies will continue to be live streamed on https://www.churchservices.tv/salfordcathedral
We have tried to answer some of the questions you may have before visiting the Cathedral. If you have another query please email cathedral@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Commonly asked Questions?
What is Private Prayer?
Private prayer also known as Individual prayer within a place of worship is defined as a person or household entering the venue to pray on their own.
You cannot be part of a group or join a prayer session. No communal prayer or regular scheduled services are permitted in the Catherdal at this time. This includes any priest or lay person leading devotions or prayer.
All individuals must socially distance from other individuals or households.
Should I visit?
It remains a person’s own choice whether they to come to church to pray. If you are in the vulnerable category you should consider whether this is safe for you to do.
The obligation to attend Mass on Sunday and Holy Days remains suspended at this time.
If you or a member of your household are showing symptoms of Covid- 19 you should not come to a church for prayer. If you display symptoms you may be advised not to enter.
Can I visit with my family?
You can visit with your family as long as you are part of the same household. People who are part of the same household can sit together but those not from the same household should maintain social distancing while in church.
We advise that under 16 year olds do not enter the church unaccompanied.
What are you doing to make the Cathedral safe?
The Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales have worked with Public Health England and the Government to provide clear guidelines to open our churches safely, which minimises the risk of virus transmission.
When visiting you will find:
- Stewards will be available to ensure that hand sanitisation occurs at entry and exit points, social distancing is maintained by people in the church and if a pre-determined capacity is reached, they will be unable to allow others to enter the Cathedral, until someone else exits the church.
- Alcohol hand gel will be provided at the doors, with notices asking people to sanitise their hands as they enter and leave the church.
- Toilet facilities will remain closed to prevent any risk of transmission of infection.
- Hymn books, missals, devotional materials etc which may be re-used have been removed.
- There will be no holy water in stoups.
- Physical veneration of relics or objects such as statues, crucifixes and shrines is not permitted.
What about lighting candles?
We understand that for many the lighting of candles/votive lights can be an aid to prayer.
If you wish a candle/votive light to be lit, please observe all the safety notices in place.
