This page is dedicated to information related to the process of reopening our churches and how you might be able to help.
Private prayer
Last updated: Thursday 18th June 2020
In the Blackpool Deanery, churches are open at the following times for private prayer. Please observe social distancing practices when you visit and follow any signs and instructions given to you by the stewards to ensure we all stay safe.
St Kentigern
Tuesday 1000 - 1200
Sunday 1500 - 1700
St Bernadette
Sunday 1300 - 1600
St Cuthbert
Sunday to Friday 1600 - 1800
St John Vianney
Sunday to Friday 1300 - 1500
Sacred Heart
Tuesday to Friday 1100 - 1300
Our Lady of the Assumption
Tuesday to Thursday 1100 - 1200
Friday 1300 - 1400
Saturday 1100 - 1200
Sunday 1000 - 1200
Due to the dual use of the Christ the King site as a school and a church, it cannot at present be opened.
If you have any questions, or need further information or advice about your visit to church, please watch the below video or contact us.
Open for services with a congregation
Last updated: Friday 31st July 2020
We are open for Mass with a congregation on our normal schedule. All Masses take place at St Kentigern's currently as Christ the King is unable to open due to its dual use as a school and church, we are working hard to hopefully reopen this church on the 16th August.
These are the regulations which we need to follow during this time, they do not embrace the communal nature of our celebration of Holy Mass, however for the time being, they are necessary precautions that we need to observe.
If you are exhibiting any of the symptoms of COVID-19 please do not attend any of the services in church, for the safety of others.
Sanitise your hands on the way into Church.
Face coverings are required for those aged 11 and over per the change in government policy from the 8th August.
Take a seat in one of the available pews. One household per pew, or if you are in a household of one, then one person at each end of a single pew, ensuring social distance is observed. A steward will help you find an available seat if necessary.
If the church becomes full, we will sadly not be able to admit you for Mass. Please rest assured the obligation to attend Holy Mass on a Sunday is still remitted.
Readers – Readers should make sure they sanitise their hands on entering and leaving the sanctuary. Hand sanitiser will be available on the credence table. The readings will be printed out and placed on the pulpit so that you will not need to change pages. Please avoid touching the microphone or pages. There are no Bidding Prayers. You may remove your face covering whilst exercising your ministry.
Extra-Ordinary Ministers of the Eucharist – There is no need for any ministers as the priests will be distributing Holy Communion.
Altar Servers - For now we can only have 2 Servers due to social distancing. Please contact Paul Woodhouse via the Parish Office to be included on the rota.
There will be no booklets available, please bring your own missal. If you have a smartphone or tablet, you can use the QR code on the Bulletin to access the readings.
There is no offertory procession. The bread and wine will be on the credence table before Mass.
Please take the bulletin home with you. Do not leave it in the bench.
There is no collection at the offertory. You can leave your weekly offering in the basket in the porch. It is however preferable to make your weekly offering by standing order. Details are on the website homepage.
There will be no singing during Mass per the current restrictions imposed by the Bishops and HM Government.
After the Prayer and response "Behold the Lamb of God... Lord I am not worthy...", the priest will hold the Host aloft and say "The Body of Christ" and the people are to respond "Amen" he will do the same with the chalice, "The Blood of Christ" and the people respond "Amen". The priest will then make an Act of Spiritual Communion for those still isolating and attending Mass via the internet.
The distribution of Holy Communion will take place in silence and is to be taken in the hand only. Please stay in your seats until one of the stewards indicates that you can go to communion.
We are operating a one way, socially distanced route for holy communion and this will be explained before the Communion procession at each Mass.
Please do not linger in the church after Mass and leave either by the way you came in or by the Layton door by the Sacred Heart Chapel if you can manage the steps.
Confessions are available on a Sunday at St Kentigern's between 3pm and 5pm in the garden, weather permitting. Please come to church for the private prayer and either catch the priest or ask the steward to contact the priest. We can use the benches, socially distanced, near the pear tree.
If you are still unable to come to church you can continue to participate with our live-streamed services on the Parish YouTube and Parish Facebook page and join in the conversations on our various social media channels.
