St John the Evangelist
Roman Catholic Church | Portobello, Edinburgh
Parish Priest: Fr Jock Dalrymple
Deacon: Revd Eddie White
A warm welcome awaits you at all of our services.
Important Notice: Our Response to COVID-19
OUR CHURCHES ARE NOW OPEN ...
…with Masses as ‘normal’ – i.e., Vigil Mass at St John’s at 6.30pm and Sunday morning Mass at 9.30pm at St John’s and 11.15am at St Mary Magdalene’s. We will continue to offer Mass in the Prayer Room at 11am on Sunday on YouTube and Facebook, though this will now be pre-recorded on Saturday.
To help us to manage the numbers, if you wish to come to one of the ‘live’ Saturday and Sunday Masses, please contact the parish house
by phone (0131 669 5618 – a special number) only on
Tuesday 1a0am to 1pm - Wednesday 10am to 1pm - Thursday 10am to 1pm -Friday 11am to 1pm or by email (stjohnsandstmarymagdalenes@gmail.com)
until Friday 1pm.
Due to the COVID regulations we have limited seatings available and therefore we advise early booking.
CHANGES TO REGULATIONS FOR PLACES OF WORSHIP
(from 17 May 2021)
For the latest comprehensive guidance, please follow this link: Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for the safe use of places of worship - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
There are a number of changes affecting places of worship which are too many to record in one document and so the link above should be accessed for full information. The more significant points are listed below.
Capacity
• Children, regardless of their age, who need their own seat are to be counted towards the maximum capacity of the Church.
• The maximum capacity of the Church and any halls used to increase the numbers attending Mass should be posted on signage outside the buildings.
Test & Protect
• The Government is now describing the collection of contact information as voluntary for places of worship but is asking for co-operation in the practice to assist contact-tracing.
• The information collected should now be for each attendee, not just a lead contact.
Music
• Congregational singing and playing of wind instruments are still not permitted.
Other Uses
• Church Halls may now be used for a number of different activities. There is not one set of guidelines for the use of halls but the guidelines for each and every different activity must be followed.
• The general advice is that groups should continue to meet online where possible, but in limited circumstances, they can go ahead.
• Ensure you receive a comprehensive risk assessment from any group wanting to use the hall and ensure there is clarity about who is responsible for the cleaning after a group leaves the venue.
Hospitality
• This is now permitted within places of worship but with several restrictions and the hospitality sector guidelines must be followed: Coronavirus (COVID-19): tourism and hospitality sector guidance - gov.scot (www.gov.scot).
• Places of worship are not eligible to reduce physical distancing to 1m.
• Capacity is restricted to 6 people from 3 households (from 17 May).
• Collection of contact details is mandatory.
• Only table service is permitted.
• Face coverings must be worn by all whilst entering, exiting or moving within the premises. They may be removed whilst seated and eating/drinking.
• Socialising between tables is not permitted.
